10 Things to Do in Cambridge That You Shouldn't Miss

February 1, 2018 Dorsey Hagwood

Cambridge might be best known for its university, home to some of the world’s greatest minds (Milton, Darwin, Hawking, etc.). But there’s a vibrant theater and arts scene here as well, and you’ll find fantastic contemporary restaurants mixed in with traditional pubs. Climb the tower of Great St. Mary’s Church for sweeping views of the city.
Restaurants in Cambridge

1. Cambridgeshire Wine School

Trumpington Street | Royal Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge CB2 1PY, England +44 1223 655391
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
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5 based on 442 reviews

Cambridgeshire Wine School

Fun and informative wine tastings. For Saturdays and evening tastings, see dates and times on our website (Run a Google search to find us). We also offer private parties (birthdays, hen nights, staff socials, team building) and for an ideal present - Wine Tasting gift vouchers!

Reviewed By Martin B

A super evening! Wine tasting but with fun, entertainment and education added and taken to a higher level by matching different wines with different cheeses. What makes a great taste combination? What do the various 'noses' and 'palates' mean and how does the novice tell them apart? Questions you didn't know you had were addressed in a fun but informative way and the evening encouraged questions and experimentation and left us with a desire to broaden our experiences. Mark is an excellent and knowledgeable presenter and the group (30) atmosphere was fantastic. Highly recommended!

2. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

19 Cambridge Road | Madingley, Cambridge CB23 7PJ, England +44 1954 210350
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
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5 based on 960 reviews

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

First established on December 7, 1943, this area of 30.5 acres was donated by the University of Cambridge to serve as a permanent Military Cemetery to honor those Americans who gave their lives during World War II.

Reviewed By MrsBsTravels - Hastings, United Kingdom

Nothing more to say about this place except it moves you to the core to see row upon row upon row of headstones. The information centre certainly helped me understand more of the American input into the war.As you say, the grave plots are profoundly moving - all of those young Americans, cut down in the prime of their lives.

3. King's College Chapel

King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, England +44 1223 331100
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

King's College Chapel

This imposing English Gothic structure was built between 1446 and 1515, and is the site where many great scholars were educated.

Reviewed By aldernodules - Coleraine, United Kingdom

It will astound most visitors to find out how long ago the chapel was constructed - started in the 1400s. The effort, precision, magnitude and expertise will amaze. The skill of the builders and craftsmen to construct such a tall slim building, and for it still to be flawless, is hard to grasp. The stained glass windows are enormous, as is the underside of the roof. Coupled with the history, Henry VII, Henry VIII, etc., the vistor to Cambridge cannot miss this attraction.

4. The Centre for Computing History

Unit 1 Rene Court 1 Coldhams Road | Coldhams Road, Cambridge CB1 3EW, England +44 1223 214446
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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4.5 based on 433 reviews

The Centre for Computing History

The Centre for Computing History is a hands-on interactive display of computers and game consoles that date back to the early sixties! From Pong to Pokémon, experience game play evolving. The display includes the huge computers of the sixties, the home computers of the 80’s and much more.

Reviewed By simono1958 - Stevenage, UK

Best bits: Early computer history, Synthesizer, some of the games, the staff, that we were able to bring our own lunch in.
Would have liked more: VR/AR/MR without having to pay extra; chance to play different games; more geeky souvenirs; it to have been a bit warmer inside;

5. Fitzwilliam Museum

Trumpington Street | Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB, England +44 1223 332900
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Fitzwilliam Museum

Museum houses vast collections of antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, including exhibits of English and European pottery and glass, furniture, clocks, Chinese jades, and ceramics from Japan and Korea.

Reviewed By John S - Isle of Man, United Kingdom

I went to see the paintings! So I missed the Ground Floor exhibits.
We did visit the cafe before we went to look at the paintings and it was ok.
The galleries were well laid out and I concentrated on rooms 1-8. I wanted to see paintings by Titian, the Impressionists (there were plenty of those...Monet, Sisley, Renoir, etc), Stubbs, Gainsborough, Constable, the PRBs Hunt, Rossetti, Millais, Maddox Brown and anything that interested me!
You could spend a lot of time here if you wanted to view the Ground floor as well.
Everywhere was well sign posted.
The toilets were clean.
This museum is a stop on the City Sightseeing Bus tour (Hop On).

6. University of Cambridge

The Old Schools Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TS, England +44 1223 337733
Excellent
75%
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20%
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4.5 based on 674 reviews

University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, nearly a century after Oxford University was established, the university was formally incorporated in 1571 and was patterned after those of Oxford and Paris with a traditional course of study based on Latin grammar, rhetoric and logic, arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy.

Reviewed By roslyn2dd - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

I regularly visit Cambridge as my daughter studies there. Always take the time to wander around the various colleges (during appropriate opening times) and go to the various Evensong in their chapels which are open to the public. I usually go to Trinity College Chapel for this - the singing from the young choral scholars is sublime. The Organ scholars are amazing too. Most Colleges run other events too - take the time to find out what’s going on.

7. The River Cam

Cambridge, England +44 1223 927331
Excellent
66%
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29%
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3%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

The River Cam

Reviewed By Chris J - Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

If we have any friends or family to dinner or our frequent BBQ's we will often start things off by hiring a punt and either punt to Grantchest Meadow or along the backs. Everybody without exception have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Repeat requests are often received. If you don't punt there is a chauffeur
service available. River traffic gets chaotic during summer and also provides amusement watching novices at work. Go for it, it's great

8. Cambridge University Botanic Garden

1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE, England +44 1223 336265
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

This heritage-listed Botanic Garden was originally conceived by Professor John Henslow, the mentor and teacher of Charles Darwin. The Garden's plant collections today number over 8000 species from all over the world, displayed within the best collection of trees in the region. The 40 acres of beautifully-landscaped Gardens and glasshouses offer year-round interest and seasonal inspiration. The excellent Cafe and Shop are also open year-round. An oasis in the City, this great Garden makes a great day out. Please note our Christmas closure from 24/12/17 - 1/1/18 inclusive.

Reviewed By jaigu - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Was really impressed with the botanic Gardens. I expected given the weather that you may not see much, but I was totally wrong!
The orchids display was beautiful, so much colour. There are some really nice walks here and I can see why people become members. The cafe offers a good selection of food.
I think it could be enhanced by maybe an audio guide or further info. Would definitely visit again when it’s a bit warmer. I think this is the perfect place for a picnic.

9. The Polar Museum, Scott Polar Research Institute

Lensfield Road | University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1ER, England +44 1223 336540
Excellent
57%
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36%
Satisfactory
6%
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4.5 based on 326 reviews

The Polar Museum, Scott Polar Research Institute

The Polar Museum: Discover the extraordinary stories of Earth's coldest, driest, windiest, highest and deadliest places, from heroes to modern climate science. The Museum is part of the Scott Polar Research Institute, established in 1920 as part of the University of Cambridge, which is a centre of excellence in the study of the Arctic and Antarctic. Research covers both the natural and social sciences and is often interdisciplinary. The Institute also houses the World's premier Polar Library and extensive archival and photographic collections of international importance on the history of polar exploration. A range of sculptures are displayed in the Institute grounds.

Reviewed By paulstaylor - Holsworthy, United Kingdom

For anyone with an interest in the "heroic age" of British polar exploration, this is a must see. Many fascinating artefacts and documents, well displayed. The more recent exhibits about polar communities and global warming are also well done.

10. The Backs

Queens' Road, Cambridge CB3 9AH, England +44 1223 322640
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 485 reviews

The Backs

Landscaped open areas and Gardens weaving behind many colleges on the River Cam, which are known for their daffodils and crocuses in the spring, and stunning views of the colleges across the river at any time of year.

Reviewed By Graham B - Raunds, United Kingdom

If you park along The Backs and walk over one of the Bridges or go through one of the Colleges. Magical and usually free. The view of Kings College is spectacular.

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