A Cambridge day trip is a great way to spend 24 hours. But deciding where to go and what to see can be difficult with only one day. 

I’ve lived in Cambridge for over thirty years and experienced all it has to offer, allowing me to curate a packed itinerary for you. In this guide I’ve included not just the main sights but also my own local secrets, so that you can have a perfect day in Cambridge

The city is a beautiful, historic, destination, full of green spaces, cobbled streets and bucolic riverside scenes. This all adds up to make Cambridge the perfect day out from London and beyond.

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Is Cambridge worth a day trip?

You can experience stunning views like this on a day trip to Cambridge

It’s definitely worth a day trip to visit Cambridge, UK.  The city radiates charm with gorgeous architecture, cute little independent shops and quirky museums.  Whilst there’s enough to do in Cambridge to keep you busy for a week, its compact size means you can easily experience plenty of one of the UK’s most beautiful cities with just a one day itinerary. 

I’ve curated a list of the best Instagram spots in Cambridge to help all my fellow content creators get to the most picturesque places quickly.

What’s Cambridge famous for? 

Peterhouse College, Cambridge

Cambridge is responsible for a whole bunch of incredible stuff, with over 120 Nobel Prize winners hailing from the university. 

Theories such as gravity and evolution sprang from great Cambridge minds.  The Venn diagram, jet engine and the first webcam – yes, you guessed it, all the originators were at Cambridge.  

It’s not just a hotbed of clever inventor types who made their mark in Cambridge though, oodles of writers, comedians and actors also cut their teeth in these hallowed streets.  Then there’s Stephen Hawking who created the world-famous ‘A Brief History of Time’ whilst residing in Cambridge. 

For a petite place, Cambridge sure packs a punch on the world stage and you’ll be spoilt for choice for what to do in Cambridge.

Planning a trip to Cambridge? Check out these key services

How to get to Cambridge without a car?

Let the train do the work with thetrainline.com.

What’s a great site to find tours and experiences?

Check out the best tours and activities in and around Cambridge with Viator.

How to hire a car?

Explore Cambridge at your own pace with a rental car from Discover Cars.

How to find hotels?

Find a great deal for your accommodation in Cambridge with Booking.com.

How to get around?

You can use Uber in Cambridge to travel in and around the city.

Cambridge day trip itinerary

A trip on a punt is an absolute must do activity if you only have one day in Cambridge

The first item on your Cambridge itinerary has got to be punting on the River Cam. This iconic Cambridge activity has been entertaining visitors and townsfolk for over a century. 

There’s only one important decision to make when going punting in Cambridge; will you book a chauffeured punt or be brave and attempt to punt yourself?   

Punts gliding down the beautiful River Cam

Self-hire is cheaper and although it looks complicated, the flat-bottomed boats are surprisingly hard to capsize and simple (ish) to steer.  If I can do it, then it can’t be that hard.

However, if that seems like too much of a recipe for getting wet then opt for aguided punting tour instead.  Both private and shared tours are available and you’ll need to book in advance for either of these options to get the best price.

Check out my guide to tipping in the UK for information on how much to tip at the end of your punt tour. It includes a helpful calculator to make the process even easier.

Punting location: Quayside, off Bridge Street, the Mill Pond or Trinity College for self-hire.

For more details on the cheapest punting price and specialist tours check out my article on punting in Cambridge.

My local secret:

Whilst punting is one of Cambridge’s most well-known activities, if you want to do something a bit different on your trip but still enjoy a glide down the River Cam, you can rent a canoe, kayak or even a Stand-Up Paddle Board from Scudamore’s.

I’ve kayaked towards Grantchester village and it’s a lot quieter than the busy central punting route.

Mid-morning café break

Fitzbillies, a Cambridge institution

After all that activity (or just the excitement of being a passenger), a pit stop at one of Cambridge’s cafés is next up on the itinerary for the day.  There are loads of great places to choose to get your coffee fix from. 

Fitzbillies is a Cambridge classic, order one of their Chelsea buns for a real Cambridge treat.  If hot chocolate is more your cup of tea then head to new kid on the block, Knoops, on Green Street.  This is my idea of chocolate heaven, with all the different percentages and origins of hot chocolate a person could ever need.  I love it.

My local secret:

For a less well known but real Cambridge institution, head to the Copper Kettle.  A visit to this wonderful café is a rite of passage if you live or study in Cambridge and it’s got the photo wall of the great and the good to prove it.  It’s also one of the best seats in the house for views of King’s College.

Late-morning museum visit

Having re-fuelled for the day, it’s time to get your intellectual on.  Cambridge is a seat of learning after all.  Unsurprisingly, when considering what to see in Cambridge, there’s a wealth of museums and galleries to choose from. 

The most famous of all is the Fitzwilliam Museum, complete with two imposing lion statues next to the entrance.  My favourite parts of the collection include the armoury and, as a counterpoint to all that weaponry, the exquisite and delicate fan room.

Entrance to the museum is free.  It’s closed on Mondays and doesn’t open until 12 on Sundays.

My local secret:

The Polar Museum, one of the best places to visit in Cambridge on your one day itinerary

The Fitzwilliam is a wonderful museum but my personal best place to visit in Cambridge, and my favourite of all the museums in Cambridge, is the Polar Museum.  It’s much smaller in size than ‘the Fitz’ but the fascinating exhibits leave an incredible impact. 

Items include original food rations and clothing from polar adventures, along with the heart-wrenching letters home written by Scott and his fellow explorers as they froze only a short distance away from vital supplies.

The Polar Museum is one of the best free activities in Cambridge. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. 

Lunch

Stopping for lunch in Cambridge means you get to choose from one of many independent restaurants to eat at.  The Olive Grove on Regent Street is one of my personal favourites. 

This Greek restaurant serves quality dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.  Try their signature moussaka or kleftiko for a taste of the Mediterranean.

My local secret:

For a whole street brimming with international restaurants, take a short walk over to Mill Road.  Here you’ll find Jordanian, Spanish, Indian and North African cuisine, to name but a few.

Afternoon itinerary

Explore a Cambridge College

St John’s College, Cambridge

One of the most common questions visitors on a trip to Cambridge ask is ‘where’s Cambridge University?’ The short answer is: all around you. 

Many of the historic buildings in the city centre are owned by the university and, as Cambridge is a collegiate university, there are also 31 colleges that, although independent, also form part of the university experience for the students who live and study in them.  You won’t have time to visit all 31 colleges on a day trip to Cambridge so I’ve narrowed down the list for you.

King’s College

Iconic King’s College, Cambridge

The quintessential Cambridge College.  If you only visit one college, make it King’s College.  Don’t miss the fan vault roofing in the King’s College Chapel.

St John’s College

St John’s College

For a view of Cambridge’s very own Bridge of Sighs (and one of the biggest of all the colleges), visit St John’s College.

Trinity College

Former home to Sir Isaac Newton and current location of the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1676.  At Trinity College you can see Newton’s tree, which was grafted from the original legendary apple tree.

Queens’ College

A day trip in Cambridge is ideal for riverside views, including the Mathematical Bridge

Take a look at the mythical Mathematical Bridge at Queen’s College.  As the (apocryphal) tale goes, the bridge was built without anything to hold it together, taken apart as a bet, and, of course, was impossible to reconstruct afterwards.  You can decide for yourself whether or not this tall tale could be true.

My local secret:

Peterhouse

A view of Peterhouse, Cambridge

Peterhouse is one of the smaller colleges but no less beautiful.  It’s also the oldest Cambridge College.  A visit provides the opportunity to stroll down the adjacent Little St Mary’s Lane, with its dinky doorways and picturesque houses and lamps.

Christ’s College

Do as Charles Darwin did and stroll the hallowed ground of Christ’s College.  The famous alumnus studied here and the Darwin garden hosts a statue in his honour.  Whilst here, visit the peaceful Fellows’ garden and the Old Library.

For another fantastic UK city break destination, check out my guide to the top 27 Things to Do in Eastbourne.

Grab a delicious gelato

Jack’s Gelato, All Saints Passage branch

At some point during your day in Cambridge, you’re going to find yourself craving something sweet and the city has got you covered with Jack’s Gelato and Aromi. 

These two independent outlets both sell delicious dollops of the cold stuff and they’re conveniently located around the corner from each other, on Bene’t Street and Peas Hill. 

If I absolutely had to choose a favourite I’d go for Aromi, the bitter-sweet taste of the lemon gelato transports me back to the sun-dappled streets of Sicily every time. 

My local secret:

My insider tip is that both gelaterias have second shops which often have shorter queues (Jack’s Gelato is particularly Insta-famous with the snaking line of ice cream-hungry fans to match). 

To beat the crowds, head to Fitzroy Street for Aromi or All Saints Passage to visit Jack’s Gelato (afternoons only).

Corpus clock, Cambridge

If you do go to Bene’t Street, take a one-minute de-tour to view the Corpus clock at the end of the Street.  It’s a highly creative interpretation of a timepiece.  To go and visit Corpus Christi College itself, you’ll need to walk a short distance further along Trumpington Street until you reach the main entrance, on your left. 

Visit an architecturally interesting religious site

The Round Church, Cambridge

Cambridge has a surprising number of churches for a relatively small area.  One of the biggest draws is the self-explanatory, does what it says on the tin, Round Church.  You can go inside but a walk around to view the outside is enough.

My local secret:

The stunning interior of the Painted Church, Cambridge

To get a glimpse of an incredible church interior make sure ‘The Painted Church’ (All Saints Church, Jesus Lane) is on your itinerary.  The artistry of the Arts and Crafts-movement decor is a sight to behold and is one of Cambridge’s best-kept secrets.  Opening hours are irregular and for specific events only so check before you set off.

If ‘The Painted Church’ isn’t open, visit the Cambridge Central Mosque on Mill Road instead.  The timber building is based on eco-friendly principles and was shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Sterling Prize for architecture in 2021.

Go shopping and wander picturesque Cambridge streets

If you’ve followed this itinerary there should still be time to check out some of the shops before you head off for an evening meal. 

As a book lover, I have to give a special mention to two bookshops you must visit even if you’ve only got one day in Cambridge; Heffers (Trinity Street), a huge cavern for book lovers, and, at the opposite end of the scale, the minuscule but marvellous Haunted Bookshop (St Edwards Passage). 

Other streets to head to for independent shopping are:

• Bridge Street
• Trinity Street, All Saints Art and Craft Market
• Green Street
• Rose Crescent

All Saints Market

Alternatively, for picturesque photo opportunities wander along:

• Trinity Lane
• Senate House Passage
• Portugal Place
• Orchard Street

Trinity Lane Senate House Passage

Pre-dinner drinks

After an action-packed day visiting some of the best sights in Cambridge, take a moment to relax and enjoy an early evening drink.  The expansive views out across the city make the Varsity Hotel rooftop bar one of the best venues for a sundowner.  Alternatively, for a buzzy atmosphere, head to Cambridge Wine Merchants on Bridge Street.

Dinner

Finish off your day in Cambridge with a trip to an independent restaurant.  The family-run La Margherita on Bridge Street serves delicious Italian meals and puddings that deserve to be savoured. 

For luxurious surroundings, head to the Orator Brasserie And Bar.  The building is actually part of the Cambridge Union Society, so you can soak up some history whilst you dine.

Evening entertainment

Not ready to end your day yet? Then extend your day in Cambridge with a show at the Arts Theatre or the more intimate Town and Gown.  Time it right and you might even be able to catch the famous Cambridge Footlights at the ADC Theatre.

If there’s nothing that takes your fancy at the theatres, in the summertime, when the evenings are long, finish the day off with a walk along ‘The Backs’ for picture postcard views of the Cambridge Colleges.  At other times of the year, end the day at one of Cambridge’s traditional pubs like The Pickerel Inn or The Eagle.

Map for your one day Cambridge itinerary

I’ve created a map showing the places covered in this one-day Cambridge itinerary. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the names of each place and to toggle on/off the different map layers.

Best time for visiting Cambridge

Summer and spring are gorgeous times of the year to spend a day in Cambridge.  Crocuses line the ground in spring and the river shimmers and shines throughout hazy summer days.

However, due to being one of the driest cities in the UK, Cambridge also makes a great winter day trip destination. 

Note that the colleges are closed to visitors during exam periods. 

A Cambridge day out is a great choice, particularly if you’re visiting from London.

When travelling by train to Cambridge from London there are two options; the quick and the cheap.  Direct trains from Kings Cross will have you in Cambridge in 50 minutes, with no stops.  The Liverpool Street option is cheaper but stops on route.

If you’re looking for help with the best things to do in London, check out my London 2-day itinerary.

Train to Cambridge duration

• London Kings Cross direct to Cambridge: 50 minutes
• London Liverpool Street to Cambridge: 75 minutes+

Cost of train from London to Cambridge

It takes 20 minutes to walk from Cambridge train station to the heart of the city or you can take one of the frequent buses (journey time is 10 minutes, £1 per ticket, bus #1, #3, #7 or Park and Ride 4). 

Voi e-scooters and e-bikes are also available for hire outside the station.  Use my Voi link to get £5 credit when you sign up.

It’s also possible to get to Cambridge from London by coach but the journey time is usually significantly longer than the train.

If you’re pushed for time and want a hassle-free way to see Cambridge’s highlights, book tickets for the hop-on-hop-off bus tour. The bus stops at the train station along with other key sites, including the Polar Museum, Botanic Garden, Fitzwilliam Museum and central Colleges.

This option also enables you to visit the American Cemetery at Madingley, a moving memorial to those who died in World War Two.

How to get around Cambridge

As a compact city, you can walk around all the sights mentioned in this itinerary for what to see in Cambridge in a day.  However, if you want to really blend in with the crowd, you could do as much of the rest of Cambridge does and rent a bike for the day. 

Cycling is a big activity in Cambridge, you’ll see bikes everywhere.  Although many of the quaint old streets might seem like they’re pedestrianised, they’re also bike routes so stick to the pavements rather than wandering down the middle of the road – the residents of Cambridge will love you for it.

Where to stay in Cambridge

There’s so much to see in Cambridge, why not make a weekend of it and check out some of the 37 free things to do in Cambridge whilst you’re here.

I recommend you reserve your hotel in advance, as places book up fast.  I regularly use Booking.com as they offer great prices.

Gonville Hotel – I love spending a relaxed evening at the fabulous bar here. The hotel is home to a garden terrace and gorgeous boutique rooms, book a feature bedroom for an extra special stay.

This hotel is all about luxury and sumptuous surroundings. You can even be taken for a complimentary spin around Cambridge in a silver Bentley car. This level of luxury does come at a price though. A more budget friendly option is the Ibis.

Ibis Cambridge Central Station – if the Gonville is not in budget, the Ibis offers a great alternative. It’s situated right next to Cambridge train station, so perfect if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight stay. Ibis is a highly rated chain and won’t break the bank.

Christ’s College Cambridge – if you don’t want to go for a chain hotel and want a stay with a difference, book a night at Darwin’s College. The rooms themselves are basic but the central location and unique Cambridge College surroundings more than make up for it.

University Arms – has a beautiful hotel bar and offers gorgeous aromatherapy experiences. Voted the smartest place to stay in Cambridge by Vogue magazine. Located right on Parkers Piece, this landmark hotel knows how to do luxury. It’s also perfect if you want to be right in the city centre.

Varsity Hotel and Spa – situated close to the river and with amazing views out across Cambridge from the rooftop terrace, the Varsity is a great choice if you want to be in the centre of it all.

Check out my guide to places to stay as part of a spa weekend in Cambridge.

If you’re looking for other great day trips in East Anglia, check out my guide to the best things to do in Cromer, on the Norfolk coast.

More Cambridge resources

37 Things To Do In Cambridge For Free In 2023

Cambridge At Christmas: A Guide

Cambridge Spa Day: 15 of the Best

Grantchester Village: A Day Out From Cambridge

Hotels In Cambridge With A Pool

Museums In Cambridge: 5 Of The Best

Punting in Cambridge: Prices and Local Guide

Walks In Cambridge: 5 Of The Best

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