Discover the beauty of Cambridge from a unique vantage point with a traditional Punting Tour on the River Cam. Your expert guide will propel you along the water using a long pole, passing iconic Cambridge University college buildings, bridges, and gardens. Learn fascinating historical facts and stories about the university and the city, all while enjoying the peaceful flow of the river. You'll glide past sights such as the Bridge of Sighs, the King's College Chapel, and the Mathematical Bridge. Usually lasting around 45 minutes to an hour, this quintessential Cambridge experience is perfect for first-time visitors and history buffs alike.
Walk through the cobbled streets and quaint alleyways of Cambridge on a guided Historic Walking Tour, learning about the city's rich heritage. This tour gives you insights into the University of Cambridge's profound history, its famous colleges, and notable alumni. Immerse yourself in stories of famous scholars, such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, who walked these paths before you. The walking tour typically spans 1.5 to 2 hours and often includes entrance to at least one of the historic colleges. It's a fabulous way to appreciate the architecture, culture, and ambiance of this storied university city.
Explore the Fitzwilliam Museum, one of Cambridge's most famous cultural attractions. With a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the globe, encompassing centuries of civilization, the museum's exhibits range from Egyptian sarcophagi to masterpieces by renowned artists such as Titian, Rubens, and Van Gogh. Visitors can easily spend a couple of hours marveling at the artifacts and artworks. The museum also offers free entry, though donations are welcomed, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy world-class art on a budget.
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a 40-acre oasis, featuring a collection of over 8,000 plant species from around the world. It's designed to support research and learning while also being a tranquil space for visitors to enjoy. Spend a few hours wandering through the gardens, which are divided into different areas representing various climates and habitats. Highlights include the Glasshouse Range, the Winter Garden, and the Scented Garden. Throughout the year, the garden hosts different exhibits and educational events. It's not only a haven for plant lovers but for anyone seeking a natural escape in the city.
Kettle's Yard is a beautiful art gallery and house in Cambridge, offering a seamless blend of art, architecture, and domesticity. Once the private home of art collector and curator Jim Ede, the house has been preserved just as it was when the Edes lived there, with works by artists like Ben Nicholson, Joan Miró, and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska casually placed around the residence. The newly built modern gallery space hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Spending an hour or two here is a unique opportunity to see a personal collection in an intimate setting and explore thought-provoking modern art in the spacious galleries.
Experience the angelic voices of the celebrated King's College Chapel Choir with a concert in their extraordinary chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic English architecture. The chapel is known for its breathtaking fan-vaulted ceiling, impressive stained-glass windows, and the Adoration of the Magi by Rubens. The choir, comprised of King's College students and choristers from the King's College School, performs evensong and other services, which are open to the public. Concert durations vary but typically last around an hour. Check the college's schedule for special services or holiday concerts, such as their famous Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
Cambridge's Festival of Ideas and Science Festival are annual events that each span two weeks, inviting the public to engage with a wide range of topics through talks, workshops, exhibitions, and performances. The Festival of Ideas focuses on arts, humanities, and social sciences, while the Science Festival is all about the latest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Both festivals offer activities for all ages, making them intellectually enriching for families, students, and professionals alike. Event durations vary, with some lasting an hour and others taking up an entire afternoon or evening.
As one of the University of Cambridge's oldest museums, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences holds an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, and rocks. The museum takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing millions of years of earth's history. You will come across impressive dinosaur skeletons, a vast array of ancient life stored in the rocks, and tools that have allowed geologists to read these stories. It's an educational and interesting experience for families, students, and anyone interested in the natural world. Visitors typically spend one to two hours immersed in the wonders of the Earth's past.
For a unique sensory experience, The Cambridge Gin Laboratory offers a chance to learn about the craft of gin making, with a focus on the history and science behind it. You can enjoy a tasting session, where you'll explore various botanicals and flavor profiles, or even participate in a masterclass to blend your own gin. The duration of the activities ranges from a one-hour tasting session to more extended workshops. Though the prices vary depending on the chosen experience, this engaging activity is perfect for gin enthusiasts or anyone interested in Cambridge's innovative spirit.
Test your problem-solving skills and enjoy a thrilling group activity by participating in one of Cambridge's escape room challenges. These rooms offer a variety of themed experiences, from solving a murder mystery to escaping from a science laboratory gone awry. You'll work as a team to find clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish your mission within a set time, typically 60 minutes. Escape rooms provide an exciting and mentally stimulating way to spend an hour, and they are a fun option for families, friends, and corporate teams seeking an interactive experience.
