What is Cambridge famous for?

A city full of majestic architecture and cultural delights, Cambridge is famous for its world-renowned university — but there are plenty of other reasons to visit this vibrant city. With history and culture spanning more than 800 years, there’s a long list of beautiful sights to see and traditions to try. Here are a few things that Cambridge is famous for.

The history of Cambridge

Before becoming synonymous with the University, Cambridge began as a Roman settlement on what’s now Castle Hill (the Roman town of Duroliponte). Archaeology shows a defended enclosure here in Roman times. The town then grew through the Anglo-Saxon period and under the Danelaw (Viking) influence in East Anglia, before the Normans built their castle on the same hill. 

Of course, Cambridge is famous for its University, founded in 1209 by scholars who left Oxford after a dispute. It is commonly described as the world’s third-oldest university in continuous operation. 

Today, Cambridge’s rich history is on show in its architecture. The colleges range from medieval (Peterhouse) to late-20th-century (Robinson), with plenty of contemporary buildings too. You’ll also find an original Anglo-Saxon tower at St Bene’t’s Church — the oldest building in the city — and the iconic Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College (first built in 1749 and later rebuilt). 

The mathematical bridge is one of the best sites to visit in Cambridge. Photo Credit: kk_tt

Cambridge’s famous characters

With at least eight centuries of university life, many famous figures have walked Cambridge’s honey-hued streets — from Charles Darwin and Professor Stephen Hawking to Rosalind Franklin, Oliver Cromwell, and Olivia Newton-John (born in Cambridge). Pink Floyd also has deep roots here: Syd Barrett and David Gilmour were born in Cambridge, and Roger Waters grew up and went to school here. 

Walk in their footsteps and discover Cambridge's famous characters. Find the real Grantchester Meadows (from Pink Floyd’s Ummagumma), or explore filming spots from The Theory of Everything around St John’s College, the Bridge of Sighs, and Trinity Lane. Alumni Tours.

Cambridge has seen countless prominent people walk it's streets. Photo Credit: RustyPelican

The foodie scene

Delectable dishes and sumptuous suppers are around every corner in Cambridge. Whether you’re in the mood for casual street food, a cosy café or elegant fine dining, there’s a spot to suit. Try the rotating street-food collective foodPark, or wander Bene’t Street (home to stalwarts like Aromi and the historic Eagle pub). Cambridge also boasts Michelin-starred dining — including Midsummer House and Restaurant Twenty-Two. 

There’s a dizzying array of options along those honey-hued streets — and for those who truly love their food, our full guide rounds up the very best.

From Michelin-star dining to hearty street food, Cambridge always packs the most delicious food to treat your stomach too. Photo Credit: Unknown

Punting in Cambridge

Ask what Cambridge is famous for and many will say: punting. Flat-bottomed punts have glided along the Cam for over a century; pleasure punting in Cambridge took off in the early 1900s, and today it’s a quintessential way to see the College Backs or the leafy route to Grantchester. Hire a chauffeur or try the pole yourself — either way, it’s a classic Cambridge experience. 

One of Cambridge's most popular activities includes punting on the River Cam. Photo Credit: gremoni

Literature & culture

With a rich intellectual history, Cambridge’s literary legacy is everywhere — in libraries, bookshops and annual festivals. Highlights include the Wren Library at Trinity College, which holds Sir Isaac Newton’s papers and A. A. Milne’s original Winnie-the-Pooh manuscripts. The Cambridge Literary Festival runs events through the year, and the University’s Cambridge Festival (launched in 2021) now brings together the former Science Festival and Festival of Ideas each spring. 

You can also visit literary hotspots: Byron’s Pool near Grantchester (where Lord Byron swam) and The Orchard Tea Garden, frequented by Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, Bertrand Russell, John Maynard Keynes, and others.

Trinity College is home to Sir Isaac Newton's papers which reshaped our understanding of the world. Photo Credit: IR_Stone

Cambridge ghost tours

After 800 years, a few ghost stories are inevitable. Guided ghost walks around the historic centre and colleges mix folklore with bite-sized history — a fun way to learn about the city’s past with an engaging local storyteller. (Multiple operators run these tours year-round.)

Fun facts about Cambridge

1. The settlement’s early name was Grantabrycg/Grantebrycge — “bridge over the river Granta”. Over time the town’s name evolved to Cambridge; unusually, the river’s name later changed to match the town, becoming the Cam along the lower reaches (it’s still called the Granta further upstream).
2. Cambridge is a famed screen backdrop — notably The Theory of Everything — and the ITV series Grantchester films in and around the nearby village and city. 
3. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is the third-oldest university in continuous operation. 
4. The Cambridge Footlights comedy club has launched many stars — including John Cleese, Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry.