Should you’re planning a metropolis break in England quickly, you’re in luck – I’ve put collectively an itinerary for the proper weekend break in Cambridge. I used to be born and raised only a few miles away from this stunning college metropolis and have spent many weekends having fun with all it has to supply.
Located in East Anglia, within the county of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge is probably most well-known for its university. Founded in 1209, it’s the world’s third-oldest university in continuous operation. Subsequently, grand college buildings dominate a lot of the skyline and provides the complete metropolis a sense of grandeur.
It’s the proper backdrop for a romantic weekend in Cambridge and is a popular international tourist destination. House to many glorious bars, eating places, and cafes to get pleasure from, it was at all times a straightforward hop from my hometown for an evening out or a weekend in Cambridge with buddies.
Weekend in Cambridge (2-Day Itinerary)
After visiting many occasions through the years, with my husband for birthday journeys, with buddies, and for work, I’ve tied collectively all my favourite elements of the town so you’ll be able to get pleasure from the most effective of Cambridge in two days. I like experiencing loads of tradition by day and the food and drinks scene by evening, so let’s dive straight in:
Day 1 in Cambridge
Be sure to’ve obtained your most snug strolling footwear on as Cambridge is a superb metropolis to stroll round. There are a great deal of picture alternatives at each flip, so ensure that your cellphone is absolutely charged to seize all of them!
Day 1: Morning
Kick off your weekend away in Cambridge with a hearty breakfast and a great dose of caffeine. Benets Cafe serves scrumptious crepes and pancake breakfasts and gives gorgeous views of Kings College Chapel and Great St Mary’s Church.
After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the city. It’s an effective way to get to know your means round and to make sure you see all the principle sights. Some guided excursions embrace entry to a few schools such because the world-famous Kings College. Click here to find out more and to book your tour.
End the morning with a brief stroll to the spot the place gravity was found. That’s proper, the acclaimed apple tree the place Sir Isaac Newton based the idea of gravity is situated in Cambridge. Though the story of the apple hitting him on the top is a delusion, the spot proudly celebrates Newton’s discovery of gravity throughout his Cambridge years.
Day 1: Afternoon
No Cambridge weekend break could be full with out lunch at Market House – it’s considered one of my favourite eating places within the metropolis. The trendy decor, excellent menu, and distinctive wine and cocktail checklist make it the proper place to refuel.
Very similar to Venice, Cambridge is legendary for punting. The River Cam runs by way of the town and there are a lot of boats and excursions accessible for guests. Should you’re fortunate sufficient, you could even cross paths with a cell river bar and be capable to seize your self a cocktail as you benefit from the great sights alongside the river. Be sure to plan ahead by booking your punting tour here.
End the primary afternoon of your two days in Cambridge and recover from your ‘sea legs’ (or ‘river legs’) with a pint at The Anchor. This cozy, conventional English pub is correct on the banks of the river and has an exquisite terrace overlooking the water. You may get pleasure from watching some fellow punters journey previous as you sit again and chill out.
Day 1: Night
Cambridge by evening brings with it new delights. The attractive structure is dropped at life by some gorgeous lighting that makes the complete metropolis particularly atmospheric to walk round at evening. Be sure you spend a while after the solar has set, merely having fun with the great thing about the town.
Head for dinner at Butch Annie’s, a preferred however informal burger and pizza joint. It’s nice for every thing from mild snacks to full dinners and has an important bar choice too. They concentrate on natural farm-to-table beef and serve up some actually satisfying burgers.
End the primary evening of your weekend getaway in Cambridge with cocktails at 2648. An underground bar with a speakeasy vibe that serves generously portioned drinks. They make an distinctive Salted Caramel White Russian – a salty candy tackle the basic cocktail. Be sure you discover the key library, if you will discover it!
Day 2 in Cambridge
In spite of everything that sightseeing, meals, and cocktails yesterday, I hope you bought a great evening’s sleep! So, for those who’re prepared and raring to go, let’s get began with day two of your weekend in Cambridge:
Day 2: Morning
Very similar to yesterday, you’ll want to begin the day with a great breakfast and even higher espresso. Head to the Copper Kettle, one thing of a Cambridge establishment established in the early 1900s. Serving excellent breakfasts from 8 a.m. and overlooking the well-known Kings College Chapel, it’s a super place to begin your day.
Stroll off your breakfast by discovering extra of Cambridge’s wealthy historical past with a self-guided audio tour. From scientific breakthroughs to distinctive traditions, you’ll be taught concerning the University commencement ceremony, marvel on the Corpus Clock, discover the historical past of the Chelsea Bun, and delve into tales concerning the iconic University Boat Race. Click here to book your tour.
Spherical off your second morning with a visit to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. The fossils, rocks, minerals, and archive materials on show are of excellent scientific and historic significance. Notebooks, pictures, and collections from many notable scientists, not least Charles Darwin, kind a part of this attention-grabbing exhibition.
Day 2: Afternoon
For lunch, make your means over to Bread & Meat, the place they serve a concise menu of superior roast-meat sandwiches. The tiled butcher-style setting makes for an important informal lunch spot. Their topside British beef sandwich is off the charts, (and for individuals who don’t eat meat, in addition they provide a tasty veggie sandwich).
Cambridge is full of nice historic pubs, and you’ll go to a number of the finest ones on a heritage pub tour. This distinctive tour, based by two former Cambridge students provides you with an genuine, intimate slice of native pub tradition. It mixes informative enjoyable with a calming afternoon of consuming in Cambridge’s most wonderful pubs. Click here to find out more information.
End off the afternoon with a mild stroll alongside The Backs. That is the picturesque inexperienced area the place a number of schools ‘again’ onto the River Cam. It’s a extremely nice space to take a mild afternoon stroll. The National Trust Chairman rated The Backs as one of many top 10 views in England.
Day 2: Night
As the ultimate evening descends in your 2 days in Cambridge, embrace the darkness with a ghost tour. Led by College Alumni you’ll be regaled with tales of some actually horrific occasions which have occurred over the centuries at Cambridge University. It’s an enchanting perception right into a darkish a part of the town’s historical past. Click here to book your tour ahead of time.
For dinner, deal with your self to probably the greatest eating places within the metropolis – The Cambridge Chop House. Serving conventional British classics and unbelievable steaks and chops, this trendy eaterie has sensational views of Kings College Chapel. There’s additionally a extremely cozy basement eating room. It’s a preferred place and will get busy, so you’ll want to book ahead.
End off your weekend in Cambridge with a present on the Cambridge Arts Theatre. The attractive 87-year-old, 666-seater auditorium attracts a number of the greatest performers and reveals within the nation; together with productions straight from London’s West End. Verify the events calendar as there’s positive to be one thing nice on throughout your go to.
Methods to Get to Cambridge
Cambridge has a good-sized train station that connects it to many cities in England, together with London. Regular and reliable trains run each day to and from Cambridge. Ticket prices fluctuate however be suggested that it’s finest to e book round 12 weeks forward of time to safe the most effective worth.
Should you plan to drive to Cambridge you’ll discover a wonderful park-and-ride scheme that retains the middle as car-free as doable. Merely park up at any of the 5 free car parks across the metropolis and common bus companies will drop you into the center. Bus tickets begin at £3 ($3.70) return, and as much as 3 youngsters underneath the age of 16 journey without spending a dime with a paying grownup.
Should you’re flying in for a two-day journey to Cambridge the closest worldwide airport is London Stansted. Cambridge is round 30 miles away – it’s an easy drive, and hiring a car from the airport is straightforward. The airport practice station is walkable from arrivals and common trains will drop you in central Cambridge inside 30-40 minutes.
Cambridge is a very walkable metropolis, however for help getting round, dependable local buses, taxis, and ride-sharing companies like Uber function each day.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Cambridge
The Metropolis Heart is undoubtedly the principle attraction when planning a visit to Cambridge. However the metropolis additionally has a number of well-liked areas and surrounding villages that supply nice choices and facilities for a 2-night break in Cambridge.
Central Cambridge: Central Cambridge is legendary for its historic schools, museums, and scenic parks. Alongside the River Cam, you’ll spot boaters punting and training for the annual Boat Race. Historic pubs, tea rooms, accommodations, and eating places are additionally in abundance right here for guests. Check out this great central hotel option.
Mill Road: Mill Street is a vibrant neighborhood close to Cambridge Station. It has loads of Victorian structure with reside music pubs, a craft brewery, and classy espresso outlets. You’ll additionally discover Asian and Center Japanese markets for groceries and may get pleasure from eating in Japanese, North African, and Indian eating places. Here’s an amazing accommodation choice near Mill Road.
Trumpington: Contemplate staying somewhat additional out of the town the place accommodations are sometimes somewhat cheaper. Trumpington is simply over 2 miles away and gives quick access out and in of central Cambridge each day. The village additionally has loads of its personal quaint outlets, pubs, and eating places to discover. Have a look at this great place to stay – it’s a Seventeenth-century pub!
Ideas for a Weekend Journey to Cambridge
With a lot to slot in throughout a 2-day journey to Cambridge, I’ve put collectively just a few of my high ideas to assist refine your itinerary. Take these on board to make sure you have the proper journey:
1. Plan forward: Cambridge is a well-liked, worldwide vacationer vacation spot and with the College centrally situated within the metropolis, issues can get busy! Plan your excursions, journeys, accommodations, and even restaurant bookings forward of time to make sure you get to do every thing you wish to do.
2. Park-and-ride: The Park-and-Ride system has been energetic in Cambridge for so long as I can bear in mind. And though you’ll be able to nonetheless park within the metropolis, it’s costly, and the visitors and one-way system could be a nightmare. Merely park up without spending a dime at considered one of 5 parking lots on the outskirts and get the bus in – it’s rather more handy.
3. Lower your expenses staying additional afield: A weekend break in Cambridge for two can turn into costly, particularly for those who’re planning on staying centrally. There are numerous nice accommodations, B&B, and house choices accessible just a few miles out of city which might be nonetheless inside quick access of the Metropolis Heart.
4. Benefit from the free stuff: Cambridge is such an exquisite metropolis and simply strolling round might be an exercise in itself. Beautiful structure, spectacular chapels, beautiful parks, centuries-old churches, and sumptuous museums and theaters are all to be discovered simply strolling the streets.
5. Know your comfortable hours: As a metropolis with a vibrant pupil group, Cambridge options a wide range of bars with engaging drink specials, together with 2-for-1 cocktails. This provide runs all day, every day at Las Iguanas.
Moreover, Cambridge is dwelling to a Wetherspoons pub – The Regal. This well-known UK chain of 800+ pubs is well known for its intensive menu of inexpensive meals and drinks. They serve every thing from breakfast bites to dinner plates and every thing in between.
6. Put on snug footwear: Cambridge is a really walkable metropolis and also you’ll simply rack up the steps simply strolling across the many stunning sights and points of interest. Put on snug strolling footwear or sneakers to make sure your ft don’t tire out earlier than you’re able to name it a day.
7. Bear in mind you’re in England: Having lived in England most of my life I can verify the rumors concerning the climate are principally true. Even for those who’re touring through the summer time months, be ready for some moist climate and pack your suitcase accordingly.
8. Practice costs might be steep: In contrast to some neighboring nations in Europe, the UK’s practice community is privatized which suggests costs are sometimes fairly excessive. It’s a serious bone of rivalry amongst the British public. The very best costs are usually accessible round 12 weeks earlier than, so plan properly forward if doable. Top-of-the-line choices for reserving rail tickets is trainline.com.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Cambridge
Listed here are some solutions to continuously requested questions on weekend breaks in Cambridge:
You may completely do Cambridge in only a weekend. There’s loads to see and do, however with the correct 2-day itinerary for Cambridge, you’ll be able to make sure you hit all the important thing sights throughout your keep. Moreover, the town is especially walkable, and getting round may be very straightforward.
Be sure you analysis a weekend itinerary for Cambridge. There are many excursions, museums, and sights to see however it’s at all times advisable to e book forward. You can too benefit from the many historic pubs, glorious eating places, and quaint cafes and tea rooms that may be discovered all around the metropolis at your leisure.
There are a variety of nice lodging choices in Central Cambridge. Staying right here will imply you’ve got quick access to every thing the town has to supply. Staying somewhat additional afield could also be a extra economical choice, and there are good public transport choices that hyperlink the town to lots of the outer villages and areas.
A determine of round $250 per particular person for 48 hours in Cambridge ought to suffice for snug lodging, eating, drinks, and a few excursions. However, given the abundance of excursions, museums, free sightseeing choices, and gratifying walks accessible, crafting an itinerary to swimsuit varied price range preferences is completely doable.
The very best month to go to Cambridge relies on your preferences for climate, crowd ranges, and the kind of expertise you need. Many individuals discover spring and early autumn to be notably nice occasions to go to; when the climate is snug, and there are fewer crowds in comparison with the height summer time season.
Cambridge is a wonderful metropolis break. The abundance of historical past and tradition blended in with nice bars and eating places make it a terrific choice for a getaway. There are such a lot of issues to do, and Cambridge is a well-liked worldwide vacationer vacation spot. So, you’ll want to plan forward together with your excursions, journeys, and restaurant bookings.
Cambridge Metropolis Heart has a delegated “Pedestrian Zone” in operation 24/7 the place basic car entry is restricted and managed by bollards. That is additional heightened between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday by way of Saturday. Usually, solely buses, bicycles, and a few licensed autos are allowed inside this zone.
A park-and-ride service permits guests to park at considered one of 5 free parking lots on the outskirts of the town and take the bus to central locations.
Perhaps I’m biased, however Cambridge is prettier than Oxford. I grew up only a few miles away from Cambridge and though I’ve visited the beautiful metropolis of Oxford quite a few occasions, I believe the great thing about Cambridge has the sting.
Like every metropolis, there are costly choices and there are cheaper choices. Whether or not contemplating lodging, eating, or consuming you may make a weekend itinerary for many budgets.
It’s at all times advisable to plan forward and do your analysis. In my expertise, Cambridge is cheaper (typically) than London, however is just about on par with different main UK cities.
The approximate distance from central Cambridge to central London is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) in a straight line. By practice, the journey from Cambridge to London normally takes round 1 hour. Should you’re driving, it could possibly take roughly 1.5 – 2 hours, relying on visitors and the route you select.
Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to Cambridge
It’s been an actual deal with to relive just a few days away in Cambridge. Rising up shut by it was at all times straightforward to take it with no consideration when contemplating a metropolis break free someplace within the UK. However time and time once more, the gorgeous and vibrant metropolis has been my desire for day journeys, nights out, and weekends away with buddies.
So, whether or not you get pleasure from historical past and tradition, having an important bar and restaurant scene, or each, Cambridge has every thing you want for a tremendous weekend metropolis break.
