Day trip from London
Cambridge
Colleges, cobbled streets and the River Cam
Approximately 1 hour by train
Why visit
Cambridge is England at its most picturesque: medieval colleges arranged along a gentle river, weeping willows over the water and students cycling across cobbled courts. King's College Chapel is one of the greatest buildings in the country, and a punt along The Backs — gliding past the colleges from the water — is one of the most memorable hours you can spend anywhere in England.
Top things to see
- King's College and its chapel — the fan-vaulted ceiling is breathtaking
- Punting on the River Cam past The Backs
- Trinity College and its Wren-designed library
- The Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College
- Fitzwilliam Museum — world-class art and antiquities, free entry
- The Round Church — one of only four medieval round churches in England
Suggested one-day plan
Walk from the station into the centre (about 20 minutes) and start at King's College — tour the chapel before the crowds build, then wander Trinity and St John's.
Lunch around the market square or on King's Parade, then pick up a punt from the Mill Lane or Quayside stations.
Punt along The Backs for the classic college views (chauffeured or self-hire), then visit the Fitzwilliam Museum or climb Great St Mary's tower for a panorama.
Tea and cake at Fitzbillies — famous for its Chelsea buns — before the train back to London.
Trains run from London King's Cross to Cambridge in around 50–80 minutes, and from London Liverpool Street in around 1 hour 20 minutes. The station is a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the city centre.
A full day (7–9 hours), with punting as the centrepiece — on a sunny afternoon it is the highlight of the trip.
- King's College Chapel has limited visitor hours and closes for services and events — check times and book ahead in peak season.
- Chauffeured punts cost more but include entertaining commentary; self-hire is cheaper and great fun if you're confident.
- Colleges may close to visitors during exams (May–June) and graduation days.
- Cambridge station is outside the centre — factor the walk or bus into your timings.