Cambridge is a truly photogenic city – from incredible Gothic architecture, beautiful churches and quaint streets to exquisite gardens and riverside views – there is something for everyone! Whether you’re looking to capture the famous University buildings or snap a few artistic shots for Instagram – you won’t be disappointed.
We have compiled a list of our favourite places that we think are perfect for taking beautiful, unique photographs whilst you are in Cambridge.
Take a look below and download the map to start your photographic tour! Don’t forget to tag us in your shots on Instagram @cantabtours!
Start your journey at Downing College. One of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge, Downing College was founded in 1800 by Sir George Downing. The College is in the heart of Cambridge and set in 20 acres of stunning grounds. Often described as ‘the oldest of the new colleges and the newest of the old’, Downing College is renowned for the study of Law and Medicine.
Most of the building is built in Ketton stone. This gives the College a beautiful colour, especially on sunny days, that make it a perfect background for any photograph!
Whether its a panoramic shot of the stunning building or simply the backdrop to a portrait photo, Downing College is a great start to your photographic tour of Cambridge.
When you’re finished at Downing College, wander west towards Trumpington Street.
Trumpington Street offers so many options for photographers! As a major historic street in central Cambridge, it is packed with notable buildings and great angles for taking a stunning shot.
At the south end you will find the Fitzwilliam Museum with its striking facade. And, as you make your way along the street you will see several University of Cambridge colleges including St Catharine’s, Corpus Christi and Pembroke. At the northern end you will find the fascinating Corpus Clock as the road continues into King’s Parade.
Take your pick of shots, from individual buildings to wide angles, as you continue your walk through this beautiful city and captivating street.
From Trumpington Street head along Silver Street towards the River Cam and you will get a fantastic view of the Mathematical Bridge. One of Cambridge’s icon sights and a perfect spot to get your camera out!
Officially called simply the Wooden Bridge, the bridge is part of Queens’ College, and is known as the Mathematical Bridge due to its sophisticated engineering design – it appears to be an arch although it is composed entirely of straight timbers.
The bridge itself combined with the river setting and traditional buildings of Queens’ College make an ideal setting for a photo. Capture a passing punt to bring your shot to life.
Head back across Trumpington Street towards the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences to find our next photo stop recommendation.
Outside the entrance to the museum you will find a half-life-sized metal sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus Rex known as Clare the T-Rex!
The welded sheet metal skeleton was commissioned as the centrepiece for the Clare College May Ball in 2014 and has since had a permanent home outside the museum.
Standing over 2 metres tall and 6 metres long, the statue offers a unique place for an interesting photograph of your time in Cambridge.
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is well-worth a look and free to enter if you have time to take a look. Book (free) tickets here.
After the Sedgwick Museum stroll north towards Christ’s College and our next photo spot.
One of the University of Cambridge’s most famous alumni is Charles Darwin. The author of The Origin of the Species studied at Christ’s College between 1827 and 1836 before embarking on his journey of discovery on HMS Beagle. In 2009 Christ’s College created a garden to mark his incredible life and here you will find a bronze scuplture of Darwin crafted by Anthony Smith.
Positioned on a bench, the statue offers a great place for a selfie, or perhaps a more artistic shot and looks glorious when the sun is out. Take a stroll around the grounds whilst you’re here. They are open for most of the year – check the college website here for details.
For the sixth stop on our tour, head north from Christ’s College to Magdalene Street and the River Cam where you will find Quayside.
About as quintessentially ‘Cambridge’ as its possible to be – at Quayside you will find punts, bicycles and riverside views of the River Cam.
Take your choice from shots of bustling crowds of students and tourists, rows of punts or the picturesque Magdalene College. Or simply take some photos of them all! Full of character you’re guaranteed a great view and Instagram worthy snaps too!
When you’ve had your fill of Quayside we’d recommend a visit to St John’s College and the stunning Bridge of Sighs.
The bridge, one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in Cambridge, was built nearly 200 years ago in the Victorian Gothic style and is named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. It is the only covered bridge across the River Cam.
The best views of the bridge (apart from from the river itself) are from the second bridge in St John’s College, Wren Bridge (also known as ‘Kitchen Bridge’).
Find out about visiting St John’s College here, or alternatively if you’d like to book a punt take a look at our Rutherford’s Punting page to book a tour.
Arguably the most iconic sight in Cambridge – no photographic tour would be complete without a shot (or two!) of King’s College!
Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, the building is regarded as one of the greatest examples of late Gothic English Architecture, and creates a dramatic image from any angle and in any light.
If you have a little more time you can explore the famous ‘Backs’ or even visit the Chapel to see inside this fascinating building with features such as the world’s largest van vaulted ceiling and beautiful 16th century stained glass windows.
If you’d like a tour of the college whilst your there, have a look at our King’s College Guided Tours page to find out what we can offer.
Cambridge really does offer so many opportunities for a great photo – take a look at some of other favourite options below.
And don’t forget to tag us in your pictures on Instagram @cantabtours. We’d love to see your favourite shots, and any suggestions for the best places for a photo in Cambridge are very welcome!
Enjoy!
Join one of our knowledgeable and engaging guides for our famous Cambridge Highlights Tour to take in the iconic must-see sights in a 90-minute walking tour of Cambridge. Tours run every day.
