Cambridge: Take a punt to UNLONDON
Arrive at the railway station in Cambridge and realise you’re at possibly the most famous historic university city in the world… and you’re here not to study or work, you get enough of that in the capital, but to have fun!
Where is Cambridge in England
Cambridge is in Cambridgeshire in the East of England, 60 miles north of London. London to Cambridge by train is easy - you can travel to Cambridge from London by train in less than 90 minutes with Greater Anglia.
What makes Cambridge special
Cambridge in the East of England is a delight to visit in any season. Elegant but compact, the city boasts spectacular architecture in the shape of colleges, chapels, churches and courtyards, combined with large green spaces and parks such as Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, with the River Cam winding through its heart.
Culture abounds in the shape of museums, galleries, theatres, art centres and festivals, with programmes to stimulate, inspire and entertain. And for shopping there’s a rich choice of quality independent shops, friendly markets with local produce and chic.
Things to do in Cambridge
Marvel at ancient Egyptian relics along with Old Masters by artists such as Canaletto, Titian and Cezanne in the Fitzwilliam Museum, take a look at the original specimens that Darwin collected on his famous trip on The Beagle in The Museum of Zoology, learn more about the city at the Museum of Cambridge, learn about the transition from steam to internal combustion to electricity in the Cambridge Museum of Technology.
World-changing discoveries in Cambridge
This is a city where you will find history and culture in abundance throughout its university colleges and buildings. It’s a city where world-changing discoveries have been made. The Eagle pub, with its airmen’s bar, is the place where Francis Crick interrupted patrons' lunchtime on 28 February 1953 to announce that he and James Watson had ‘discovered the secret of life’ after they had come up with their proposal for the structure of DNA.
Kettle’s Yard is the University of Cambridge’s modern and contemporary art gallery.
Enjoy a guided walking tour around its historic core including a visit to Kings College Chapel, founded by King Henry VI.
A little outside the city discover the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and Cambridge County Polo Club.
Take a relaxing river journey in Cambridge
The unmissable UNLONDON experience is, of course, to get afloat on the River Cam with a punt. You can take one out on your own or enjoy a chauffeured tour with Rutherford’s Punting. There’s nothing more relaxing than a slow journey by the picturesque College Backs.
Or for an exclusive, designed for complete beginners, promising the ultimate ‘Cambridge’ event is the Cambridge Rowing Experience.
Where to stay in Cambridge
There are some lovely city centre hotels including University Arms, Fitzwilliam College, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and Hilton Cambridge.
What are you waiting for? Take a punt on the ultimate UNLONDON break.
Getting to Cambridge by train from London
You can get to Cambridge by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
Book train ticket to Cambridge
FAQs about staycations in Cambridge
You can travel to Cambridge from London by train in less than 90 minutes with Greater Anglia.
Yes, Cambridge is very walkable. It has a small city centre that’s a joy to walk. Take a tour and discover all the main landmarks, not least The Backs behind the Colleges on the river Cam.
You can’t go to Cambridge without going on a punt, either on your own steam or with a chauffeur.
Culture and history are everywhere in Cambridge. This is, after all, the third oldest university in continuous use in the world, dating back to 1209.
Photography courtesy of Visit East of England