Is Cambridge worth visiting in 2025? A Local’s Guide

Cambridge, steeped in history, stands out for its magnificent architecture, prestigious university, and peaceful riverside scenery. Having lived and worked in Cambridge for over 30 years, I’ve pretty much walked every corner and experienced all the delights the city has to offer, several times over. 

I’m always on the lookout for the best things to do that make a visit extra special, and I can gladly say that, yes, Cambridge is worth visiting.

As a long-term resident with deep local knowledge, I’ve discovered Cambridge’s best-kept secrets, from its quirky museums to its best colleges.

A visit to Cambridge offers a perfect mix of old-fashioned charm and cultural activities. You can be punting along the River Cam one minute then strolling through picturesque colleges the next.  Or just enjoy walking in one of the many green spaces.  Whatever you choose to do, a trip to Cambridge promises to be one to remember.

With my first hand experience and insight, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Cambridge.  Let’s get right to the heart of this classic destination.

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In a hurry? Is Cambridge worth visiting?

Yes.  Cambridge is absolutely worth visiting.  It’s a small city but it’s big on history, museums, gorgeous streets and architecture.  It’s also bursting with bars, independent bookshops and delicious restaurants.  This all makes Cambridge an ideal destination for a day trip.

10 reasons to visit Cambridge, England

For a small place, Cambridge is full of things to do.  Here are the top ten reasons for visiting Cambridge.

1. Punting on the River Cam

Who doesn’t love gliding down a river, watching the world go by?  In Cambridge you absolutely must go punting.  It’s the iconic activity to try on a visit to the city.  I’ve done it loads of times and I never get bored of it.  Float along past the colleges and revel in the scholarly atmosphere. 

Pro Tip: book a shared tour or opt for self-hire to get the cheapest punting deal.

2. Historic architecture of picturesque colleges

Cambridge is packed with pretty streets and impressive architecture.  There are 31 colleges and whilst I don’t suggest you visit them all, spend some time strolling around at least a few. 

My favourites are:

• Peterhouse, as it’s the oldest.
• Christ’s, for the Darwin statue.
• Downing for the open spaces.
•  Kings College because it’s simply iconic.

Sometimes I have to remind myself how lucky I am to live and work in a place so blooming gorgeous.  I’ve got more info in my guide to the best photo spots in Cambridge.

3. Walk in the steps of famous alumni

When you visit Cambridge, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of history and intellect it holds. Everywhere you go you’ll be walking in the steps of the countless brilliant minds that once called the city home.

As you tread through the cobbled streets and colleges, imagine Stephen Hawking pondering the mysteries of the universe.  Or picture Stephen Fry, with his characteristic wit, honing his craft in the heart of this academic powerhouse.

Feel inspired by the legacy of ingenuity and creativity that over 120 Nobel Prize winners have left in Cambridge.

4. Award winning restaurants

All that academic brilliance is all very well but where can I get some good food I hear you ask?  That’s yet another thing that makes Cambridge worth visiting.  There are several award winning and internationally recognised restaurants in town.

My favourite of the bunch is lovely Fancetts.  It’s a seemingly unassuming bistro, tucked away behind a deep green facade on Mill Road.  The food here is a set menu, with lunch and dinner options. 

The lunch menu offers very good value for food so good it’s been recommended in the prestigious Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide in 2024.  Book ahead, a place this good gets booked up very far in advance.

Other restaurants of note include:

Midsummer House – two Michelin stars, fine dining at fine dining prices.

Restaurant 22 – a modern British tasting menu, set in a Victorian house on the River Cam.

5. Green spaces galore

Part of Cambridge’s appeal is the amount of greenery right in the heart of the city, providing retreats just steps away from the busy streets.

Start your exploration with the quintessentially English landscape of the ‘Backs’.  You’ll find manicured lawns along the River Cam with stunning views of the grand college buildings, including King’s College Chapel.

Just a short walk away, Jesus Green is where us locals go for summer BBQs and autumn walks along its tree-lined avenues.

Pro Tip: take a dip in the historic Olympic sized Jesus Green outdoor lido during the summer season.

There’s also Christ’s Pieces, Parker’s Piece, the birthplace of modern football rules, Midsummer Common, Grantchester Meadows, Stourbridge Common and the Botanical Garden to explore.

6. Quirky Cambridge museums

With all this academic brilliance about the place you’d expect there to be a museum or two in Cambridge and you won’t be disappointed.  There’s the big hitter of the Fitzwilliam Museum but there are also many small museums that are ideal if you want to see something quirky.

My favourite museum in Cambridge is the hidden gem of the Polar Museum.  It’s dedicated to the exploration of Earth’s most extreme environments, the Arctic and Antarctic.

Here, you can immerse yourself in the tales of brave explorers, marvel at artefacts from daring expeditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of the polar regions. It’s a place that inspires awe and a sense of adventure, making it a must-visit for anyone with a love for the unknown.

Other fabulous small musuems include:

The Centre for Computing History – a paradise for tech lovers, with hands on exhibits and old school games to play.

Cambridge Museum of Technology – a museum that manages to make the history of how sewage got around the town sound interesting.  A real hidden gem.

David Parr House – step into a house captured in time.  A must visit for anyone interested in the Arts and Crafts movement or social history.

7. Easily walkable

One of the benefits of visiting Cambridge is how effortlessly walkable the city is. It has a compact layout with pedestrian-friendly streets.  Getting around by foot is easy and enjoyable.

Most of the main sights are just a short walk away.  But walking isn’t the only way to explore Cambridge like a local. The city is also famous for its cycling culture, with bicycles being the preferred mode of transport for both students and residents, myself included.

On a visit to Cambridge you’ll notice the never-ending flow of cyclists zipping by, giving the city a lively, dynamic feel. The flat terrain and network of cycle lanes make it an ideal place to hop on a bike yourself.

When it comes to dining in Cambridge, Mill Road is the place to be. While there  are plenty of places to eat in Cambridge, this lively street stands out for its diverse international cuisine.

From the rich spices of Indian curries to the delicious flavours of Jordan, North Africa, and Spain, Mill Road lets you take a culinary trip around the world, all in one place.

I love this street, it’s got such a unique, alternative vibe. It’s not just about the food, the street is filled with quirky second-hand shops, cozy cafes, and cool record stores. It’s one of my favourite spots in Cambridge.

9. Easy to visit from London

Cambridge is so easy to reach from London, it makes it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.  

There are frequent trains from London King’s Cross that will have you in Cambridge in 50 minutes.  The convenience and speed of the journey from London make Cambridge a perfect stress-free escape from the capital.

I regularly use the Cambridge to London train and find it so convenient.  As well as the fast trains from King’s Cross, there are cheaper and slower trains that leave from Liverpool Street and St Pancras.  Tickets can cost as little as £16 return, if bought in advance.

If you’re looking for ideas for the best things to do in London, check out my London 2-day itinerary.

Pro Tip: if you regularly travel with the same person, get a Two Together Railcard and save a third on train tickets when you travel together in the UK.

10. Make like you’re in Harry Potter

For Harry Potter fans, Cambridge is a magical place where you can easily imagine yourself at Hogwarts. The ancient colleges, with their grand courtyards and historic dining halls, feel like something straight out of the books and films.

To make your visit even more magical, don’t miss The Department of Magical Gifts on Rose Crescent. This independent shop is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans, offering everything from wands to scarves, making it feel like you’ve just stepped into Diagon Alley.

Best time to visit Cambridge, United Kingdom

Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK to visit at any time of year.

Spring in Cambridge is my favourite time, as the sun starts to shine, showing off the historic buildings in their best light.  Bluebells blossom along the river and the city’s garden burst into life. It’s a wonderful time to explore the green spaces, stroll through the historic colleges, and enjoy the fresh air.

Winter in Cambridge has a magical, cozy feel. The city is quieter than in the summer, giving you more space to experience its beauty. You can still enjoy a scenic punt along the River Cam under a blanket. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate from specialists Knoops, on Green Street. 

While summer brings gorgeous weather and a perfect time for stretching out in the parks or punting, it’s also peak tourist season, so expect a busy atmosphere.

How to get to Cambridge

You can reach Cambridge by train from London, as well as from many other cities in the UK.  London to Cambridge trains take from 50 minutes, so it’s an easy place to get to.

Once you arrive at the train station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the city centre.  Stop at and visit the Cambridge University Botanic Garden on the way.  Or take one of the frequent buses, from opposite the station, into town. 

How many days do you need in Cambridge?

Due to its small size, you can see a lot of Cambridge in just one day.  However, there are so many museums, historic colleges, shopping streets and other attractions that I recommend a long weekend to really see the best of Cambridge.