Cambridge is one destination that has plenty to do and see. Unlike other cities, including its arch-rival Oxford, Cambridge’s petite nature means it can be explored easily on foot and thoroughly digested at your own pace. Many of its attractions also make ideal day trips, the best of which we’re going to explore right here.
1. Cambridge University Botanic Garden
With 40 acres and more than 8,000 plant species to explore plus stunning scenes to behold all year round, Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a must-see for those visiting the city as well as a fun, family-friendly day out.
If you’re planning to visit at the weekend, you can take advantage of their free drop-in tours led by the garden’s expert guides.
2. Ely Cathedral
Based just a stone’s throw away from Cambridge, you’ll find Ely and of course the famous Ely Cathedral. The cathedral itself is known as ‘one of the wonders of the Medieval world’ and makes a great day out.
In addition to admiring this majestic architectural highlight, you’ll want to climb its Octagon Tower to take in some truly magnificent views – if you can brave its 170 steps that is! You can book a private tour to learn more about its fascinating history and enjoy afternoon tea in its 14th-century undercroft to experience dining with a difference.
Ely Cathedral is also home to the Stained Glass Museum, which showcases exhibits from as early as the 13th century.
3. Kettle’s Yard
If you prefer modern and contemporary works, an afternoon at Kettle’s Yard should be on your Cambridge bucket list. Housed inside this beautiful property is a fantastic collection of pieces, ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and ceramics.
It’s free to visit and the gallery runs a selection of activities, events and exhibits all year round so there’s always something new to experience.
4. Newmarket
With just a few dates left on this year’s horse racing calendar, now’s the time to visit one of the country’s most famous racecourses, Newmarket.
Outside of the racing fixtures, you can enjoy a fantastic, memorable day out that delves deeper into the course’s 350-year history.
Their official tours offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes, with visitors able to explore the trainer’s yard, famous gallops, National Stud, National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art, and the private and very exclusive Jockey Club Rooms as well as the course itself.
Here at Citystay, we’ve partnered up with The Jockey Club at Newmarket to bring you a myriad of incredible hospitality packages. Click here for further details.
5. IWM Duxford
Take to the skies with your next Cambridge day out by visiting IWM Duxford, based just 15 minutes away from Cambridge.
Here you’ll marvel at an impressive exhibit featuring the famous B-52, the iconic Concorde, the world-first Avro Vulcan Bomber, and Second World War classics, such as the Spitfire, Lancaster and Tiger Moth.
6. The Fitzwilliam Museum
Home to some half a million artefacts from all over the globe, you may need more than a day to explore every exhibit at The Fitzwilliam Museum. It’s free to visit but please do book a ticket to avoid disappointment, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions.
If you can’t get a ticket for Fitzwilliam, there are tons more museums to discover in Cambridge as Culture Trip describes:
“Cambridge has a long list of wonderful museums to inspire the curious mind. From the Fitzwilliam with its fine collection of art, to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences which is home to around two million minerals, fossils and rocks, to the Duxford Imperial War Museum a short journey outside the city, there are more than enough rainy afternoon exhibits to spark your interest.”
7. The Raptor Foundation
With an aim to inspire the very next generation of scientists, keepers and conservationists, The Raptor Foundation in nearby Woodhurst is an interesting, authentic experience for people of all ages as well as an opportunity to come face-to-face with the UK’s wildest inhabitants.
The Foundation is first and foremost a rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured birds of prey. Before returning them to the wild, however, you get the chance to learn more about them and the important work that the Raptor team does.
With so many great days out to enjoy, it’d be a shame not to make a weekend, or even a week, of it! Book your Cambridge staycation today.