Are you looking for a great day trip from London? Look no further than the historic university city of Cambridge! With its quaint cobblestone streets and heritage architecture, Cambridge is the perfect destination for travelers who love to explore. Whether you take the train or bike your way there, a day in Cambridge will provide you with plenty of memories that will last a lifetime.
How You Get There
The easiest way to reach Cambridge is by taking the train from Kings Cross station; the journey takes just under an hour. From Letchworth Garden City, where I departed, it took only 30 minutes. Getting around Cambridge is a breeze – whether you prefer walking, biking or taking the bus, there are plenty of options available. Walking takes about 20 minutes to get into the city center and bikes can get you there in half that time. For those cycling enthusiasts out there, Cambridge is a dream come true! The city boasts plenty of bike paths, making it extremely safe and easy to travel around on a two-wheeler. Plus, with so much stunning scenery all around, biking in and around Cambridge is an absolute pleasure - who wouldn't want to experience all that nature has to offer? With flat terrain and excellent transport links, taking your bike along for the ride is definitely worth considering when visiting this charming English city. I decided to bring my bike on my trip and thoroughly enjoyed exploring this charming city on two wheels!
First Stop: Regent Street
Our starting point is on one of Cambridge’s main streets, Regent Street, a charming and bustling thoroughfare situated in the city centre. It has a long history, with evidence of its existence as far back as the 17th century. This historical street is home to many independent businesses and shops, as well as several popular restaurants, pubs, cafes and galleries. My favorite, The Old Bicycle Shop Gastropub, formally Britain's oldest bike shop. Regent Street is a great place to explore and shop for unique items or just to wander around and admire its beauty. The street leads to St Mary's Square, which is surrounded by some of Cambridge's oldest buildings including the historic King's College Chapel. With its eclectic mix of stores and eateries, Regent Street offers an exciting shopping experience that appeals to all tastes.
Market Square
Market Square, located on Market Hill in Cambridge, is a bustling hub of activity, especially when it comes to shopping. Here, you can find a plethora of unique items – from gourmet food and local wares to artisan jewelry and handmade crafts. The square is home to various independent boutiques and small businesses, offering a unique shopping experience that allows you to discover the best products in town. Whether you’re looking for something special or simply browsing for fun, Market Square has something for everyone. From weekly farmer's markets to seasonal festivals, this vibrant area has activities for every season. With its lively atmosphere and variety of goods, Market Square is an ideal destination for both locals and visitors alike looking for an enjoyable shopping experience.
Town Center
Senate House Passage
Mathematical Bridge
Trinity Lane
Cambridge Town Center is a vibrant and bustling area of the city, full of life and activity. From St Mary's Street to Silver Street, visitors can explore the many attractions that Cambridge has to offer. Start your journey at St Mary's Church Phone Boxes, then move on to Senate House Passage and Kings Parade , where you can admire Kings College,Corpus Clock Corpus Christi College and my favorite Sarah Key The Haunted Bookshop! Then head to Silver Street for a view of the famous Mathematical Bridge and punting boats along the River Cam. Continue your exploration with a visit to The Backs, Trinity Bridge, Trinity College Greens and Buildings, Wren Library, Trinity Lane with its stunning chimneys, St Johns Street with views of Trinity College and St Johns College, Bridge Street with the 12th Century Round Church and Portugal Place for a great photo opportunity. Finally make your way to Magdalene Bridge for more punting or sightseeing before returning back down Bridge Street to Sidney Street for some shopping opportunities before finishing up in Market Square where you started! I have included an interactive walking map, broken up into three sections to help navigate Town Center!
Parks
Cambridge is home to a variety of beautiful parks, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. Jesus Green is one of the most popular, offering stunning views of the River Cam and plenty of places to relax in the sunshine. Other great parks include Cherry Hinton, New Square Park, Lammas Land and Midsummer Common, all perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or getting out into nature and exploring the local wildlife. With so many amazing parks on offer, it's easy to get lost in the beauty and tranquillity that Cambridge has to offer!
Conclusion
No matter how you choose to spend your day in Cambridge, one thing is clear—it’s an unforgettable destination! Whether you take a leisurely stroll through Regent Street or head out on two wheels along one of its many bike paths; whether you stop by some quirky shops in Market Square or explore centuries-old libraries; whether you soak up some culture at Fitzwilliam Museum or relax in Jesus Green—Cambridge has something for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head off on your next adventure today!
Please enjoy these maps of the walkabout that I did while visiting Cambridge. I have broken them into 8 stops on each map. There is a lot to take in between each stop...Enjoy!!
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