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Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds

Posted by (Virginia, USA) on

I’m spending 3 nights in Cambridge in mid-September and am way behind on my research. I visited Cambridge on a day trip about 30 years ago and on that visit I took a walking tour and attended Evensong at King’s College Chapel. I don’t remember much from that visit, so this will be almost like a first visit.

I will be staying in a dorm at St John’s College. I definitely plan to take a guided walking tour, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Botanic Garden (weather permitting), and follow the self-guided walk in the RS book. I will likely go to the theatre (Farm Hall at the Cambridge Arts Theatre) one evening. As I will be visiting between terms, I don’t think Evensong will be a possibility. I may also take a daytrip to Bury St Edmunds.

My questions:
1. Is there anything that you particularly enjoyed that I am missing from my plans?
2. Any restaurants or pubs that you recommend?
3. Would Bury St Edmunds make a good day trip or would one of the other nearby towns be a better choice? I won’t have a car.
4. Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Posted by
2499 posts

I enjoyed visiting Ely (by train), exploring the Cathedral, and walking the Fens a bit.

Posted by
769 posts

I like Bury St Edmunds - it’s a pretty historic centre with an abbey - but I think Ely would be the best day trip as the cathedral is OUTSTANDING and it’s so easy on the train from Cambridge.

Posted by
8131 posts

Kings Lynn is another easy day trip on the train- a very interesting port town (in it's heyday one of the most important ports in England). A trans shipment point from the broad inland waterways of the Fen Country to sea going vessels.
The big market squares almost feel Continental to me-

It's also an easy hop from there on the frequent Hunstanton (a nice little seaside resort) bound buses to the royal estate at Sandringham.

Ely is on the same rail line, so you could either combine the two (on a day return train ticket you can break your journey) or do Ely on a different day. Check the Cathedral website but you should catch Evensong there.
Nice to mix things up and come back into Cambridge on the local bus #9, hourly- back to Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge.

Also Norwich is an easy day trip from Cambridge by train. Boat trips, another great Cathedral amongst other places to visit, another chance for Evensong.

Newmarket is another interesting nearby town (bus and train)- you can't miss the equine connections there.

Posted by
5865 posts

Thamk you so much for the recommendations. I’ve been researching Ely and it looks like a good option.

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