Perfect Cambridge Day Trip From London Itinerary [2023]

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This Cambridge Day Trip guide provides all the information you need to plan the perfect day trip to Cambridge from London, whether it’s your first time or your fifth.

A charming and pretty city in England, brimming with scholarly achievements Cambridge makes for a pleasant day trip out of London.

Cambridge is a university city and is home to Cambridge University and its long list of colleges. The streets hold stories of past residents who lived and studied here and went on to live in history books.

But the city also boasts some of the most striking architecture in its buildings and bridges, King’s College and alleyways, the River Cam is a popular punting place for locals and visitors alike. So, it’s safe to say that there is plenty to do when visiting Cambridge. But where to start? No worries let me help you with your Cambridge day trip itinerary. 

This Cambridge day trip from London guide provides all the information you need to plan the perfect first day trip in Cambridge, whether it’s your first time or your fifth.

How To Get To Cambridge From London

There are three main options to get from London to Cambridge, on a day trip to Cambridge from London namely train, coach, and car. If you’re wanting a scenic day trip to Cambridge where you control the schedule, then driving yourself is ideal.

The coach is the cheapest, although also the slowest journey. However, the train is, without a doubt, the fastest way to get there, which will allow a little more exploration time.

 How To From London to Cambridge by Train

I took the train down to Cambridge from London the journey takes around 48 minutes, and cost between £27 and £42 for a return train ticket.

The prices depend mostly whether you’re travelling first-class or not and if you’re travelling in off-peak or peak times. 

You’ll leave from London Kings Cross Station or Liverpool Street Station with around 4 departures per hour and arrive at Cambridge Train Station. From the train station here you can take a bus to the city centre or explore the surroundings first. You can use your contactless card or phone on the bus.

Doing a day trip to Cambridge from London by train is the fastest and most direct way to get to Cambridge.

How To From London to Cambridge by Coach

The cheapest way to get to Cambridge from London is by coach, but it’s also quite slow, which may cut into your time in Cambridge if you plan on getting back to London the same night.

There are several companies that offer coaches from London to Cambridge that you can get from London Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Cambridge Coach Station, but National Express is the best-known and most commonly used.

Bus tickets cost between £5 and £15, and if you’re really looking for a bargain you can book a week or so in advance to get cheaper fares. The ride will take around two hours, and buses are usually available from Victoria Coach Station, leaving hourly.

How To From London to Cambridge by Car

Driving to Cambridge for a Cambridge day trip will allow for flexibility of time as you won’t be waiting for transport to arrive and you’ll be able to get around Cambridge on your own.

The route is along the M11 motorway, which is incredibly scenic and enjoyable. The drive will typically take just under two hours.

This road can get quite crowded, however, and so you may find yourself sitting in a bit of traffic. Therefore, you’ll need to account for any delays. The cost of driving will depend on how much petrol your car uses.

Cambridge Day Trip from London – Best Things To Do in Cambridge In One Day

There’s lots to do in Cambridge I have included plenty on this Cambridge day trip itinerary to discover, you probably won’t get to everything on this list with just one day in Cambridge.

But you can pick the Cambridge things to do that most entice you and leave the others for your next Cambridge day trip.   

Note: All opening hours and times are according to usual circumstances, but it’s best to check online before you go.

1. Take A Guided Walking Tour By An Alumni

This was one of the highlights of Cambridge day trip for me when visiting Cambridge and I learnt so much about the University’s history and deep traditions.

A big part of Cambridge’s attraction is that it’s such a stunning university city, home to the elite University of Cambridge since 1209, and boasting a number of university colleges. One of the best ways to see the city is to take a tour guided by an alumnus.

This tour will allow you an inside look at the city, from the eyes of real life Cambridge students and is lead by a university graduate. You’ll learn about former alumni including Sir Isaac Newton, Sylvia Plath and Charles Darwin.

Your guide will share facts and stories about the city, its history, and what makes it such a fascinating place. You’ll also get to visit a couple of the colleges and see what they’re like on the inside. Things is one of the top things to do in Cambridge and I highly recommend it.

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (780+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 -2.5 hours |  🎟️ BOOK NOW

2. Go Punting On The River Cam Tour

Another one of the top things to do in Cambridge on your Cambridge day trip is go punting on the river Cam.

Cambridge has so many stunning buildings and bridges, that a punt along the river makes for an almost magical experience.

From your seat in the boat, you’ll look up and across at the beautiful Cambridge colleges and cathedrals along the riverside.  

You can choose from a traditional punting tour, which is a simple yet fantastic chauffeured ride on the river or take part in a tour that combines a food or drink – like a champagne tour! There are also romantic trips which are perfect to end off a Cambridge day trip as a couple. I don’t think anyone can visit Cambridge without going punting, its blasphemy.

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (250+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes |  🎟️ BOOK NOW

3. Step Inside King’s College Chapel Cambridge

The King’s College Chapel is quite breathtaking, and you’ll be awe-struck as you step inside. It’s home to the largest fan-vault ceiling in the world, as well as exquisite medieval stained-glass windows. There’s also a rod screen, given to the chapel by Henry VIII.  

The 15th-century building is magnificent inside and out and should be on every Cambridge itinerary. The Perpendicular Gothic-style architecture is fantastic to see up close. You do need to book tickets to enter the building.

The chapel holds concerts and performances at times, so if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Cambridge during one you could enjoy that too. This is one of the top places to visit on day trip to Cambridge from London.

4. Visit A University College

Of the total 31 colleges in Cambridge, there are many that offer stunning photography angles. The most beautiful college buildings include Trinity College, St John’s College, Queen’s College, Downing College, Pembroke College, Corpus Christi College and Christ’s College (where Charles Darwin studied). This is one one of the must things to do on your Cambridge day trip from London.

These venues can get quite crowded, so try to go in the quieter times, and look out for unique spots that other eager camera-carrying tourists haven’t yet found.

As mentioned above, there’s an extensive list of colleges in Cambridge. You’ll probably need to pick just one or two to visit since a one day trip to the Cambridge university, is too short a time to see them all. I’ve listed three of the top Cambridge must see colleges below to help you pick.

Trinity College

This is the top-ranked college at the University of Cambridge and one of the richest, so definitely worth a visit.

For most of the year, the Great Court and chapel of the king’s college, is open daily to the public, between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:30 pm. Although you must purchase tickets.

This college is supposedly home to the apple tree that led to Sir Isaac Newton’s great discovery or so the story goes. Others say the original apple tree was grown in the garden of Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton.

However you can still look at the tree and be inspired by the story. It’s located outside his old dorm room’s window. This is where my alumni tour ended so you can miss it.

You can also check out the Wren Library on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm or during the week between noon and 2:00 pm. 

St John’s College

This is a beautiful building, with gorgeous architecture and an abundance of history in its walls.

It’s also a great place to see the Bridge of Sighs (similar to the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford). It’s open for visits for much of the year, daily between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, but closes at 3:30 pm during off-season times.

King’s College

King’s college is one of the most recognisable in the city (if you have ever watched University Challenge you would have seen their various teams over the years), and it’s simply stunning. It’s open to the public during the week from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

On Saturdays, it closes 15 minutes earlier, and Sundays it’s open for just 45 minutes, between 1:15 pm and 2:30 pm.

If you only have a few hours in the city seeing these colleges should be at the top of your London to Cambridge day trip itinerary.

5. Climb The Great St Mary’s Tower

As both the university church and the city’s main church, Great St Mary’s is a stately building with centuries of history. It stands tall and proud in the city centre and has done so for more than 800 years.

Standing in the centre of Cambridge city is GSM, or Great Mary, the most magnificent church in the city. Connected to the church is the tower, which offers panoramic views of the historic town and Cambridge University.

From the top of the tower, you’ll see Cambridge market square, Kings College and Trinity College. 

As you ascend the 123 very narrow stairs, you’ll pass the world-famous bells which have called the tower home since 1303.  

There are many small, intricate parts of the church for budding photographers to find, such as the gilded clock face with sunray hands and the oak roof from 1505. Great St Mary’s Church is one of the best places to visit in Cambridge.

6. Visit Fitzwilliam Museum

This museum of the University of Cambridge was founded in 1816. The museum is free to enter, so is great if you are looking for free things to do in Cambridge.

The galleries inside are filled with ancient artworks, antiques and and pieces of human history, showing off a collection of Cambridge culture and history. There is even drawings by Da Vinci, inspiring paintings by Rembrandt and a collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

The Fitzwilliam Museum ishome to a compilation of art and antiques, this museum began with a generous donation from Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, which included his entire art collection.

And while the contents of the museum are amazing, the building itself is impressive in its own right. The entrance hall was designed by Edward Middleton Barry and is worth a minute of marvelling.

You can take photos in the galleries as long as you’re not disturbing other visitors and the images are for personal use only.

And you’ll need to make sure your flash is off. The outside building is also quite an impressive structure to capture.

7. Check Out Cambridge Market Square

Since Saxon times this market has held outdoor stalls selling a number of charming products. The market square is one of the iconic landmarks in Cambridge.

Visit anytime between Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and browse at your own pace. You’ll find books, gifts, second-hand treasures, and food.

Sundays are when the market transforms into a fair of food, arts, and crafts, and you’ll find local farm produce from local farmers as well as resident artists, sculptors and potters’ work.

8. Observe The Mathematician Bridge

Standing strong since 1749, the Mathematician Bridge is somewhat of an optical illusion since it looks arched but is built from straight timbers.

You can see the bridge from a punting tour, or by purchasing an entrance ticket to Queens College. The Wooden bridge as it is officially known as, connects the old and new halves of the college over the River Cam.

And, since this is where the A. A. Milne’s son went to college, you’ll probably hear about the game Pooh Sticks – if you haven’t already. Apparently, the Mathematician Bridge is the best place to play the game, so this is a great time to learn.

For one of the most photographed scenes in Cambridge, you need to visit Queens College and take a walk to the Mathematical Bridge. If you only have 24 hour in Cambridge this bridge should be at the top of your bucket list.

9. Stop and See The Corpus Clock

If you are wondering what to visit in Cambridge? The Corpus Clock is a must see Cambridge attractions. This 1.5-metre wide timepiece or Corpus Clock has a face plated in gold and is a real work of art. The project involved more than 200 people and cost over a million pounds.

It’s no wonder the Corpus Clock was named one of the Time Magazine‘s best inventions of 2008.  

The clock has an image of a grasshopper sitting on top of it, this insect is known as the Chronophage which is Greek for “time eater”. You’ll find the clock on the corner of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street and it’s accessible to public viewing for free.

10. Visit The Bridge of Sighs

Do you have time for another special location? It is famous for being Queen Victoria’s most loved spot in the city. This bridge was named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice and is one of the main tourist attractions in the area.

It’s best viewed by renting a boat trip up the River Cam which will take you under the bridge where you can capture as many photos as you want.

Alternatively, you can pay to enter through St. John’s College and walk to it. It will be pretty busy year-round so you might have to wait a little to get the perfect shot and one of best the places to visit in Cambridge.

11. Explore the Botanic Gardens

Still wondering what to do in Cambridge for a day? Then visit the Botanical Garden. For landscape photographers, the botanical gardens are a green paradise. The park’s tree-lined walkways and lily-covered ponds are a true sight to behold.

This is a great space to wander through, breathing in the smell of the flowers and taking some time to rest on your day out in Cambridge. The garden has a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers, all set in a perfectly manicured park for your enjoyment.

The Botanical Gardens are a 15-minute walk from the city centre and there’s a cafe on the premises so you can enjoy coffee and cake as well.  

Spend some time discovering as many of the 8,000 plant and tree specimens in the garden as possible and take-home beautiful reminders.

And there’s a gift shop for those looking to take home a souvenir to remember your trip by. The gardens are set over 40 acres, and you’ll find a selection of greenhouses to explore as well.

12. Scott Polar Research Institute Museum

The Polar Museum is free to visit and you can discover all things Arctic and Antarctic at this niche museum that focuses on Cambridge University’s world-class polar research.

The Museum is part of the Scott Polar Research Institute, established in 1920 as part of the University of Cambridge with research covering the natural and social sciences and also houses the World’s premier Polar Library.

13. Magdalene Bridge

Named after Magdalene College, this cast-iron bridge has been in place since 1823 and was designed by architect Arthur Browne.

The bridge joins Magdalene Street and Bridge Street and standing on this structure allows for magnificent views on both sides.

Whether you’re taking pictures of the actual bridge or taking advantage of the viewpoint over the river and nearby pubs, colleges, and the crowds, there’s opportunity everywhere you look

14. Wander Through The Streets Of Cambridge

This is one of the best ways to see Cambridge, whether it’s on a Cambridge walking tour or simply a leisurely stroll. You’ll be able to discover local favourites, hidden gems, and well-known landmarks all in one go.

You can take a Cambridge map with you and tick off attractions in Cambridge as you go, or simply see where the road takes you. 

Stop in at pubs and shops along the way, find a quaint bookstore, and admire all of the prettiness as you go along.   Even the streets of Cambridge are stunning you will not be disappointed.

15. The Round Church (Church of the Holy Sepulchre)

Though it is called the ‘Round Church‘, this historic building is composed of several parts. The oldest – the round bit constructed in 1130 by the Fraternity of the Holy Sepulchre.

The design of the church is said to be inspired by the circular Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built by Constantine the Great, making this striking building a must-see place on this one day in Cambridge itinerary.

Inside of the church there is the Cambridge Story Exhibition which is a 12-panel journey through Roman times to present day Cambridge. The church also offers walking tours that looks at the big ideas that have shaped the university over the centuries.

16. Take A Cambridge Guided Tour

When you only have a day in Cambridge, things can seem rushed – or you may feel like you’re missing out on important parts of the city. So a guided tour can help you feel less stressed and make sure that you reach all the highlights. 

With a skilled guide, you won’t have to try and find your own way around and you’ll receive information, facts, and insights into the city’s fascinating history. There are even free guided walking tours that you can take if you’re on a tight budget.  

Things To See: Cambridge Photo Spots

One of the best reasons to visit Cambridge is to take a myriad of photos. The city boasts so many remarkable buildings, and the bridges over the River Cam are just as impressive.

So pack your favourite camera and head to one of these picture-perfect spots to snap a few shots on a one day trip to Cambridge.

📸 Magdalene Bridge

📸 Great St Mary’s Church

📸 Cambridge University Botanical Gardens

📸 The Cambridge Colleges

Best Day Trip To Cambridge Tours From London

If you’d prefer a day trip that’s completely planned out for you, those are available too.

These Cambridge day tour from London offer a full day out to explore, guided by a knowledgeable local who can show you all the ins and outs of the city.

📸 Full-Day Oxford And Cambridge From London

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this tour is going to call to you. It journeys from London to Oxford, and then finally on to Cambridge. In Oxford, there’s a walking tour of the city as well as a visit to Christ Church college which was a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. 

With this tour, the first half of the day in Oxford, exploring the place where Bill Clinton, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R Tolkien, and C.S Lewis were scholars.

Then on to Cambridge to climb the Church of St. Mary the Great and take in more stunning English city scenes. There’ll be some free time as well, so you can find a snack in a coffee shop or go punting on the River Cam, whatever takes your fancy. This is one of the best Cambridge tour from London.

⭐️ RATING: 4.1 out of 5 Stars (70+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |  🎟️ BOOK NOW

📸 Classic Cambridge Day Tour From London

This is the perfect balance of a guided tour and self-exploration. The journey is done on a luxury coach from London to Cambridge and back.

It’s a full day of discovery, including a guided walking tour of the university city and entrance to the St. Mary the Great Tower.

After the initial tour, there’s free time to explore whichever part of the city is most appealing. Whether that’s the colleges, the river, or simply wandering through the streets.

⭐️ RATING: 4.0 out of 5 Stars (10+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours |  🎟️ BOOK NOW

Where To Eat On A Cambridge Day Trip

When your tummy starts to rumble, it’s time to take a break from Cambridge sightseeing and stop off for a bite to eat. Thankfully, there is no shortage of good places to find coffee, food, pastries, and even a drink, so you’ll never be too far from sustenance. But if you’re looking for the absolute best, here are a few top suggestions.

🍽️ Fitzbillies

If you’re in search of something sweet and sticky, Fitzbillies is well known for their cinnamon buns and brunch. But they also do a range of other scrumptious baked goods and serve up breakfast and lunch. And, of course, a delicious cup of coffee is served alongside all meals and snacks.

🍽️ FoodPark

This is a college city, so student life is the energy throughout. Which is part of what makes FoodPark such a great place to chow down on some of the mouthwatering food available in Cambridge. This large space is rented to a variety of food vendors, for a big, tasty collection of street food.

🍽️ Orchard Tea Gardens

For that quintessential English afternoon tea experience, head to Orchid Tea Gardens. Take your tea here and share a similarity with historic figures such as Virginia Woolf, Ernest Rutherford, and Stephen Hawking, among others.

You must book at least 24 hours in advance, and tea is served between noon and 5:00 pm. After indulging in cakes and tea, you can take one of the garden walks to stretch your legs. 

🍽️ Pint Shop

This is a simple spot to enjoy a pint of beer and a meal, but it’s their scotch eggs that have people talking. But you can order from their full menu if you’re not a fan of scotch eggs, they also have curry, fish & chips, and more. Pair your meal with a gin, beer, or soft drink and you’ve got a winning lunch or dinner.

🍽️ The Eagle Pub

This pub has been in the city for centuries and was the chosen watering hole for many of Cambridge’s masterminds, including Francis Crick and James Watson. It’s a great place to enjoy a quick drink before you head back to London, and perhaps hear stories of past patrons.

Best Time to Visit Cambridge On A Day Trip

The best time to visit Cambridge is year round, yes Cambridge is great to visit in autumn, winter, and summer. 

However if you want to make the most out of your visit to Cambridge, I think the best time to visit Cambridge is in summer. When the days are longer and warmer and you can do walking tours and go punting without freezing. Also a lot of the Cambridge attractions that you’ll want to visit will stay open later in the evenings during summer.

How To Get Around Cambridge On A Day Trip

Cambridge is walkable city that is easy to explore it on foot. However, the main ways of getting around Cambridge if you are tight on time or tired of walking:

• Cycling: Cambridge is a bike-friendly city, and you’ll see a lot locals and students getting around on their bikes. You’ll find bike rental shops all over the city, and the roads are equipped with great cycle paths and bike lanes.
• Bus: Cambridge has a pretty good bus network, with regular services covering the city. The buses accepts cash and contactless payments.

Best Things To Do In Cambridge UK | One Day In Cambridge

There you have it, one full Cambridge day trip itinerary packed with history, culture, food, and discovery.

As well as opportunities for your photography portfolio or Instagram feed. Cambridge offers a day full of intellectual wonder, and amazing views wherever you go.

This city works well as a solo trip destination, but can also be extremely romantic for a couple of travellers. And if you have older kids, a family journey out to Cambridge and its famous colleges, is sure to be eye-opening.

Whatever your travel plans are, this list should help build a foundation for the ultimate London to Cambridge day trip, and you can always plan a return trip if you happen to miss a few of the attractions.

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