Historic Gothic-style college building with tall towers and arched windows, framed by leafless trees and a grassy lawn under a pale blue sky.
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Discover the Best Places to See in Cambridge

Cambridge is known for its cobbled streets and its famous university - but there are plenty of places to see in Cambridge beyond the prestigious academic hub too. You can find them on the doorstep of the Gonville Hotel, allowing you to plan your visit from our centrally located hotel. In this guide, we will help you discover some of the best places to see in Cambridge, with a little something for everyone.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the most prestigious university arts museums in the world, so for any visitors who are keen arts enthusiasts - this is definitely one of the best places to see in Cambridge during your visit. With over half a million artworks and artifacts, you can really make a day of it. Entrance to the museum itself is completely free, as well as entrance to any of their exhibitions - check their website in advance to see which exhibitions are currently on display. 

 

King's College Chapel

The King’s College Chapel is a true symbol of Cambridge and, if you enjoy architecture, you’ll appreciate the incredible design that the chapel is known for. With stunning stained glass windows and the world’s largest fan vault, the building itself is simply breathtaking. Try and plan your visit around one of their regular choir performances to get the full experience.

 

The Cambridge Gin Laboratory

For a fun and interactive activity, one of the best places to see in Cambridge is The Cambridge Gin Laboratory. Proud of their outstanding productions, The Cambridge Gin Laboratory take gin seriously, as they should. Whilst here, you get to reap the rewards.  You can tailor your visit to suit you - whether you want a tasting session or the opportunity to blend your own gin, just book via their web.

 

University Museum of Zoology

Another of the great places to see in Cambridge is the University Museum of Zoology which holds collections that date back to Charles Darwin - making it an essential place for learning about evolutionary science. With free admission, it’s accessible for everyone and features impressive exhibits, including a 68-foot fin whale skeleton.

 

Punting on the River Cam

No trip to Cambridge is complete without the quintessential Cambridge tradition, punting on the River Cam (find out more on punting here). This is up there as one of the places to see in Cambridge that simply can’t be missed. You can opt for self-hire or guided punts, either way it’s a really unique way to experience the best of Cambridge, with stunning views of its colleges and bridges - all from the sanctuary of your riverboat.

 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden serves as a vital research centre for plant science and conservation. With a huge 40-acre garden that is home to over 8,000 plant species, this is one of the places to see in Cambridge that offers a tranquil escape for its visitors. Just a short ten minute walk from the Gonville Hotel, you can wander down to explore their gardens and greenhouses from your room at the hotel. 

 

Market Square

The Market square in Cambridge is a bustling little market that is home to all sorts of stalls, offering fresh produce, jewellery, paintings, prints, clothing and even more besides. This central market has been in operation for over a thousand years, making it one of the great places to see in Cambridge where you can experience life as a local. There are also plenty of cafes and shops in the surrounding area too so you can explore, eat and enjoy. 

 

The Backs

The Backs forms part of the River Cam, so if you’re punting along - this all forms part of the experience. Punt or no punt, The Backs is one of the great places to see in Cambridge. This is where the historic colleges back onto the River Cam and is known for its iconic views, famous bridges and beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect spot for any keen photographers as well as having some lovely walking routes where you can really capture the essence of Cambridge.

 

Stay at The Gonville Hotel

Whichever of our favourite places to see in Cambridge you decide to discover, you’re never far from The Gonville Hotel. We have stylish rooms that suit every visitor, as well as our restaurant in Cambridge that is ready to serve out tantalising Peruvian dishes alongside Mediterranean flavours - helping to fuel our exploration of Cambridge. We even offer dog-friendly rooms so that you can bring your four legged friends to join your trip. 

If you’re tired after your day of discovering Camrbidge, our Gresham House wellness treatments are available to help you relax and unwind. We also have our own experience offerings, helping to take your trip to Cambridge to the next level - including complimentary bicycle rental to help you explore that little bit further. 

There are so many great places to see in Cambridge that one day just isn’t enough. Make a trip out of it by extending your visit to a stay at the Gonville Hotel so you can try all of our recommendations and then some. Wherever your trip to Cambridge takes you, you’re bound to fall in love with this quintessentially British city.