Should we stay longer in Oxford or Cambridge? Top sights to see in both and in London

I loved Cambridge: the town is smaller than Oxford. Like Oxford there are many different museums, the Fitzwilliam and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology are the largest. Other places to visit, King’s College Chapel , the college gardens, walking along the River Cam, visit nearby Grantchester, also Ely Cathedral.

Thank you, lanlubber. All of your suggestions have been added to my list.

In Oxford, take one of the Blue Guide walking tours that start from the visitor center on Broad Street. Visit any of the colleges that interest you and are open -- my favorites include New, Magdalen, and Christ Church. The Sheldonian Theatre is also interesting. The Ashmolean Museum is good, and the Pitt-Rivers Museum (which I haven't visited) gets good reviews in this forum. Another day trip could be to Blenheim Palace just to the north. We took a van tour of some of the Cotswolds while staying in Oxford, it was a long day but worthwhile. Alas, the company we used is no longer in business, but someone else might have started up. A visit to the Eagle and Child pub (Tolkien and C.S. Lewis hangout) is also fun.

Highlights in Cambridge include King's College Chapel, Trinity College and its library, the "backs" along the Cam, and (for me) the Scott Polar Research Institute. Ely is a good day (or partial day) trip.

You've been to London so you know the most popular "must sees" (a term which is in the eye of the seer). The Tower is definitely worthwhile. Our host advises getting there when it opens and heading straight for the Crown Jewels (if they interest you) to minimize time in line. Then (or instead), a Beefeater tour will tell you a lot about the place and show you some of the highlights. Tower Bridge is easy and doesn't take long. A boat ride between the Tower and Westminister Bridge, in either direction, is a good way to get an overview. Other highlights (for me) would include Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, St. Paul's, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Wallace Collection and the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street. London Walks offers many choices. I'm with you on Buckingham Palace. I "saw" the changing of the guard involuntarily, from a taxi stuck in traffic, seeing some red coats through the crowds and watching the meter climb upward. Luckily the driver gave me a break on the fare since we hadn't intended to stay so long in front of the palace. ;-)

How many days each? Three or four would each be enough for Oxford or Cambridge. London is worth all the time you have, so all I can say is make the most of it. Have a good trip.

I would choose more time in London and cut one day each off Cambridge and Oxford. I have been to both Blenheim and the Cotswolds and don't think they are as worthy of your time as London. I agree with you about Changing of the Guard and I like Dick's list of sights in London.

Glad to have validation about changing of the guard as well as suggestions for the Beefeater Tour and boat ride between the Tower of London and Westminster, especially. I wouldn't have thought of the boat ride. We are going to the Charles Dickens Museum (undergrad English major) and would love to go to the Freud Museum (graduate school in psychology), but it seems far off from the path we'll be beating. I have to find a way to add the Sheldonian Theatre and Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. My husband and I are making up for lost time in 2019 when we had planned a week in England and a week in Paris. His heart had other ideas and he ended up in the hospital, instead. Ten months later he became a heart transplant recipient, but covid reared its ugly head in the world. We're hoping for health and covid "security/compliance" in June 2022! Paris and Andalusia for two and a half weeks await in October.

GoCotwolds is one company offering Cotswold day-trips departing from the Moreton-in-Marsh train station. M-i-M is an easy train ride from Oxford.

There's no right or wrong way to divvy up 2 weeks among London, Oxford and Cambridge. What day-trips you decide to take from the college towns is a huge factor. I'm not clear on whether you've been to Kew Gardens and the V&A before. If not: They are both very large and each could consume most of a day (or more than a full day in the case of the V&A).

Acraven, I'm rethinking the daytrips. Thank you for the alert regarding time likely spent at Kew Gardens and V+A. I have yet to share my itinerary with my husband who will weigh in. I'm assuming that in mid-June the gardens should be lovely, so. . .
Instead of the planned daytrip from Cambridge, I'm replacing it with a walk to Grantchester along the River Cam. I'll be researching GoCotwolds.

To add to your Tower of London experience
consider watching the Ceremony of The Keys the night before. It’s the tradition of the Yeoman Warders guards ( Beefeaters ) securing the Tower at night. Been occurring since the 1300s.
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/the-ceremony-of-the-keys/#gs.eh4ljj

For you day time visit I definitely agree about being first in line for admittance and heading straight to the Crown Jewels. Then meander about or join a tour.
Its a fascinating historic property and if you’ll take the time to experience its entirety I think you’d enjoy yourselves.

From the Tower its a short distance to Leadenhall Market, the last glass covered market in London.
The market is adjacent to the futuristic Lloyd’s of London building, The Gherkin ( 2 St Mary’s Axe ) and the Walkie Talkie building with the Sky Garden. I always enjoy the dichotomy of the architecture in this area of London.

Definitely enjoy tea and cake in the V and A’s stellar Gamble Room. A favorite spot of mine late in the afternoon.

Was in Cambridge in 2018. I enjoyed watching punters on the canal, seeng the Mathematical Bridge, visiting The Eagle Pub, meandering about the small farmers market and strolling about the University of Cambridge. Was there in December so the school term was over.

Haven't been to Oxford in 20 years but recall I loved the view from atop the Radcliffe Library. Bit of a climb and sense of accomplishment. Also recall my friends and I enjoyed our sit down in The Bear pub.

Happy travels.

To save you some time in your researching....

Here's the website for Go Cotswolds:
https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk/

You probably want the "Cotswolds In A Day" tour.
https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk/product/cotswolds-in-a-day/#tab-description

We have taken this trip with them several times.
The owners/operators of this tour live in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
We have stayed a couple of nights in SUA on our last 3 trips to England, and have been picked up at the front door of our hotel early in the mornings by Go Cotswolds.
Great tour! I enjoy letting them do the driving instead of bumbling around ourselves in a rental car.

About the London portion of your trip......You have received excellent advice from all the above posters.
Another vote for the V&A Museum (Victoria and Albert), which is a favorite of mine.
Don't miss the Medieval tapestry room, or the Medieval jewelry display.
Don't miss the food hall at lunchtime. Best lunches of any museum cafe in London! Plate lunches of roast chicken, rice, two veggies.
Or fresh deli sandwiches and salads. Many more choices of hot mains or bakery items.
And, as Claudia mentioned, fabulous tea and cake, either at lunchtime, or in mid-afternoon.
It's a good place to take a break, fortify yourself with some food, then go right back into the museum and tackle more exhibits.

The V&A can easily take a day or two to see everything.
Don't miss the paintings or the extensive silver collection on the second floor. (Up the marble stairs)

Which reminds me......do pick up a map when you enter the museum. Look at the areas of interest to you, and start there. You will possibly not have time to see everything, so do those areas first.

One tip on the V&A: If you're interested in the jewelry collection (which I like a lot), plan to be at the museum when it opens and go straight to the jewelry. You'll probably be able to wander around freely for at least 30 minutes, but in less than an hour more people will begin to show up, and you'll get slowed down as you try to move from one display case to the next. That's the only section of the museum's permanent collection where I've ever been affected by crowding. Special exhibitions, of course, can be very busy if they cover popular topics.

Thank you, Claudia, Rebecca and acraven. I am adding to my itinerary as per your suggestions. I am looking forward to gazing at the jewels in all locations. It looks like get up, head to the jewels sites and then have coffee.

Lindy,
You mention Saffron-Walden (I grew up about 10 miles from here). Would you be visiting Audley End House and Gardens?

Margaret

Margaret, Audley End House and Gardens look gorgeous! If we do end up going to Saffron-Walden, we'll definitely visit.

another vote for Audley End - a special place (by the way, it is English Heritage, not National Trust).

Lindy not sure why you think the Freud Museum is out if the way. Have no clue where you are staying in London but a quick look at travel time from say Westminster Underground Station to the Finchley Road Underground station on the Jubilee line is a 11 minute ride. From the Finchley Road station its maybe a 10 minute stroll to the Freud Museum.

When in London the Oyster card and a pocket size tube map ( if they are still be offered ) are your friends. You should also download the Tfl Go app to your phones.

Things are changing of course.

I leave for London later today. Intend to post what changes regarding the Oyster Card and travel on the Underground have occurred since my last trip in 2019.

Lastly, don’t know if you’ll have interest but Canary Wharf has a garden of sorts. The Crossrail Place Roof Garden.
https://canarywharf.com/the-estate/open-spaces/

Happy Travels

Hmm. English Heritage/ National Trust. I'll have to look into the difference. Any other suggestions for English Heritage on this trip?

Claudia! Thank you! I may still be able to see Freud's house (as I did in Vienna--a dream come true (have to analyze that)!

I will be looking for your posts regarding the Oyster Card and all your London ventures. I assume they will be on the Trip Reports.
Btw, we have not made any lodging arrangements in either Oxford, Cambridge or London, yet. I'd love suggestions from anyone on districts, especially in London since it is so broad.
Bon Voyage!

I agree with Claudia about the Freud Museum. You will be here in peak garden season. There is a very nice small garden tucked into the back garden of the house the Freud Museum is in.

Are you ok with stairs? Do you like music?

I ask because there is a fabulous but very small (by NT standards) house completely off the tourist radar in Hampstead not far from the Freud Museum called Fenton House full of beautiful old harpsichords, pianos and similar. Often people are playing them. Skilled amateurs can apply to play an instrument and if sufficiently qualified may do so. Also some pretty decent porcelain, a roof-top widow's walk with a great view (mind your head stepping out and back in), and a beautiful garden, all in leafy Hampstead. My wife reminds me of the apple juice from their trees. Maybe not in June though...

And further on the musical chord, in central London near Oxford Street is an excellent museum in a very old house occupied at different times by the composer Handel and Jimi Hendrix. Try to get that one through your head...

Hmm, Hendrix and Handel. . . The harpsichords at Fenton House sound worth a stroll by just in case an amateur is inside. I do love porcelain. Perhaps we'll look for lodging in the area since you've drawn a lovely image there for me.

I've been to London enough times to see some different sights. Perhaps you might stay more downriver. I like Greenwich. Both times, I've taken the river boat there from Westminster. The observatory is fascinating and I love the Maritime Museum. During our visit, there was a fair going on in the town and it was fun. We took the train back to our hotel. One of my best London memories is being early into Kew Garden and spending time alone with the crocus and daffodil. Bliss.

My sister and I also had a surprising visit to the Banqueting House in Whitehall. Since it was her first trip, we bought a London Pass so she could see whatever struck her fancy. We popped into the uncrowded Banqueting House and ended up spending more time than we imagined. There were beanbag chairs scattered across the floor to recline and view the ceiling. My recline turned into a restorative snooze. It also had the nicest bathroom in the area!

I also look for when there are night hours at the museums. Sometimes, the access is limited but the lack of school groups makes it lovely. We did part of the British Museum and British Library that way!

Mmmm. Those are some lovely memories, CT. I may have to get to Greenwich. The British Museum is on my list.

Was in Oxford overnight last week. Couple of points:
Pubs, stores and restaurants were back in full swing, only the barmen wearing masks (facial coverings as we say in Canada.)

Colleges, which are mini universities and have seminar and tutorial rooms, are in live operation, but with all students wearing masks.
No visitors are currently allowed into the colleges. to preserve the students. who have to take lateral flow tests, etc.
So tours of the colleges may be off until the pandemic ends. Which is no time soon, sad to say. Whatever Boris says tomorrow.

June is Finals month in both university towns, and so will offer the sight of students in subfusc suits and gowns off to exams, but it is a high stress time and will likely close any colleges/buiidings opened up. The usual tourbus and guided walks will be fine. Morse fans?
Europeans, all vaccinated, were everywhere. Oxford survives on international students and tourists.

I usually meet old friends at the Italian restaurant by the bus depot at Gloucester Green, it was packed this time too. Oxford has a very rich cosmopolitan air now, thanks to all the language and business MBA schools - and the lab that invented the Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccine. And did so as a not for profit effort. Jane Gilbert's new book tells her 10 year story working on the vaccine. Dame Jane now.

Thank you, John R Scott, for the update on Oxford and with notes on covid precautions. We are very hopeful that covid will be less virulent by June, but. . .
There are some memory spots I want to revisit such as Magdalen College's strolls in the back, Christ Church, to name a few. I will take what I can get. Some fav restaurants of 34 years ago may not still be around: the Opium Den, Browns. I liked the old, original Oxford University Press that was moved and "upscaled" to blah and nondescript the last time we visited in 2004. The original OUP featured my professor's text, Alcoholic Women in Treatment, front and center on a table-clothed round table in the center of that quaint space. I almost fell over. I also could not find replicas of the Oxford gargoyles that had been sold in 1987. Fortunately, I bought one then. Some lovely Oxford, old town characteristics were gone. Yes, we are Morse/Endeavour fans. I'd like to get to the top of the Radcliffe Camera, too

We are currently planning the London part of our trip. The sights we want to visit are Ceremony of the Keys; Tower of London; Tower Bridge; Westminster Abbey; St. Paul's; Victoria and Albert Museum; Kensington Gardens; Hyde Park; Freud Museum; Charles Dickens Museum; British Museum and Covent Garden. The major museums will be plotted out to see only those areas we feel are must-sees. I may be a philistine, but 2-3 hours tops will be spent in any one place. Those sights will be split up into 3 1/2 days. The question for us is where to stay? What section of London will have a Tube commute that won't significantly take away from the day? We plan to rent from VRBO and take out trip insurance due to a bad experience we had a few years ago with, then, HomeAway, now, VRBO. The Richmond section looks good but maybe a bit far out. Shoreditch--maybe a bit noisy? Looking forward to your suggestions.

After Christmas the entirety of the Bank Branch of the Northern Line will be taken out of service for 4 months. This is for rebuilding of Bank station.

I expect that it will all be complete before you arrive in London, but in case it over runs you might be aware of that when planning the London part of your trip...

Lindy, taking this from your last paragraph,

"The question for us is where to stay? What section of London will have a Tube commute that won't significantly take away from the day? We plan to rent from VRBO and take out trip insurance due to a bad experience we had a few years ago with, then, HomeAway, now, VRBO. The Richmond section looks good but maybe a bit far out. Shoreditch--maybe a bit noisy? Looking forward to your suggestions."

I think you would get more results if you started a new thread, using just this part I've repeated.
People tend to think the thread we are on right now has played itself out, because at a glance, it has many postings.
A new thread will attract new interest.
And I will have a few suggestions; will save them for the new thread.
Best wishes to you!

Great suggestion, Rebecca. I'll do that.

Thank you, Nigel. I've read several articles. It's supposed to be completed in May, but we all know how that goes with building projects. Perhaps it would be wise not to stay in the southern part of London.

If you stay in Cambridge, take the 15-20 minute train ride north to Ely. Walk up the hill from the station to Ely Cathedral, the Oliver Cromwell House, and the Ely Museum. Have lunch at the Cutter on the river and train back to Cambridge. While in Cambridge, check out the RAF bar at the Eagle.

Tom, I just copied your comment to my itinerary. Thank you.