Things to Do in Cambridge

Founded in 2019, Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Spread across 31 buildings, the colleges are well worth visiting for their distinctive and varied architecture, including medieval and Gothic, Renaissance and classical, Victorian and modern styles.

Find out more about visiting the University buildings here.

Steeped in royal history, King’s College and its chapel are one of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks and the oldest buildings within the college site. It is considered one of the finest examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture and features the world’s largest fan vault.

There are few museums in the world which contain a collection as varied and as large as the Fitzwilliam Museum’s, and with special events and loaned works, there is always something new to discover. Housed in one of the grandest buildings in Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum contains antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Entry is free.

The Scott Polar Museum, part of the University of Cambridge, is home to a remarkable collection of polar history, including a piece of the world’s oldest ice, thought to be around 1.2 million years old. Alongside this extraordinary exhibit, the museum offers an inspiring look at the stories of polar explorers and the resilience of Arctic communities. Entry is free.

Just a short stroll from Gonville Hotel, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a 40-acre oasis of nature in the heart of the city. Home to over 8,000 plant species from around the world, the gardens are a vibrant place to explore in every season - from colourful spring blossoms and summer wildflower meadows to the rich tones of autumn and the tranquillity of winter landscapes.

Discover an interactive space in the heart of Cambridge that’s dedicated to the appreciation of all things gin. Offering a variety of classes including gin tasting, cocktail making and crafting your very own blend, classes run every day of the week and can be purchased as gift vouchers.

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a drink at the Eagle. Opened in the 16th century, it was in this pub that Francis Crick and James Watson announced their discovery of DNA to the rest of their colleagues. During WW2, the pub was a favourite for local airmen based in the surrounding RAF airfields, and many burned their names in the ceiling before taking part in raids. These names can still be seen in the RAF bar at the back of the pub.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, generally known as The Round Church, is an Anglican church in the city of Cambridge, located on the corner of Round Church Street and Bridge Street. Since 1950, the church has been designated a Grade I listed building and is currently managed by Christian Heritage.

One of the most popular open spaces in Cambridge, Parker’s Piece is famously known as the birthplace of the modern rules of football, celebrated by the nearby “Laws of the Game” sculpture. Parker’s Piece is the perfect place to connect with the city’s heritage while taking in the open skies of Cambridge. And with The Gonville right on its edge, you’ll have the best view of this iconic space every day of your stay.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the picturesque village of Grantchester. Located just a few miles out of the city centre, enjoy an English afternoon tea at the historic Orchard Tea Rooms, where you’ll be following the footsteps of Cambridge University alumni, including Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, Alan Turing and Stephen Hawking, who have all walked, ridden or punted from the city to the village to enjoy tea and cake under the trees.

The quaint city of Ely lies just 30 minutes from Cambridge and is home to one of England’s most beautiful cathedrals. With its unique octagon tower, it was once known as the Ship of the Fens as it can be seen for miles in the flat landscape surrounding it. For those brave enough to climb to the top of the West Tower, the reward is an unspoilt view across the Cambridgeshire countryside.

You can also explore Oliver Cromwell’s House.

Found just a short car journey from Cambridge, The Imperial War Museum offers an opportunity to discover the history of aviation and uncover hidden stories from both World Wars, as well as one of the best collections of classic aircraft and military land-based vehicles. The museum also hosts exciting air shows throughout the year.

Known as the sport of Kings, Newmarket has been the home of horse racing for over 350 years. With a varied calendar of races and music events throughout the year, the thrill of horse racing is never far away.

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II American military war grave cemetery, located between the villages of Coton and Madingley, 7 km north-west of Cambridge, England. The cemetery, dedicated in 1956, contains 3,811 American war dead and covers 30.5 acres.

Explore the art and life of Henry Moore and discover the world’s largest collection of Henry Moore sculptures, all set within the gardens and grounds of the artist’s former home. Walk through sculpture gardens, look into the 6 studios and step into Hoglands, the artist’s former home, which includes his personal art collection.