Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most rewarding day trips from London — a compact, walkable university city founded in 1209, with more than 120 Nobel Prize winners connected to its colleges and one of England's most photogenic stretches of riverside architecture along the River Cam.

Getting There

Trains run from London King's Cross or Liverpool Street, taking as little as 50 minutes on the fastest services (most run 60–80 minutes). Booking in advance brings the price down noticeably compared to turning up on the day. A cheaper, slower alternative is the National Express coach from London Victoria, taking around two hours with return fares from about £10.

What to See

King's College Chapel is the single most recognisable building in Cambridge — a Gothic masterpiece with one of the world's largest fan-vaulted ceilings, and worth timing your visit around if you'd like to attend an Evensong service. The Fitzwilliam Museum is free and holds over half a million artefacts and artworks. Punting on the River Cam — being poled along the river in a flat-bottomed boat — is the activity Cambridge is best known for, whether you punt yourself or pay a chauffeur to do it for you.

Tips for Visiting

• Book train tickets in advance for the best price — same-day fares cost significantly more.
• College opening hours and access vary by term — some restrict visitors during exams.
• A chauffeured punt is more relaxing; punting yourself is cheaper but takes a bit of practice.
• The city is entirely walkable — you won't need transport once you arrive.