We will be visiting London in mid July (and then traveling on to Paris). We are planning to be in London for 6 days (not including travel days). One day we are hoping to go on a Cotswold day trip (Secret Cottage Tour that I read about first here). We are looking at going to Cambridge for another day trip. Any recommendations as far as whether to go on a tour or what the best way to experience Cambridge is? Thanks in advance.
Posted by
205 posts
Just take the train to Cambridge and stroll.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge (quicker but more expensive) or from LIverpool Street (slower but cheaper)
Posted by
Washington
920 posts
The centre isn't that big. Agree...just stroll around, take a punting tour, go inside Kings College chapel and explore some more!
Posted by
Washington
920 posts
And I'd suggest stopping in the visitor information center when you arrive. A lot of good info, maps and I think you can purchase site tickets there.
Posted by
Minneapolis Minnesota USA
6 posts
Go to the visitor center and get a guided tour. Well worth it. Very nice surroundings!
You will enjoy it.
Posted by
OP
PNW
141 posts
Thank you for your replies ! It looks so pretty there. Punting is on the list to do there. With all the planning involved in this trip I love the idea of just "strolling" that day, sounds relaxing.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Hello, as others have suggested, take the train to Cambridge and stroll around. Also hire a boat and do a little punting tour. You can also take the HOHO bus for an over view of Cambridge. I would also recommend stopping at the Cambridge American Cemetery.
Posted by
Milton, Delaware USA
138 posts
I have done Cambridge twice, once on my own taking the train and another time with Original London Walks "www.walks.com" as part of their days out series. We really enjoyed the Walks day out as we went to the original site of the moat and bailey fort, just a tall mount that you climb up for a good view of the city, went to the American cemetery and toured the college and town and even did punting (it was 90 degree day in early June so we loved it). I think having a guide tell you what you are looking at gives more meaning to the place and with Walks you don't have to reserve just show up at the place and time and pay and off you go.
Either way I enjoyed Cambridge much more than Oxford, but that's just a personal observation.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33999 posts
The most informative Pepys Library is there too.
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
You can also get on the Hop-on, Hop-Off bus, right after you get to Cambridge. It takes you around the city. We have done that trip twice. We have gotten off at the small mall and gotten coffee. It is such a picturesque town.
Posted by
OP
PNW
141 posts
Thank you all for your great information!