Cambridge is best known for its prestigious University, with its impressive collegiate buildings leaving the city imbued with an undeniable sense of grandeur. If you’re thinking of heading on a trip to Cambridge, there’s an eclectic, exciting mix of venues to add to your itinerary.
Read on to find out more about the best Cambridge attractions, including what to visit if you’re on a tighter budget. Don’t forget to book digital train tickets to keep your journey smooth and hassle-free too.
University of Cambridge
No trip to Cambridge is complete without admiring at least one of the colleges belonging to Cambridge University. It might be an active, world-leading centre for research, but the University and its buildings make it an exceptional Cambridge attraction for thousands of visitors.
Whether you take a leisurely stroll around King’s College Chapel or you’d like to experience the lively academic culture across the city, the University boasts an all-encompassing array of inspiring architectural designs and details spanning multiple eras, plus entertainment venues and centres for learning.
The River Cam
Punting along the River Cam is a quintessential part of any visit to Cambridge. You can opt for a shared tour, a private tour or the freedom of self-hire. Admire Cambridge’s attractions and charming views from the peaceful serenity of your punt, a special type of flat-bottomed boat.
You’ll find numerous private punting companies offering tours, so it’s a good idea to do some research or book online in advance of your visit. Punts still go ahead in the rain, so don’t forget to pack your coat and umbrella – just in case the weather takes a turn.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
If classic or contemporary art is your passion, you won’t be disappointed by the magnificent displays at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Housing artworks, artefacts and objects spanning different periods, this world-renowned collection contains over half a million works – from rare portraits to authentic famous landscapes.
Whether you’d prefer to peer at some Picasso or marvel at sculptures from the Middle Ages, this museum caters for all artistic tastes and expertise. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this wonderful museum is also completely free to visit, making it one of the best attractions in Cambridge if you’re on a budget.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
One for the horticulturalists, the Botanic Garden is one of the most popular Cambridge attractions, offering a moment of peace for all its visitors. Established in 1762, the Garden now contains an outstanding collection of over 8,000 species of plants.
Open from 10am until 6am every day through peak season, you can also book your tickets online to get organised ahead of your visit.
The University Museum of Zoology
Any keen zoologists or budding biologists will love the University Museum of Zoology. Having reopened in 2018 after extensive redevelopment, the museum houses a wide array of different species in an airy, modern display spread over two floors.
It’s free to visit, making it an excellent option for a rainy afternoon or a break between hitting the best shops and attractions in Cambridge. From Darwin’s beetle box to an intriguing ichthyosaur, there are plenty of creatures to see at this museum.
Jesus Green
Just north of the city centre, Jesus Green is an expansive area of parkland divided by mature trees and shrubs. Facilities include six free-to-use tennis courts, a railway-themed play area for children and an accessible toilet block.
You’ll also find Jesus Green Lido in this leafy park, one of the last examples of the original lidos built across the UK in the early 20th century. At 90 metres long, it’s the largest swimming pool in Cambridge and comes complete with useful changing areas and a new sauna too.
Cambridge Arts Theatre
Hosting some of the best live entertainment of the year, Cambridge Arts Theatre is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a show. From Shakespeare to Gary Barlow, this theatre caters for a range of different ages and personalities with an extensive programme of events. It’s always worth discovering the best local talent at this fantastic Cambridge attraction.
Book tickets to Cambridge with Thameslink today
Thanks to the city’s commitment to promoting cleaner air and a lower carbon footprint, most of the tourist attractions in Cambridge are easiest to access on foot.
Book train tickets to Cambridge online today to make sure you beat the traffic and arrive feeling refreshed to enjoy the very best attractions in the city.