When you’re planning a metropolis break in England quickly, you’re in luck – I’ve put collectively an itinerary for the right 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, in the county of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge is probably most well-known for its college. Based in 1209, it’s the world’s third-oldest college in steady operation. Subsequently, grand college buildings dominate a lot of the skyline and provides all the metropolis a sense of grandeur.
It’s the right backdrop for a romantic weekend in Cambridge and is a well-liked worldwide vacationer vacation spot. House to many glorious bars, eating places, and cafes to take pleasure in, it was all the time a straightforward hop from my hometown for an evening out or a weekend in Cambridge with pals.
Weekend in Cambridge (2-Day Itinerary)
After visiting many occasions over time, with my husband for birthday journeys, with pals, and for work, I’ve tied collectively all my favourite components of the town so you may take pleasure in the very best of Cambridge in two days. I like experiencing loads of tradition by day and the foods and drinks scene by night time, so let’s dive straight in:
Day 1 in Cambridge
Be sure you’ve obtained your most comfy strolling sneakers on as Cambridge is a good metropolis to stroll round. There are a great deal of photograph alternatives at each flip, so be certain your telephone is absolutely charged to seize all of them!
Day 1: Morning
Kick off your weekend away in Cambridge with a hearty breakfast and dose of caffeine. Benets Cafe serves scrumptious crepes and pancake breakfasts and gives gorgeous views of Kings School Chapel and Nice St Mary’s Church.
After breakfast, take a guided strolling tour of the town. It’s an effective way to get to know your method round and to make sure you see all the principle sights. Some guided excursions embody entry to a few schools such because the world-famous Kings School. Click on right here to seek out out extra and to ebook 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 can be full with out lunch at Market Home – it’s one among my favourite eating places in the town. The trendy decor, excellent menu, and distinctive wine and cocktail record make it the right place to refuel.
Very similar to Venice, Cambridge is known for punting. The River Cam runs via the town and there are lots of boats and excursions obtainable for guests. When you’re fortunate sufficient, it’s possible you’ll even cross paths with a cell river bar and be capable to seize your self a cocktail as you benefit from the fantastic sights alongside the river. Make sure you plan forward by reserving your punting tour right 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’ll be able to take pleasure in watching some fellow punters journey previous as you sit again and calm down.
Day 1: Night
Cambridge by night time brings with it new delights. The stunning structure is delivered to life by some gorgeous lighting that makes all the metropolis particularly atmospheric to walk round at night time. Make sure you spend a while after the solar has set, merely having fun with the fantastic thing about the town.
Head for dinner at Butch Annie’s, a preferred however informal burger and pizza joint. It’s nice for every little thing from gentle snacks to full dinners and has a fantastic bar choice too. They specialize in natural farm-to-table beef and serve up some really satisfying burgers.
End the primary night time 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. Make 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 night time’s sleep! So, if you happen to’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 should definitely begin the day with breakfast and even higher espresso. Head to the Copper Kettle, one thing of a Cambridge establishment established in the early 1900s. Serving glorious breakfasts from Eight a.m. and overlooking the well-known Kings School 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 College commencement ceremony, marvel on the Corpus Clock, discover the historical past of the Chelsea Bun, and delve into tales concerning the iconic College Boat Race. Click on right here to ebook 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, images, and collections from many notable scientists, not least Charles Darwin, type a part of this fascinating exhibition.
Day 2: Afternoon
For lunch, make your method over to Bread & Meat, the place they serve a concise menu of superior roast-meat sandwiches. The tiled butcher-style setting makes for a fantastic informal lunch spot. Their topside British beef sandwich is off the charts, (and for individuals who don’t eat meat, additionally they provide a tasty veggie sandwich).
Cambridge is full of nice historic pubs, and you’ll go to among the finest ones on a heritage pub tour. This distinctive tour, based by two former Cambridge college students offers you an genuine, intimate slice of native pub tradition. It mixes informative enjoyable with a calming afternoon of ingesting in Cambridge’s most superb pubs. Click on right here to seek out out extra data.
End off the afternoon with a delicate stroll alongside The Backs. That is the picturesque inexperienced house the place a number of schools ‘again’ onto the River Cam. It’s a very nice space to take a delicate afternoon stroll. The Nationwide Belief Chairman rated The Backs as one of many high 10 views in England.
Day 2: Night
As the ultimate night time 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 really horrific occasions which have occurred over the centuries at Cambridge College. It’s a captivating perception right into a darkish a part of the town’s historical past. Click on right here to ebook your tour forward of time.
For dinner, deal with your self to top-of-the-line eating places in the town – The Cambridge Chop Home. Serving conventional British classics and improbable steaks and chops, this trendy eaterie has sensational views of Kings School Chapel. There’s additionally a very cozy basement eating room. It’s a preferred place and will get busy, so you should definitely ebook forward.
End off your weekend in Cambridge with a present on the Cambridge Arts Theatre. The stunning 87-year-old, 666-seater auditorium attracts among the largest performers and reveals in the nation; together with productions straight from London’s West Finish. Examine the occasions calendar as there’s certain to be one thing nice on throughout your go to.
The best way to Get to Cambridge
Cambridge has a good-sized practice station that connects it to many cities in England, together with London. Common and dependable trains run day by day to and from Cambridge. Ticket prices fluctuate however be suggested that it’s finest to ebook round 12 weeks forward of time to safe the very best worth.
When you plan to drive to Cambridge you’ll discover a superb park-and-ride scheme that retains the middle as car-free as doable. Merely park up at any of the 5 free automobile parks across the metropolis and common bus providers will drop you into the center. Bus tickets begin at £3 ($3.70) return, and as much as Three children underneath the age of 16 journey without cost with a paying grownup.
When 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 automobile 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 native buses, taxis, and ride-sharing providers like Uber function day by day.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Cambridge
The Metropolis Middle is undoubtedly the principle attraction when planning a visit to Cambridge. However the metropolis additionally has a number of widespread areas and surrounding villages that provide nice choices and facilities for a 2-night break in Cambridge.
Central Cambridge: Central Cambridge is known 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. Take a look at this nice central resort possibility.
Mill Street: Mill Street is a vibrant neighborhood close to Cambridge Station. It has loads of Victorian structure with stay music pubs, a craft brewery, and trendy espresso outlets. You’ll additionally discover Asian and Center Jap markets for groceries and may take pleasure in eating in Japanese, North African, and Indian eating places. Right here’s an incredible lodging alternative close to Mill Street.
Trumpington: Take into account staying slightly additional out of the town the place accommodations are sometimes slightly cheaper. Trumpington is simply over 2 miles away and gives easy accessibility in and out of central Cambridge day by day. The village additionally has loads of its personal quaint outlets, pubs, and eating places to discover. Take a look at this excellent place to remain – it’s a 17th-century pub!
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to Cambridge
With a lot to suit in throughout a 2-day journey to Cambridge, I’ve put collectively a couple of of my high suggestions to assist refine your itinerary. Take these on board to make sure you have the right journey:
1. Plan forward: Cambridge is a well-liked, worldwide vacationer vacation spot and with the College centrally situated in the town, issues can get busy! Plan your excursions, journeys, accommodations, and even restaurant bookings forward of time to make sure you get to do every little thing you wish to do.
2. Park-and-ride: The Park-and-Trip system has been lively in Cambridge for so long as I can bear in mind. And though you may nonetheless park in the town, it’s costly, and the site visitors and one-way system could be a nightmare. Merely park up without cost at one among 5 parking heaps on the outskirts and get the bus in – it’s rather more handy.
3. Get monetary savings staying additional afield: A weekend break in Cambridge for two can turn into costly, particularly if you happen to’re planning on staying centrally. There are numerous nice accommodations, B&B, and condo choices obtainable a couple of miles out of city which might be nonetheless inside easy accessibility of the Metropolis Middle.
4. Benefit from the free stuff: Cambridge is such a ravishing metropolis and simply strolling round may be an exercise in itself. Beautiful structure, spectacular chapels, stunning parks, centuries-old church buildings, and luxurious museums and theaters are all to be discovered simply strolling the streets.
5. Know your completely satisfied hours: As a metropolis with a vibrant scholar group, Cambridge options quite a lot of bars with engaging drink specials, together with 2-for-1 cocktails. This provide runs all day, day-after-day at Las Iguanas.
Moreover, Cambridge is dwelling to a Wetherspoons pub – The Regal. This well-known UK chain of 800+ pubs is widely known for its in depth menu of reasonably priced meals and drinks. They serve every little thing from breakfast bites to dinner plates and every little thing in between.
6. Put on comfy sneakers: 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 comfy strolling sneakers 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 affirm the rumors concerning the climate are largely true. Even if you happen to’re touring in the course of the summer time months, be ready for some moist climate and pack your suitcase accordingly.
8. Practice costs may be steep: Not like some neighboring international locations in Europe, the UK’s practice community is privatized which suggests costs are sometimes fairly excessive. It’s a significant bone of competition amongst the British public. The finest costs are typically obtainable round 12 weeks earlier than, so plan nicely forward if doable. The most effective 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’ll be able to completely do Cambridge in only a weekend. There’s a lot to see and do, however with the fitting 2-day itinerary for Cambridge, you may make sure you hit all the important thing sights throughout your keep. Moreover, the town is especially walkable, and getting round could be very simple.
Make sure you analysis a weekend itinerary for Cambridge. There are many excursions, museums, and sights to see nevertheless it’s all the time advisable to ebook forward. It’s also possible to benefit from the many historic pubs, glorious eating places, and quaint cafes and tea rooms that may be discovered everywhere in the metropolis at your leisure.
There are a variety of nice lodging choices in Central Cambridge. Staying right here will imply you’ve gotten easy accessibility to every little thing the town has to supply. Staying slightly additional afield could also be a extra economical possibility, 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 comfy lodging, eating, drinks, and a few excursions. However, given the abundance of excursions, museums, free sightseeing choices, and fulfilling walks obtainable, crafting an itinerary to go well with numerous finances preferences is totally doable.
The finest month to go to Cambridge is dependent upon your preferences for climate, crowd ranges, and the kind of expertise you need. Many individuals discover spring and early autumn to be significantly nice occasions to go to; when the climate is comfy, 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 combined in with nice bars and eating places make it a terrific possibility for a getaway. There are such a lot of issues to do, and Cambridge is a well-liked worldwide vacationer vacation spot. So, you should definitely plan forward along with your excursions, journeys, and restaurant bookings.
Cambridge Metropolis Middle has a chosen “Pedestrian Zone” in operation 24/7 the place normal car entry is restricted and managed by bollards. That is additional heightened between the hours of 10 a.m. and Four p.m. Monday via Saturday. Usually, solely buses, bicycles, and a few approved autos are allowed inside this zone.
A park-and-ride service permits guests to park at one among 5 free parking heaps on the outskirts of the town and take the bus to central locations.
Possibly 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 stunning metropolis of Oxford quite a few occasions, I feel the fantastic thing about Cambridge has the sting.
Like several metropolis, there are costly choices and there are cheaper choices. Whether or not contemplating lodging, eating, or ingesting you can also make a weekend itinerary for many budgets.
It’s all the time advisable to plan forward and do your analysis. In my expertise, Cambridge is cheaper (in normal) 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. When you’re driving, it could actually take roughly 1.5 – 2 hours, relying on site visitors and the route you select.
Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to Cambridge
It’s been an actual deal with to relive a couple of days away in Cambridge. Rising up shut by it was all the time simple to take it with no consideration when contemplating a metropolis break free someplace in the UK. However time and time once more, the attractive and vibrant metropolis has been my desire for day journeys, nights out, and weekends away with pals.
So, whether or not you take pleasure in historical past and tradition, having a fantastic bar and restaurant scene, or each, Cambridge has every little thing you want for an incredible weekend metropolis break.