Cambridge, England, is well known for its prestigious educational institutions, beautiful parks, fascinating museums, and lively theater scene. It's a fun, inexpensive place to live because of the city's large student population. The university is the center of life, as it is in Oxford, but the city also offers plenty of other attractions. I like the laid-back atmosphere (only around 125,000 people here, compared to over 10 million in London!) and had the pleasure of visiting the museums and strolling through the gardens.
Other Attractions & Activities In Cambridge
Go On A Free Walking Tour
Cambridge is a beautiful area to spend a few hours strolling about and taking in the sights of the parks, river, as well as ancient buildings. I always begin my exploration of a new city by signing up for a free walking tour to gain my bearings and see the major attractions. The most extraordinary free walking tour in town can be found with Footprints Walking Tours. It's a couple of hours long but covers everything necessary. The last step is to tip your guide.
Go To The Cambridge University Botanical Garden
The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place to spend a peaceful day. Charles Darwin's tutor, John Stevens Henslow, established the gardens in 1831 for scientific study. Over eight thousand plant species from every continent may be found in the gardens today. You may hang out at the Woodland Garden and Lake or go to the Glasshouse Range, a set of structures that simulate various ecosystems, such as deserts and tropical rainforests. During the appropriate seasons, the Winter and Autumn Gardens are two seasonal glasshouses bursting with color. Admission is £6.30 per person.
Go To A Lecture
If you check the university's website in advance, you may see a schedule of public lectures you can attend. There are talks on everything from the atomic level to the worldwide education issue to the wonders of the past in the archaeological realm. Usually, exchanges are free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attend A Performance At The Adc Theatre
Check to see a show at the ADC (Amateur Dramatic Club) Theatre to get a feel for the local arts scene. Student-run as well as open to the public, the university's playhouse showcases student and community theater. Established in 1855, ADC is the longest continuously operating university theater in the United States. Admission ranges from £5 to £15, depending on the performance and day of the week.
Attend The Shakespeare Festival In Cambridge
More than 25,000 people attend Shakespeare productions in the campus gardens over six weeks every summer. Get there early if you want a nice place; they fill up fast. A picnic area is available for anyone who would like to bring a blanket and refreshments to enjoy before the show. All performances cost 18 GBP per ticket.
Watch A Rowing Race
The Cambridge Rowing Club is well-known around the world. Clubs at each university often face off against one another in sanctioned races. This is the most well-liked pastime in town, rivaling even punting. You can either sit on the river bank and watch the race unfold, grab a pint, go to The Plough, a riverfront bar and watch the action from the patio.
Go To Anglesey Abbey.
Anglesey Abbey is a beautiful Jacobean country home with vibrant grounds and a functioning watermill less than 7 miles (11km) from Cambridge. The building dates back to 1600, but the inside has medieval vaulting, 17th-century woodwork, and chambers filled with old furniture, literature, and modern conveniences. The Tudor royal portraits, one of which is the oldest known image of Henry VIII, are among the exhibition's most striking features. A blanket of white snowdrops blossoms throughout the 100 acres of gardens in the early spring, providing a beautiful promenade. It will cost you 15 GBP to tour the watermill, the home, and the gardens.
Visit The Wren Library
The Wren Library at Trinity College has an outstanding collection of 55,000 volumes, all established before 1820. Both A.A. Milne as well as his son Christopher Robin earned degrees from Cambridge. Therefore the original Winnie the Pooh may be found here. The structure, finished in 1695 as well as named after the renowned architect Christopher Wren, is a significant historical artifact in its own right. Access is free of charge. However, visitors are being turned away due to a COVID outbreak.
Conclusion
Cambridge is a culturally significant city that caters to those on a tighter budget. It's a terrific place to visit if you want to see the city's museums, parks, and marketplaces without breaking the bank, thanks to the wide variety of inexpensive lodging alternatives available there. There are many free or low-cost things to do in Cambridge, such as visiting the city's renowned universities, strolling along the River Cam, or sampling the local food.
