Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Cambridge? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Cambridge? We’ve got you covered. World-renowned because of its university Cambridge is home to one of the most significant levels of historical buildings that are preserved throughout England.
Much of this architectural splendor is concentrated around Cambridge University’s 31 colleges, each with a rich history. These first “schools” were established in the 12th century by immigrant students from Paris. The premier college of the time, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284.
Before the time of the establishment of the university, Cambridge was a critical Norman fortification. The castle, though short-lived, was a major attraction. (Castle Mound is still located close to Shire Hall and affords excellent views of the city) It is, to this day, a significant market town. Market Hill, originally the site of Cambridge’s old wool trade, continues to serve as the city’s bustling marketplace home.
Despite its romantic and medieval feel, Cambridge is a thoroughly modern city and hosts an array of world-class annual cultural events. This includes Cambridge’s Midsummer Fair (800 years old and located in the same spot on the Midsummer Common), the well-known Cambridge Folk Festival (one of the biggest and longest-running in Europe), as well as an internationally acclaimed film festival.
It’s also renowned due to its green spaces, which include its area of 25 acres, Parker’s Piece, well-known as the site of the birth of modern football, as well as that of the Victorian era Christ’s Pieces, famous for its beautiful floral gardens and ornamental trees.
The most sought-after activity during your visit to Cambridge is taking a boat ride through the River Cam, which runs through the city centre and provides breathtaking views. To find more ideas for sightseeing in one of the sought-after tourist destinations in England, check out our complete list of Cambridge’s most popular tourist destinations.
King’s College and King’s College Chapel
King’s College and King’s College Chapel is one of the best places to visit in Cambridge.
- The garden in this Cambridge must-see site is stunning.
- If you’re planning to visit Cambridge for the academic year, Make sure to take an opportunity to listen to The King’s College Choir at Evensong.
Why it’s fantastic: These buildings were established in 1441 by Henry VI. The grounds are amazing. They were once the home of famous alumni such as Rupert Brooke, Lord Keynes, and Horace Walpole and have become one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Cambridge for visitors.
What you can do: This is an active college, and there is a possibility of sharing the campus with students based on the time you go. The views are breathtaking, and the lawns stretch to the river, offering an idyllic and peaceful space to work in.
It is also worth a visit to King’s College Chapel. It has incredible stained glass windows. It also has a 16th-century organ screen, and an altarpiece designed by Ruben, often referred to as his Adoration of the Magi.
Cambridge – the world-famous beautiful university town
About 55 miles north of London, Cambridge is the county town of Cambridgeshire and home to approximately 125,000 people. It’s a stunning must-see city home to many beautiful historical buildings, many of which are part of the University.
As with most cities of this size, Cambridge offers opportunities to experience theatre and museum exhibitions, musical events, and plenty of festivals, particularly in spring and summer. Highlights are Cambridge’s University of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum and The Kings College Chapel, the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, the Bridge of Sighs, Kings College, Trinity College, Queens College, Market Square and, of course, sipping Pimms on the lawn and putting your feet in the beautiful River Cam.
Therefore, exploring for more than one day is highly recommended as there is plenty to see and do in the city!
Fitzwilliam Museum
- Cambridge has been a place of education and culture for hundreds of years, and this rich history can be seen at the Fitzwilliam Museum.
- The structure is a work of art, and the interior is just as impressive.
What’s so great about it: This museum contains some of the most impressive antiquities, pottery collections and manuscripts you’ll ever come across.
The museum is a diverse collection includes displays from the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian periods. Its art collection is stunning, with artworks of masters such as Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Turner and Rubens.
What to do: Take a couple of hours from your schedule to travel to Cambridge to take in some of its culture of art. Explore your favourite artists or discover new ones while you stroll the spaces of this historical and essential architectural structure.
Trinity College
In 1546, the college was founded by Henry VIII of England; Trinity College was created through the amalgamation of several of the earlier colleges, including Michaelhouse and King’s Hall. Outside of King Edward’s Gate (1418), remnants of the former King’s Hall buildings are still identifiable.
Trinity Great Court is the most significant court in Cambridge and was constructed in 1600. The passageway leads to the Court of Neville (1614), which has its church and statues of eminent scholars.
Wren’s Library was designed by the renowned architectural designer Sir Christopher Wren and added later. It is noted for its antique oak bookcases and exquisite lime woodcarvings. Trinity is home to more notable alums than any other university.
They include state officials Austen Chamberlain, Stanley Baldwin and Nehru, writers and poets like George Herbert and Edward Fitzgerald, the philosopher Bertrand Russell, and scientist Isaac Newton. Edward VII and George VI were also at Trinity.
Then, from New Court, or King’s Court, Take the bridge across the Cam to enjoy the stunning panorama from the Backs. A stunning avenue of limes will lead you into The College Grounds.
Location: Trinity College, Cambridge
Official site: www.trin.cam.ac
Wicken Fen Reserve
Wicken Fen Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Cambridge. Wicken Fen Reserve Wicken Fen Reserve is a little over 350 acres. It is a conservation area that houses farmland fenland, reedbeds, and marsh.
The fauna found in reserve ranges from all kinds of invertebrates, from snails, spiders, and beetles, to birds that include kingfishers, teals, woodpeckers, owls and marsh Harriers.
The garden also has a range of plants, such as milk marsh pea, parsley Fen violets, marsh pea, and marsh orchids, among other species. If you’re a lover of wildlife and plants that aren’t affected by modernization, this is among the most beautiful places to visit in Cambridgeshire.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
The museum was established in the course of Cambridge University in 1884. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology has an extensive collection of prehistoric materials and artefacts that deal with studying social Anthropology.
The collection has been assembled from all over the globe, includes items from Africa and the Orient, and focuses on the classical and visual arts. The Pacific Collection is particularly noteworthy primarily from Cook’s explorations of different research initiatives that prominent British anthropologists conducted.
Educational programs for children and adults are offered throughout the year (check their site for more information). You should also make sure to check out also the Sedgwick Museum of Earth. Sedgwick Museum of Earth delights Also.
The museum is home to the collection of geology at the University, comprising more than two million rocks, minerals and fossils. The highlights include a variety of meteorite samples, in addition to the Beagle Collection comprising fossils and rocks discovered by Charles Darwin between 1831 and 1836.
The museum also provides various family-friendly activities and kid’s activities. Additionally, there is the recently renovated University Museum of Zoology. This newly revamped Cambridge landmark highlights include a vast collection of zoological research materials.
Corpus Clock
Visit the Corpus Clock for a fleeting visit. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll stay here for a long time (most likely, just a couple of minutes, in actuality) but it’s worth a quick look.
It is located at the corner of Benet Street and Trumpington Street. It was built and funded by the founder and alumni John Taylor.
If you’re trying to ensure you’re not being left out of any of the top spots to visit in Cambridge, book this fantastic guided tour that will teach you a lot about Cambridge’s information about city’s history.
The guides are very knowledgeable about their stuff, and it’s an easy method to get around Cambridge.
Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
Cambridge University Botanic Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Cambridge.
- The garden covers 40 acres and contains more than 8,000 plant species.
- The gardens first began to be founded in 1831, and the wide variety of plants they house make them a Cambridge must-see.
The reason’s so great: Established in 1831, This garden has plants from around the globe. It’s a serene area in the city, perfect for those who love plants and anyone looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You might be lucky and discover a Victorian-style Airbnb in the vicinity, and you’ll be able to go to the lush green paradise at least once.
What to do: If you visit on the weekend, there’s a guided tour available throughout the grounds. If not, you can walk through the numerous trails or the glasshouses.
When you’re finished with the gardens, stop by The Garden Cafe for a snack and browse the Botanic Garden Shop.
Museums of Cambridge, Technology, and Science
The most well-known museums in Cambridge The Museum of Cambridge includes exhibits and displays that focus on the inhabitants’ daily lives from the 18th through the 20th century. It is located in the historical White Horse Inn.
The museum features many artefacts, including costumes, coinage, medals, toys, and even medicine. The museum also has a variety of exciting works of art. The Cambridge Museum of Technology focuses on the history of the county’s industrial past.
It is housed in the former Victorian pump house. This museum showcases an operational steam winch that was used to transport ashes on narrow gauge railways, a range of other engines, and an assortment of printing equipment from the past.
It is also home to the Whipple Museum of the History of Science. It is well worth a visit because of its impressive collection of scientific objects from the past, comprising prints and instruments dating from the 17th century.
Official site: www.museumofcambridge.org.uk
Queens’ College and the Mathematical Bridge
Queens’ College and the Mathematical Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Cambridge. Established in 1448 through Andrew Dockett under the patronage of Margaret of Anjou and the spouse of Henry VI, Queens’ College was revived in 1465 under Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV.
It boasts the largest and most comprehensive medieval structures of Cambridge’s colleges. It also has an impressive gateway that leads toward the red-brick First Court, which dates back to its founding.
Additional Queens college locations to explore include the wood Mathematical Bridge. The bridge was rebuilt in 1902 and led across through the Cam to the gorgeous gardens of the college. And is named that because it was built with no nails and relied on meticulous calculation.
It is also worth visiting Cloister Court (1460) with the President’s Lodge beautiful half-timbered house, and Pump Court, which has the Erasmus Tower that is above the rooms, which was occupied by Erasmus who taught Greek in the area (1511-1514).
Walnut Tree Court (1618) and Friars Court, which houses The Erasmus Building (1961) as well as the Victorian Chapel (1891), are worth visiting.
Official website: www.queens.cam.ac.uk
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, King’s College and King’s College Chapel is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Cambridge.
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