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Cambridge itineraries

Cambridge Itineraries

Half a day or a full weekend. Here are the best ways to spend your time in Cambridge, planned step by step.

Whether you have a few hours or a full weekend to explore, these itineraries give you a local’s route through Cambridge. Each one links directly to the restaurants and activities along the way.

Cambridge in Half a Day·half-dayA Full Day in Cambridge: Colleges, Museums and the River·full-day

Cambridge in Half a Day

half-dayYear-round

The essential circuit for anyone off a morning train from London: King's College Chapel, a walk through the historic centre to the Market Square, and a punt trip past the Backs to finish. Everything is on foot from the centre; allow 20 to 25 minutes to walk from the station in, or take a bus or taxi.

Day trippersFirst time visitorsRail travellers
  1. 1
    10:00·1 hour

    King's College Chapel

    Book online in advance. Take in the fan-vaulted ceiling and the Rubens altarpiece before the midday queues build.

    View King's College Chapel
  2. 2
    11:15·30 minutes

    King's Parade to the Market Square

    Walk past Great St Mary's Church and Corpus Christi's Corpus Clock to the Market Square, still trading as it has for centuries.

  3. 3
    12:00·45 minutes

    Lunch at Aromi

    Sicilian pizza by the slice or a full sit-down lunch, a few steps from the Market Square on Bene't Street.

    View Aromi
  4. 4
    13:00·45 minutes

    Punting on the Cam

    A chauffeured tour from Scudamore's Mill Lane station past the Backs: King's, Clare, Trinity and St John's from the water.

    View Punting on the Cam (Scudamore's)
  5. 5
    14:00·45 minutes

    The Backs on foot

    Walk back along Queen's Road for the same view from land, finishing near the Bridge of Sighs at St John's.

    View The Backs

A Full Day in Cambridge: Colleges, Museums and the River

full-dayYear-round

The complete Cambridge argument in one day: the chapel and the river in the morning, the free museums at midday, and the pubs and Grantchester riverside in the afternoon and evening. Comfortable shoes and, in summer, an advance punt booking are the only prerequisites.

CouplesMuseum loversFood lovers
  1. 1
    09:30·1 hour

    King's College Chapel, before the crowds

    Do the chapel early, then take in the view from King's Parade before the day-trip coaches arrive.

    View King's College Chapel
  2. 2
    10:45·1.5 hours

    The Fitzwilliam Museum

    Free entry to the Egyptian, classical and fine art collections on Trumpington Street, an easy walk from King's Parade.

    View The Fitzwilliam Museum
  3. 3
    12:30·45 minutes

    Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies

    A few doors from the Fitzwilliam on Trumpington Street; walk-in, expect a short queue at peak times.

    View Fitzbillies
  4. 4
    13:30·2 hours

    Punting to Grantchester

    A self-hire or chauffeured punt from the Quayside station upstream towards Grantchester Meadows, or walk the same route on foot along the riverside path.

    View Punting on the Cam (Scudamore's)
  5. 5
    16:00·1 hour

    Kettle's Yard

    Back in the city, the quietly extraordinary Ede house near Magdalene Bridge, one of the best small museums in Britain and usually uncrowded.

    View Kettle's Yard
  6. 6
    18:30·2 hours

    Dinner: The Anchor, or Midsummer House for the occasion

    The Anchor's riverside terrace by the Mathematical Bridge suits the end of a day on foot and water; book Midsummer House months ahead instead if this is the celebration night.

    View The Anchor

Ready to plan your visit?

Check the weather forecast before you head out.

Planning Tips & Packing GuideGetting to Cambridge