Location: Cambridge
Top Things to do in Cambridge
The 10 Best Historic Sites in Cambridge, England
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. Peterhouse Cambridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Founded in 1284 by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, this is the oldest college in Cambridge, and with under 400 students, one of the smallest.
Reviewed By TERRAvelista - London, United Kingdom
We came across Peterhouse purely by chance as we heading to Fitzwilliam museum, located right near Peterhouse and which I would highly recommend you to visit due to the huge variety of gorgeous items you find here. Peterhouse was free to visit and as we accessed the grounds we were impressed with the gorgeous old buildings, dating back to 1284 and looking just impressive - you are just about to imagine some knights popping out of some corner in their Medieval attire!!! The security staff was very nice and welcoming, just so refreshing compared to the very rude entry staff at King's college (just because they are so busy due to their central location). You have to visit this quieter part of Cambridge, even if you are on a day visit, the way we were.
2. Emmanuel College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Part of the University of Cambridge, this college was founded by Sir Walter Mildmay in 1584 on the site of a former priory of the Dominican Order, known as the Black Friars or Preachers.
Reviewed By 978JohnB - Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Besides visiting for the wonderful architecture and the history of the college, Emmanuel has some wonderful trees in its gardens, these are worth a visit in themselves. Each garden has magnificent trees, to the left of the chapel there is a tunnel which leads under Emmanuel Sreet to a court with yet more. A very useful tree map can be downloaded from the Emmanuel site but I reccomend you also take a tree recognition book.
3. Corpus Christi College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Founded in 1352 by the townspeople of old Cambridge, this is one of the older and more central Colleges of Cambridge University.
Reviewed By TERRAvelista - London, United Kingdom
Corpus Christi college is another college free to visit on this road where several other colleges are located (St John's and King's both charging around 10 GBP to visit the grounds including the chapels), although you are allowed only in the chapel area: - the grounds are small and everything is very well kept with old buildings in Gothic style - you have a sign at the entrance for the Chapel and what a pity you cannot go deeper to visit more here.
4. Girton College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Opened in 1873 by two leaders of the feminist movement, Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon, to establish a women's college in Cambridge.
Reviewed By Nicholas030601
I travlled there last year with my son who had applied to read Economics there as they have an excellent department and DOS. After spending a few days in cambridge centre it was a welcome relief to get out of the hussle and bussle of the city centre into beautiful grounds and architiecture. It has an amazing formal hall and chapel and the accomadation was very modern and clean. The porters were welcoming and friendly and Im so glad that my son will be studying there rather than some of the smaller colleges in town
5. Christ's College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
It is said that Poet John Milton sat and wrote poetry under a tree on the grounds of this College, whose famous alumni include General Jan Smuts, John Milton, Charles Darwin and CP Snow.
Reviewed By abdulm96 - Chicago, United States
Now I wrote about King's college being costly, this college was FREE. So if you don't want to pay, you can go visit this one and still get a touch of history and walking around, explore... It was a nice walk in a sunny day, the location is great and one can appreciate the architecture. Don't forget to add this activity to your list. Also, if you go just before lunchtime there aren't that many people there or around 4 pm. Enjoy walking!
6. Gonville and Caius College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Commonly referred to as Caius (pronounced Keys,) this college offers graduate and undergraduate studies to approximately 800 students every year, and is part of the University of Cambridge.
Reviewed By kittyginger - Salisbury, United Kingdom
Every time we visit Cambridge it seems to be only King's College that is regularly open and that is because its magnificent chapel is so popular. We were passing Gonville and Caius and a student told us about a lunchtime recital in the auditorium. It seemed an opportunity too good to miss. The two musicians played the piano and clarinet and there were pieces by Mozart and Weber, as well as compositions by three of the students. We felt privileged to be able to listen to such talent - and to be allowed inside the college. We had a look in the chapel before leaving, a beautiful building among so many other beautiful buildings. Perhaps someone can explain why the colleges are so rarely open to the public? I am not expecting to see accommodation or other private areas, just the chapels.
7. Grantchester Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Located a short distance from the center of Cambridge, this historic and picturesque village features a magnificent medieval church, quaint thatched cottages and a pool where Lord Byron used to swim.
Reviewed By 70ish - Worcester, United Kingdom
A beautiful typical English village on the River Cam just a couple of miles from Cambridge with a perfect church , St Mary & St Andrew parts of which date from the 12th century
8. Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Overlooking the market place in the centre of Cambridge, this beautiful church dates back to 1205 - even older than the University of Cambridge! Great St Mary's was built, rebuilt, burned and built again over the centuries. The current building is largely Tudor. King Henry VII donated 100 oak trees to build its roof and Queen Elizabeth I visited the church in 1564 and gave an impressive Latin speech to the assembled scholars. Interactive touchscreens and a short film about royal Cambridge offer a perfect introduction to the history of Cambridge. Visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of King's College Chapel and the city. We also offer brass rubbing and children's activities during busier times of year. Great St Mary's is the church at the heart of Cambridge and hosts regular services, concerts, debates and community events.
Reviewed By Mossman19 - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
It's a lovely 500 year old gothic church and you can get a fantastic 360 degree view of Cambridge from the tower.
9. Jesus College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
One of the colleges of Cambridge University that was built on the site of a 12th-century nunnery, and which today features spacious grounds and a pretty 16th-century cloister court.
Reviewed By Mooners97 - Silchester, United Kingdom
We had been invited back to the College to a luncheon celebrating the 60th Anniversary of my matriculation in 1959. We turned the luncheon into a mini break by spending two nights b&b in West Court, from which we had easy access to the Chapel, the Master’s Lodge, Hall & Upper Hall and most other parts of the College. The room in West Court was most comfortable, well appointed and genuinely outstanding. The receptionist at West Court was friendly and extremely helpful; breakfast was good albeit without my favourite cerial 'All Bran' and the service acceptable (if not over enthusiastic). We thoroughly recommend West Court as the place in stay in Cambridge.
10. Kettle's Yard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Come to Kettle's Yard to enjoy art in an inspiring setting. Experience changing exhibitions in our new galleries and explore a wonderful collection of art in a historic house. And it is all free. The new Kettle's Yard opened in February 2018 with galleries, creative spaces for activities and a cafe and a shop. There are free, changing exhibitions to visit throughout the year, showing artists from around the world. We also have a variety of events for all ages, from workshops to music concerts. Visit our website to find out what's on. In the House you can enjoy paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. Works of art are displayed alongside natural objects like shells, pebbles and plants to create a unique place that many enjoy for its tranquility and beauty. We offer lots of art activities for all ages. Many of these are free and drop in, with no need to book. Find out about all our upcoming events on our website.
Reviewed By dr8484 - London, United Kingdom
A distinctive collection of 20th century art and a gallery exhibiting contemporary and modern art arranged in this modest private house - now part of the uni. Wonderful.
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