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Cambridge

With museums, gardens and historic colleges, this centuries-old university city is the perfect place for a day trip or weekend away.

The beautiful, historical city of Cambridge is a short train journey away from London and offers a distinct change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. Steeped in centuries of scholarly tradition, this university city boasts stunning architecture, glorious gardens and the picturesque River Cam, to name but a few of its attractions.

Cambridge days out can be full of history, culture and education, while for those looking for something a little less academic, there are shops, bars and restaurants aplenty at which you can unwind. What’s more, we’ll take the hassle out of your travel because getting to Cambridge couldn’t be easier with us, so why not read on to find out more about things to do in Cambridge and how to get there.

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Getting to Cambridge

We understand that a day out should be fun, relaxing and stress-free, which is why we make getting to Cambridge as easy as possible. Take Thameslink to this beautiful city from a number of our locations, and enjoy a great day out.

What’s more, we offer several ways for you to save money on your fares. For example, if you’re travelling in a group of 3-9 adults outside of busy periods, our GroupSave tickets can provide a significant discount, while up to four children aged 5-15 can hop aboard during Off-Peak times for just £2 each. Alternatively, if you fall into the 16-25 or 26-30 age brackets, are a senior, or often travel on the train with the same person, we have a range of Railcards designed to help you save a pretty penny – money you can spend on all the things to do in Cambridge!

Things to do in Cambridge

If you’re of an inquiring mind, there are plenty of things to do in Cambridge that could be right up your street, with the city’s range of fascinating museums designed to educate and inspire in equal measure. For example, children can learn about fossils and follow dinosaur trails at Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, while the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology has fun activities to tick off on every floor - its highlights include a Roman skeleton and a 500-year-old potato. The Fitzwilliam Museum offers something for all ages, as kids can engross themselves in puzzles and games while the adults can peruse paintings by the likes of Edgar Degas.

The University of Cambridge is a treat for lovers of architecture and history. Tour a hat trick of icons – the medieval Peterhouse Hall, the King’s College Chapel and the Trinity Great Court. Or just sit under an apple tree and channel your inner Isaac Newton

But not all Cambridge days out have to be centred around museums and the University, and there are plenty more attractions on offer. A focal point is the River Cam, and by booking a punt up and down the water with Scudamores, you’ll gain a unique perspective on this beautiful city as well as gaining excellent insight and historical facts from your expert guide. Or, if the spooky and supernatural is more your thing, you could consider booking a ghost tour around the more eerie parts of the city and get a feel for the place at night.

Refresh your spirit with a walk among the 40 acres of the heritage listed Cambridge University Botanical Gardens. There are trails to walk and The Glasshouse Range, home to rare and exotic plants.

Getting hungry on your day out in Cambridge? Join in a centuries old tradition of shopping at the Market Square. It’s open all week and a good place to catch a quick bite for lunch, with fresh food from around the world.

Another hub for food and shopping is the Grand Arcade, one of the best shopping centres in Cambridgeshire. Here you can find something for all tastes and budgets.

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Cambridge, so why not start planning your trip now by booking your train tickets through our website.

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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.

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.

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