Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons To Go

Wondering if Cambridge is worth visiting? Yes, it absolutely is!

I recently explored this beautiful city again and rediscovered all that Cambridge has to offer. It combines history, culture, and English charm in a compact, walkable setting.

Plus, Cambridge is one of the easiest day trips from London. Here are five reasons why you should visit Cambridge.

1. It’s Easy To Reach From London

One of the best things about a day trip to Cambridge from London is how easy it is to get there.

Hop on a train from Liverpool Street, King’s Cross, or St. Pancras and be there in just over an hour (depending on the route).

Last year, I stayed in Shoreditch, London and boarded the train to Cambridge from Liverpool Street. It was super easy.

To get the best deals on train tickets, I book six weeks in advance through Rail Europe.

Cambridge Station (the main one) is just outside the city center.

It’s an easy Uber ride into the city. You can be there (or at your hotel) in less than 10 minutes. Walking is an option (if you’re not hauling bags) and it takes about 25 minutes.

I decided to stay in Cambridge for a couple of nights on my way up to Edinburgh.

If you’re headed up north, Cambridge is an easy stop. And if you plan on staying for a few nights, there some great day trips from Cambridge worth doing.

I recommend the pretty and historic cathedral city of Ely, about 14 miles away.

I checked into The Graduate by Hilton and really liked its pretty waterfront setting and academic-themed decor.

The hotel lawn is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy an aperitif or post dinner drink.

They have a really nice restaurant too.

I also booked an Afternoon Tea. It was ok but for the price, I’d recommend heading to Fitzbillies.

2. It’s Compact & Walkable

Another reason why Cambridge is worth visiting is that it’s really easy to get around on foot.

The city is dominated by the University of Cambridge, made up of 31 colleges, each with its unique identity.

The best way to explore some of the main colleges is on a guided walking tour.

I did this Cambridge University Walking Tour by Alumni™ and really enjoyed it.

My guide was really engaging and informative.

It’s one of the few tours that includes optional entry to King’s College.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you won’t be able to take an organized tour of Kings College. Instead, you can enter and experience Evensong if you want to check out the inside of King’s College Chapel.

The line starts about 30 minutes before the service. It’s best to check times ahead.

3. You Can Go Punting On The River Cam

Next, a punt tour on the River Cam in Cambridge is a must-do activity.

I can’t recommend it enough!

You gently float along the river, taking in the college “backs”. You’ll see the famous historic bridges and other Cambridge landmarks along the route.

I recommend booking a private punt tour. It costs a little more than the standard ticket, but well worth it for a more personalized experience.

I went with Scudamore’s Punting Company which has two locations, one of which was right next to the Graduate Hotel.

My guide was a friendly and enthusiastic student. He shared the history of the colleges and local stories.

It’s a great way to see Cambridge from a unique vantage point.

If you’re a Grantchester fan, there’s also an option to punt to the idyllic village of Grantchester.

4. It’s Full of History, Architecture & Culture

But Cambridge is more than just the River Cam, it’s packed with history and serious intellectual achievement!

There are some great museums and historic places too.

Check out the Fitzwilliam Museum which houses more than half a million works of art and antiquities.

Even if you’re not a museum person, it’s a really interesting place to explore.

The Round Church is another fascinating stop. It is one of only four medieval round churches in England.

5. Cambridge Has Delicious Food & Historic Pubs

Finally, Cambridge has some great places to eat and drink.

I ate at Fitzbillies…twice.

Once to pick up their famous sticky Chelsea bun. And another time to try their full English breakfast – both were great.

For lunch or dinner, I recommend you head to the The Eagle.

This historic pub is where Watson and Crick famously celebrated the discovery of DNA’s double helix.

I got a table in the famous RAF bar.

The ceiling is full of graffiti by World War II pilots. They used cigarette lighters, candles and lipstick to add their names and squadron numbers.

The pub is supposedly haunted too. I didn’t know this at the time and opted to sit at Table 4! Thankfully nobody spilled my drink.

The Pickerel Inn is another historic pub to stop by for a drink.

It’s the oldest pub in Cambridge dating to 1608 and is thought to be where C.S Lewis would drink.

The Cambridge Market is well worth walking around. It sells everything from fresh produce, baked goods, books and more. It’s open daily from 10AM.

Final Thoughts: Is Cambridge Worth Visiting?

So, is Cambridge worth visiting? Absolutely.

In my opinion, the city has a completely different feel to its rival, Oxford.

Cambridge is more laid back.

If you’re visiting the UK, make sure you add at least a day trip to Cambridge to your travel itinerary.

But to get to know the city, I recommend a two-night stay.

The Best Day Trips from London

Cambridge is just one of the many great day trips from London. In this post, I’ve rounded up 5 Best Day Trips from London (Without A Car)

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