#8 Things to See Cambridge:
There are so many things to see in Cambridge – the city is jam-packed full of historical landmarks and famous sights. Not to mention beautiful gardens and the iconic River Cam. If you are only in the city for a short time it can be a little overwhelming when deciding what to see. Cantab Tours are here to help! We have put together our top picks for the ‘must-see’ Cambridge sights. Have a read and start planning your trip today!
Market traders have been selling goods in Cambridge Market Square since the middle ages and this historic market square makes our list of 8 things to see in Cambridge at number #8.
The delightful square hosts a bustling market everyday with a wide range of stalls selling everything from street food to jewellery, and Cambridge University clothing and souvenirs.
On Sundays the market square also hosts a flourishing local food, art and craft market. Vendors sell organic produce from local farmers and work from some of the region’s most talented artists, craftsmen, potters, sculptors and photographers.
A great way to see some of the local Cambridge produce.
Cambridge Market Square, Market Hill, Cambridge, CB1 0SS
Cambridge is home to several fascinating museums but we have gone for the Fitzwilliam Museum to be a part of our top things to see in Cambridge.
The Fitzwilliam Museum houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million beautiful works of art, masterpiece paintings and historical artefacts from all over the globe.
Explore the halls of the museum and learn about world history from as far back as 2500 BC to the present day, and see famous works by Rubens, Constable, Monet and Picasso .
Visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum is free but you do need to book your visit in advance.
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB
Cambridge University Botanic Garden holds a collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world to facilitate teaching and research.
The Garden has also provided a beautiful place for everybody to enjoy and benefit from – a series of wonderful landscapes through which to discover the drama of plant diversity and we highly recommend a visit whilst you are in Cambridge.
There are many different sections to explore – from tropical glasshouses to British wild flowers. Take a stroll through the Scented Garden or try not to get lost in the Grass Maze, or simply relax by the beautiful fountain.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE
At number #5 on our list of 8 things to see in Cambridge is Great St Mary’s Church. The University Church since 1209, St Mary’s is a spiritual home for the University and the city of Cambridge.
The beautiful medieval building is open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays – climb the world-famous tower for the best view in Cambridge! The 123 steps are worth it for the panoramic views across the city. There is also a gift shop and an award-winning café onsite.
Entry to the building is free but you have to buy a ticket to climb the tower. Tickets can be bought from the church gift shop.
Great St Mary’s Church, Senate House Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3PQ
Queens’ College is one of the oldest colleges of Cambridge University, founded in 1448, and has some of the most iconic and recognisable buildings in Cambridge.
The college has a beautiful riverside setting with the famous Mathematical Bridge – built entirely with straight timbers but maintains an arch shape – spanning the River Cam. The two sides of the colleg are colloquially referred to as the “light side” and the “dark side”.
The medieval college has continued to evolve throughout its six centuries and is well-worth a visit.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic Queens’ College is not currently open to visitors.
Queens’ College, Cambridge, CB3 9ET
No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting experience on the River Cam! See some of Cambridge’s finest buildings as you sit back and enjoy the world-famous views from the calm waters of the historic Cam. A punting tour along the College Backs will take in the University colleges as well as beautiful gardens and famous landmarks including the Bridge of Sighs and the Wren Library.
There are several punting companies that offer a range of regular chauffeured punting tours which run throughout the year. There are options to suit all budgets – choose from shared punting through to your own private punt with a bottle of Champagne or an indulgent Afternoon Tea!
Cantab Tours would recommend Rutherford’s Punting Cambridge.
At number #2 on our list is St John’s College. Another stunning medieval college, St John’s was founded by the Tudor matriarch Lady Margaret Beaufort in 1511 and is one of the largest Colleges in Cambridge.
St John’s also enjoys a riverside setting and is home to the Bridge of Sighs – a covered bridge between the college’s Third Court and New Court – built in 1831 that is said to have been a favourite spot of Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic St John’s College is not currently open to visitors.
St John’s College, Cambridge CB2 1TP
Our number #1 place to see in Cambridge has to be King’s College! Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, King’s College is arguably the most famous sight in Cambridge. Situated beside the River Cam it faces out onto King’s Parade in the city centre.
King’s College Chapel is regarded as one of the greatest examples of late Gothic English architecture. It has the world’s largest fan vault, and the chapel’s stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered some of the finest from their era.
King’s College is seen as an emblem of Cambridge and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic King’s College is not currently open to visitors.
King’s College, Cambridge, CB2 1ST
Inspired by our list? Our Cambridge Highlights Tour takes in the must-see sights of Cambridge in the company of a qualified Blue or Green Badge guide to inspire you with the fascinating stories of people who changed the world! Tours leave every day at 11am.
Come and learn all about the extraordinary history of Cambridge University on a walking tour with Cantab Tours! The BEST way to see Cambridge!
See all the city-centre’s must-see sights, hear the fascinating stories of people who changed the world and be entertained on a tour with one of our fully qualified and engaging tour guides.
Come and learn all about the extraordinary history of Cambridge University on a walking tour with Cantab Tours!
The BEST way to see Cambridge!
