I’ve compiled an inventory of the 15 finest day journeys from Cambridge, England. I grew up just some miles away from the well-known College metropolis. So, along with having fun with all of the wonders that Cambridge has to supply, I additionally benefitted from being in an important location for exploring barely additional afield.
Located towards the south-east of England, Cambridge is related with many main cities and cities through common and dependable rail and bus networks. For those who have a automobile, even higher! Good motorways and street programs enable for straightforward entry to some glorious Cambridge day journeys.
Though the town itself has a lot to supply, Cambridge is a perfect base for getting out and about. Whether or not you’re desirous about quaint English cities, or vibrant cities, they’ll all be in your doorstep in Cambridge.
Finest Day Journeys From Cambridge
I’ve thought of a number of elements while placing this checklist collectively. Questions comparable to: How straightforward is it to get to? How lengthy will the journey take? And, Is it actually value leaving beautiful Cambridge for? You probably have your self a number of spare days in Cambridge, learn on for some glorious day journey concepts.
1. London – Overview
![A historic building with a big clock tower. A view of a bridge and other building structures.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London.jpg)
How may I not begin with the nation’s capital metropolis? London is a simple practice, bus, or automobile journey from Cambridge and is likely one of the finest day journeys from Cambridge. There’s a lot to do in London that I’m truly simply going to present an outline right here. Additional down I’ll be suggesting a number of of my favourite areas to go to on completely different day journeys from Cambridge.
Situated 60 miles to the south of Cambridge, even with visitors, you could be in London inside 90 minutes. In my expertise, the practice is the most suitable choice. Direct providers function as much as 10 occasions an hour and can get you to King’s Cross Station promptly.
From right here, London’s in depth and easy-to-use tube community will take you to all corners of the town effectively and cheaply. Faucet your bank card on the turnstiles on entry and exit and also you’ll solely pay for the journeys you make. It’s one of the best ways to get across the metropolis.
Distance from Cambridge: 60 miles (96 km) and round 90 minutes south of Cambridge.
Location: Kings Cross Station, Euston Street, London N1 9AL, UK
Getting There: Equally straightforward to succeed in by automobile, bus, or practice from Cambridge. I personally choose the practice – it’s faster, saves any trouble with parking, and common and dependable providers run all through the day.
Should-Do Actions: The London Eye, the Tower of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral are simply a variety of superb sights. A full-day tour is a good way to expertise all of them throughout a day journey from Cambridge. Click on right here to seek out out about an important London tour.
The place to Eat: You’ll be spoilt for selection in London for nice eating places, however I significantly love going to the German Gymnasium. It’s just some minutes stroll from King’s Cross and is a good place for German fayre like schnitzels and sausages.
2. London – Covent Backyard
![People inside the enclosed garden with a dome-shaped ceiling.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Covent-Garden.jpg)
I’ve all the time cherished a day in Covent Backyard and it’s among the best locations to go to from Cambridge. The big piazza-style district is dwelling to some excellent theaters, cafes, eating places, retailers, and bars. Seize a drink and benefit from the gifted road artists. Anticipate to see every part from musicians to magicians showcasing their expertise all through the day.
After a stroll round, and maybe espresso or a cocktail, take a brief stroll to see the famous Savoy Lodge. Cease in for a drink right here too should you’re so inclined. Be ready to spend a number of quid although, from private expertise, I can let you know it isn’t low cost!
Proceed to the banks of the River Thames, preserving the river in your left and passing Cleopatra’s Needle. You’ll quickly attain the long-lasting determine of Large Ben and the Homes of Parliament. Additional on awaits Westminster Abbey, all inside a 30-minute stroll of Covent Backyard.
Distance from Cambridge: By automobile, it’s 60 miles (96 km) south of Cambridge and takes round 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s round 1 hour by practice and tube.
Location: The Piazza, Covent Backyard, London WC2E, UK
Getting There: Simply accessible by automobile, practice, or bus. By practice is the quickest and most effective method from Cambridge. Merely change at Kings Cross for the tube and the journey will take round an hour in whole.
Should-Do Actions: Take pleasure in a drink or lunch within the bustling ambiance of Covent Backyard. Be sure you make your method to Large Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Homes of Parliament. Take a look at this nice guided tour – a superb method to see these superb London points of interest.
The place to Eat: A earlier birthday dinner of mine was at San Carlo Ciccheti. They serve some excellent small conventional Italian plates in a wonderful refined and enjoyable atmosphere.
3. Ely
![An old cathedral with beautiful, clean grass on the outside.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ely.jpg)
Shifting away from London, let’s make a journey to considered one of my favourite locations to go to close to Cambridge – Ely. This smaller cathedral metropolis is simply 17 miles away from Cambridge and is the placement of some well-known British historical past. It additionally has an important pub scene, which is a bonus in my eyes.
Ely Cathedral is a significant attraction and is the closest cathedral to Cambridge. Development started below William the Conqueror in 1083 and it was opened in 1189. How’s that for historic provenance? The former dwelling of Oliver Cromwell can also be in Ely. Cromwell was a pivotal determine within the First English Civil Conflict which is highlighted by an important exhibition and museum.
Historical past is all nicely and good, however my mates, I really like Ely for its pubs. Inside strolling distance of the practice station, there are round 15 glorious ingesting institutions. The Prince Albert and the Minster Tavern are a few my favorites and each are nicely value a go to.
Distance from Cambridge: Ely is situated 17 miles (27 km) NNE of Cambridge. It ought to take round 30 – 40 minutes by bus or automobile, or 15-20 minutes by practice.
Location: Ely Prepare Station, Station Rd, Ely CB7 4BS, United Kingdom
Getting There: Ely could be very straightforward to get to by automobile or bus. By practice is the quickest possibility because it the journey solely takes round Quarter-hour. Common providers run all through the day.
Should-Do Actions: Make a journey to Ely Cathedral, a beautiful and historic sight, go to the previous dwelling of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and be sure you partake in a pub or two alongside the best way.
The place to Eat: The Cutter Inn has nice views of the River Ouse. It serves an in depth menu of conventional British pub meals in addition to a selection of worldwide dishes.
4. Peterborough
![Close-Up Shot of a Glass of Beer](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Peterborough-2.jpg)
I used to be born and spent most of my life in Peterborough. Regardless of touring the world for years, Peterborough will all the time be dwelling. It’s one of many best day journeys from Cambridge through a straight drive north up the M11. 3 to 4 trains an hour additionally join it with Cambridge so I extremely advocate you intend a go to.
It’s the proud dwelling of the mighty Peterborough United Soccer Membership (an EFL League 1 soccer group, they’re not so nice however I really like them). The group is nicknamed The Posh and at their video games, you’ll expertise soccer in its truest type. Passionate followers (like me) scream their lungs out each week hoping at some point Posh would possibly simply make it large.
In addition to a wonderful Twelfth-century cathedral that dominates the town skyline, Peterborough options considered one of my favourite pubs on this planet. Charters is a transformed barge that sits on the River Nene. It’s a novel and pleasant place to go ingesting. The large beer backyard sits alongside the banks of the river and is likely one of the finest locations to be on a sunny day.
Distance from Cambridge: Peterborough is round 43 miles (70 km) north of Cambridge. It often takes round 50 minutes by automobile, practice, or bus.
Location: Peterborough Metropolis Heart, Peterborough, Cambs PE1, UK
Getting There: Equally straightforward through automobile, practice, or bus. All choices ought to take lower than an hour.
Should-Do Actions: If you will get to a Posh recreation, I assure the group and 6,000 followers would like to have you ever. Go to Charters for a number of actual ales and among the finest Pan-Asian meals you’ll discover within the UK.
The place to Eat: East is a Pan-Asian restaurant that sits immediately above Charters on a barge on the River Nene. The meals right here is excellent – it’s considered one of my favourite locations to eat and it provides fantastic river views.
5. London – Camden City
![Colorful houses in Camden Town district in London.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Camden-Town.jpg)
Maybe my favourite space of London, and one other of the simple day journeys from Cambridge by practice, is Camden City. The Camden City tube station is simply 2 stops and round 4 or 5 minutes from King’s Cross.
Camden City is like nowhere else I’ve ever actually visited. The colourful district is thought for its in depth market, the place you’ll discover quite a lot of wares and an array of numerous meals choices. It’s an important place to buy and eat. The entire district has an alternate vibe primarily based on music, vogue, and liberation.
Amy Winehouse’s favourite pub, The Hawley Arms sits within the coronary heart of Camden. Actually, a statue of her is located available in the market space. I personally love The World’s Finish – an enormous pub simply steps away from the tube and one of many coolest locations in London to go ingesting. Some mega bands have performed within the venue downstairs (The Underworld), I’ve loved many nice gigs right here.
Distance from Cambridge: Camden is in North London so slightly below 60 miles (95 km) from Cambridge. It often takes round 90 minutes through bus and automobile, or below an hour by practice and tube.
Location: Camden Excessive St, London NW1 8NH, United Kingdom
Getting There: For those who’re going for the day, take the practice. It’s simply simpler with out parking and the often heavy visitors, plus it takes lower than an hour.
Finest Tour: Camden City Brewery makes some nice beers which are actually in style across the UK. There’s an important beer-tasting tour of their brewery primarily based within the coronary heart of Camden that I extremely reccommend. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Should-Do Actions: Take loads of time strolling across the large market. There are such a lot of meals choices, my recommendation is to eat little and infrequently to get pleasure from as a lot as potential. Have a pint or two in The Hawley Arms and The World’s Finish, two actually cool pubs.
The place to Eat: Camden Market has each kind of meals you possibly can think about. You’ll discover every part from vegan burgers to sushi, and stone-baked pizzas to artisan cheese stalls.
6. Rutland Water
![Rutland Water Park, England. Boat in Rutland water](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Rutland-Water-.jpg)
While in Cambridge, you may take a brief drive to the smallest county in England – Rutland. A straightforward drive, about an hour north, will convey you to stunning Rutland Water. It’s the largest reservoir by floor space within the nation.
The 23-mile perimeter is an idyllic location for strolling and biking, and it’s the right spot for day journeys from Cambridge with a canine companion. Parking areas and villages across the water help you trek as little or as a lot as you need. You’ll discover a variety of nice nation pubs close by too like The White Horse at Empingham, which is a good place for lunch.
For those who fancy taking a dip, Rutland Water has an aqua park with inflatable slides, impediment programs, diving boards, and free falls. It’s nice enjoyable, extra so throughout hotter climate, nevertheless! You’ll be able to rent bikes at Rutland Water too, and correctly discover the gorgeous nature of the realm.
Distance from Cambridge: 54 miles (87 km) and round an hour north of Cambridge.
Location: Rutland Water, Rutland, UK
Getting There: This is likely one of the solely day journeys from Cambridge that’s finest reached by automobile solely. In principle, you may take a practice to Oakham after which a taxi to Rutland Water. It might take slightly longer and a few organizing, however is feasible.
Should-Do Actions: Take a pleasant stroll alongside the shores of the reservoir, stopping for a espresso or beer at quite a few factors alongside the best way. Be sure you go to Normanton, the place you’ll discover a fantastic partially submerged nonetheless lively 14th-century church and nice views of the water.
The place to Eat: The White Horse is just some minutes from the water. It’s a pleasant English nation pub with a pleasant beer backyard, and a hearty menu of excellent high quality pub meals that features pizzas, burgers, and glorious fish and chips.
7. Norwich
![Aerial image of Norwich Cathedral in Norwich, Norfolk, and the houses and buildings that surround it.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Norwich.jpg)
For those who’re on the hunt for enjoyable day journeys from Cambridge, think about taking a brief journey to close by Norwich. Nestled round an hour away, Norwich has a variety of wealthy historic sights and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s a vacation spot that’s nicely value exploring.
One of many greatest attracts of visiting Norwich for me is its fascinating historical past. You’ll be able to wander by cobbled streets, admire medieval structure, and discover the long-lasting cathedral, Norwich even has a centrally situated 1,000-year-old fort! Town has a thriving arts and music scene too, making it a great place to absorb some tradition.
Norwich can also be one other nice location for bars and pubs. Town heart is a bustling place and also you gained’t search lengthy for a great place to eat or drink. Contemplate stopping in on the Belgian Monk, my favourite pub in Norwich, or The Wallow, a self-service wine bar and an important spot for whiling away a number of hours.
Distance from Cambridge: Norwich is round 65 miles (105 km) NE of Cambridge and may take round 90 minutes whichever method you journey there.
Location: Norwich Metropolis Heart, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Getting There: Equally straightforward by automobile, bus, or practice. All ought to take round 90 minutes.
Finest Tour: Take a leisurely guided tour and find out about Norwich’s historical past and a few of its most well-known residents. Pub stops and drinks included, click on right here to seek out out extra.
Should-Do Actions: Be sure you go to Norwich Cathedral and discover the fort. The Lanes are a cute buying arcade and the outside market is a good place for buying and consuming.
The place to Eat: The Tipsy Vegan is a wonderful place to gasoline up, whether or not you’re a vegan or not. They serve non-meat takes on hearty pub delicacies in a comfy pub-like setting.
8. Stamford
![An old structure with a narrow roadway, cars parked on a side street, and a tall historic tower in the distance.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Stamford.jpg)
We’re heading again in the direction of my neck of the woods now, to the city of Stamford. About Quarter-hour additional north of Peterborough, Stamford is an idyllic possibility for a morning of exploring, afternoon buying, and night enjoyable. It’s additionally some of the romantic day journeys from Cambridge and is a good place for a date evening.
Stamford is lined with Seventeenth and 18th-century stone buildings and residential to 5 medieval church buildings. Simply strolling round is like stepping again in time. Actually, it’s been used as a filming location quite a few occasions for movies comparable to Pleasure and Prejudice, The Da Vinci Code, and the TV sequence Bleak Home.
Many boutique retailers, wine bars, conventional pubs, unbiased eating places, and cafes are to be discovered by the various cute streets, cut-throughs, and alcoves. You’ll cross the magnificent Burghley Home, dwelling of the world-famous Burghley Horse Trials, in your method into city. It’s a really superior spectacle, the Sixteenth-century home and gardens are a must-visit.
Distance from Cambridge: Stamford is round 50 miles (80 km) North of Cambridge and may take below an hour.
Location: Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK
Getting There: Equally straightforward by automobile or direct practice and may take round an hour both method from Cambridge. Bus routes can be found, however require a change in Peterborough.
Finest Tour: Take pleasure in a completely guided tour of Stamford and discover the city’s vibrant historical past, delving into tales of heart-wrenching amorous affairs, political intrigue, and quite a few hidden anecdotes not sometimes present in journey guides. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Should-Do Actions: A visit to Burghley Home is a should, and drinks or lunch/dinner at The George Lodge will make your go to to Stamford one to recollect.
The place to Eat: The Backyard Room on the George Lodge is a superb restaurant. The high-end institution is barely extra informal (and slightly cheaper) than the principle restaurant at The George while sustaining that prime stage of high quality in each meals and repair.
9. Hunstanton
![The cliff, beach, and bedrock outcrops along the coast.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hunstanton.jpg)
For those who’re craving a seashore day I’d advocate you head to Hunstanton. It’s an important English seaside city and considered one of my favourite locations to go to exterior Cambridge. I spent many weekends right here as a toddler and it holds a lot of treasured reminiscences for me.
In Hunstanton, you’ll discover a variety of very English seaside points of interest comparable to a enjoyable honest, amusement arcades, fish and chips retailers, and donkey rides. The city can also be identified for its distinctive striped cliffs and is also known as “Sunny Hunny” on account of it being a preferred sunny day spot; it allegedly will get extra solar than many different elements of the UK.
The Wash Monster, (no, I’m afraid it’s not a legendary legend just like the Loch Ness Monster), is a novel amphibious vessel that provides passengers an interesting and pleasurable technique of exploring the native seal inhabitants, coastal areas with some superb views, and the chance to delve into native historical past and legends surrounding The Wash.
Distance from Cambridge: 60 miles NNE of Cambridge, it takes on common slightly below 2 hours.
Location: Hunstanton, Norfolk, UK
Getting There: Equally time environment friendly through automobile or practice. The kind of roads make it a slow-going drive from Cambridge and the practice requires a change in Kings Lynn. Each ought to have you ever on the seashore in round 2 hours.
Should-Do Actions: Take a trip on The Wash Monster, partake in some people-watching, and easily get pleasure from a pleasant enjoyable day on the seashore.
The place to Eat: Elliots Fish and Chips makes the very best fish and chips in Hunstanton. There are quite a few locations to go for the standard English seaside dish, however that is considered one of my all-time favorites.
10. Newmarket
![In Newmarket Cambridge, there are many tourists on the street and a market on both sides of the street.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Newmarket-Cambridge-1.jpg)
Only a stone’s throw away from Cambridge is the city of Newmarket, a spot steeped in historical past and synonymous with the thundering hooves of racehorses. Referred to as the “Residence of Horseracing,” Newmarket is a must-visit vacation spot for race followers, and anybody looking for distinctive day journeys round Cambridge.
Newmarket is all in regards to the races, so should you’re a fan of horse racing, you’re in for a deal with. The city is dwelling to 2 world-renowned racecourses, the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course, the place prestigious occasions just like the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas Stakes happen yearly. I’ve been to a few the lesser-known race days right here they usually have been nice enjoyable.
The city’s historic streets are nice for simply wandering by. Be sure you take a go to to St. Mary’s Church, and admire the various architectural gems such because the Seventeenth-century Nationwide Horseracing Museum alongside the best way. Whether or not you’re an avid racing fanatic or just after a style of British heritage, Newmarket provides a novel and memorable day journey from Cambridge.
Distance from Cambridge: Newmarket is round 15 miles east of Cambridge and may take between 20-Half-hour.
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
Getting There: It’s very straightforward to get to Newmarket through automobile, bus, or practice. It’s truly one of many simpler day journeys from Cambridge by bus and common and dependable public transport will get you there in 20-Half-hour.
Finest Tour: Acquire unique behind-the-scenes insights into this iconic racing hub. Go to the Newmarket Gallops to witness each day horse coaching, embark on a secure tour, and make a cease at The Nationwide Stud to fulfill resident stallions and retired champions. Click on right here to guide this distinctive tour now.
Should-Do Actions: Make a journey to the Nationwide Horse Racing Museum. Even should you’re not a giant fan of the races, it’s actually fairly attention-grabbing and the constructing itself as soon as belonged to King Charles II. It’s an excellent spectacle of English structure, heritage, and historical past.
The place to Eat: The Pantry Nice Meals is an easygoing restaurant meets deli serving a contemporary British menu primarily based on native produce and a few glorious home-baked truffles.
11. Tub and Stonehenge
![Historical monument Stonehenge.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Stonehenge-2-1.jpg)
You’re positive to clock up a number of miles with this one however for non-UK-based guests, it is a actually distinctive day journey from Cambridge. Town of Tub and the legendary Stonehenge are each UNESCO World Heritage Websites and are two jewels in British tourism’s crown. Though a good distance away, visiting them each in at some point is totally potential from Cambridge.
Tub is a superb metropolis, dwelling to the well-known Roman Baths upon which it was constructed. The Seventeenth-century Tub Abbey, situated within the coronary heart of city, can also be an iconic and gorgeous construction to not be missed. There’s a lot to do, it’s value spending slightly longer than a day right here; get some concepts for a day journey with my earlier weblog – A Weekend Break in Tub (The Good 2 Day Itinerary).
Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument located round 30 miles from Tub. The origins of the location date again 1000’s of years and its objective continues to be a lot of a thriller, although it appears to have hyperlinks with the solar and the summer season solstice. It’s an incredible place to go to and a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Distance from Cambridge: 181 miles (291 km) and round 3.5 hours within the automobile.
Location: – Tub, Somerset, UK – Stonehenge – Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
Getting There: By automobile is probably the most direct possibility from Cambridge, it takes a mean of three.5 hours. Trains are actually potential however require altering stations in London through the Tube. It’s additionally potential to guide a guided tour of Tub and Stonehenge from Cambridge (see under).
Finest Tour from Cambridge: Top-of-the-line day excursions from Cambridge will take you to each websites and again once more in at some point. It’s a good way to see two unforgettable British points of interest out of your base in Cambridge. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Should-Do Actions: Merely visiting Stonehenge and Tub are the must-do actions right here. Although be sure you try my earlier blogs about Tub for the very best cafes and pubs, and the right weekend itinerary.
The place to Eat: Go to the Saracens Head in Tub, one of many oldest pubs within the metropolis. It’s filled with conventional English pub attraction and serves an important menu of hearty English classics.
12. Grantchester Round Hike
![A pond in the middle of the green forest.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Grantchester-Circular.jpg)
After touring a good distance with the day past journey, let’s hold it nearer to dwelling with a go to to the quaint neighboring village of Grantchester. Simply a few miles out of city, considered one of my favourite hikes begins from right here and takes in some beautiful English countryside, a reservoir, and some good pub stops too.
The Granchester Round Hike takes round 2 hours to finish and I’d think about it average in issue. It’s predominantly flat, however you’ll cowl round 5 miles (8.2 km), which is an honest distance. The path crosses out and in of the middle of the village of Grantchester, by farmland, a nature reserve, and the gorgeous Grantchester Meadows which runs alongside the River Cam.
It’s straightforward to get to through automobile or public transport, and ample free parking within the village is available. It’s a stunning hike for all climate, although elements could get slightly muddy after heavy rain so pack some appropriate sneakers.
Distance from Cambridge: Grantchester is simply 3 miles exterior of central Cambridge and takes 10-Quarter-hour nevertheless you select to journey there.
Location: Burnt Shut, Grantchester, Cambridge, UK
Getting There: Equally straightforward by automobile or bus and may take round 10-Quarter-hour.
Should-Do Actions: It’s a really fairly and scenic route so have a digicam at hand and pack a picnic for a pleasing lunch cease alongside the best way. The Java Espresso Membership shouldn’t be removed from the trailhead and is a good place for pre-hike espresso.
The place to Eat: The Rupert Brooke is a stunning conventional pub very near the beginning (and end) of the hike. A pleasant spot for a rewarding lunch after a 5-mile trek.
13. Oxford
![A beautiful iconic university town and blue sky.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Oxford.jpg)
A day journey from Cambridge to Oxford is not only a journey between two iconic college cities, however an opportunity to expertise a historic tutorial rivalry. The age-old competitors between these two esteemed universities dates again centuries and positively provides a layer of pleasure to a go to.
Oxford and Cambridge are famend for the annual Boat Race on the River Thames, a historic rowing competitors since 1829. College students from each universities fiercely compete, vying for a yr’s value of bragging rights. This international spectacle defines the enduring rivalry between the 2 cities and their prestigious universities.
The attraction of Oxford extends far past the aggressive faculties. Oxford has gorgeous structure, such because the Bodleian Library, the Christ Church School, and the picturesque Botanic Backyard. Wandering by the cobbled streets and exploring the historic faculties you possibly can ask your self the age-old query – which is prettier Oxford or Cambridge? Robust one.
Distance from Cambridge: Oxford is round 85 miles (136 km) from Cambridge and takes round 2 hours and Quarter-hour through automobile or practice.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
Getting There: Through automobile is probably the most direct route, even with visitors the journey ought to be round 2 hours. Trains are potential and can take round 2.5 – 3 hours. However the practice route requires a visit to London, a fast Tube trip, after which one other practice to Oxford.
Finest Tour: There are some nice strolling excursions of Oxford accessible that tick off all the principle sights and points of interest in at some point. I actually preferred this one led by former Oxford College alumni. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Should-Do Actions: Harry Potter followers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Bodleian Library, it stood in because the Hogwarts Library in quite a few scenes all through the movies.
The place to Eat: Cease by Najar’s Place, a everlasting kiosk situated in central Oxford that serves some improbable recent Lebanese meals and makes my favourite falafel wrap within the UK.
14. Saffron Walden
![A historic church with a large clock in the center of the structure and green trees and grass on the outside.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Saffron-Walden.jpg)
One among my first pet-sitting placements was in Saffron Walden. It’s a pleasant little city not removed from Cambridge and I noticed it as the right alternative to rack up a neighborhood 5-star evaluation for my burgeoning profile. It labored a deal with and I obtained to spend a number of very pleasurable days there taking care of a pack of 4 small canine.
The city, with its medieval roots, is dwelling to a lot of spectacular structure, together with the gorgeous St. Mary’s Church and the picturesque Bridge Finish Gardens. As a historic market city, the market sq. is a hub of exercise. A twice-weekly market (Tuesdays & Saturdays) has a lot of stalls providing recent produce, crafts, and distinctive finds.
In addition to the stunning city and the hub of bars, eating places, and cafes across the heart, there are many inexperienced, countryside areas to get pleasure from close by too. I’ve spent a number of serene sunny afternoons at Bridge Finish Gardens, it’s a very tranquil spot. The famend Seventeenth-century Audley Finish Home is one other superb location and is totally value a go to.
Distance from Cambridge: Saffron Walden is simply 16 miles south on the M11 from Cambridge. A straightforward journey that ought to take now not than Half-hour.
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex, UK
Getting There: By automobile is the quickest and most direct technique. Buses and trains or a mixture of the 2 ought to get you there in nicely below an hour.
Should-Do Actions: Make a journey to Audley Finish Home – a grand nation home and property that’s been used as a filming location for quite a few TV reveals and flicks, together with the hit Netflix present The Crown.
The place to Eat: Cafe Coucou is a good place for lunch. Particularly should you like hearty soups, glorious salads, thick sandwiches, scrumptious pastry-savory tarts, and stuffed baked potatoes.
15. The World through Stansted Airport
![Stansted Airport, with an airplane at the top of the photograph.](https://www.goatsontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Stansted-Airport.jpg)
An absolute bonus of residing close to fantastic Cambridge is the proximity to a global airport. Stansted Airport is below 30 miles away and is a gateway to the world. I’ve been there extra occasions than I can depend, and as a Ryanair hub, low cost flights are all the time accessible.
So, let’s end with a wild card. I put to you a day journey to areas comparable to Dublin, Barcelona, Milan, Edinburgh, Rome, and Stockholm as all are nicely inside the realms of risk. On the time of writing, flights to all of the locations I’ve simply referenced have been accessible for below $50 return. But it surely’s common to see primary charge flights for below $10!
Anticipate no frills on a Ryanair flight; you’ll pay for every part extra, together with baggage past a small rucksack. Foods and drinks, in addition to designated seating, come at extra prices, however they’ll get you there rapidly and effectively for a base charge. So, should you’re planning a number of distinctive day journeys close to Cambridge, throw Stansted into the combo and the world is your oyster.
Distance from Cambridge: Stansted is 30 miles south of Cambridge and may take now not than 45 minutes.
Location: Stansted Airport, Stansted CM24 1RW, UK
Getting There: Equally straightforward and fast through automobile, bus, or practice. Cambridge is nicely related with the airport and all strategies ought to take below an hour.
Should-Do Actions: Maintain a watch out for some mega low cost late offers and guide a shock break to an unbelievable vacation spot. Take it from a seasoned traveler, a visit inside a visit is a improbable and memorable expertise.
Finest Day Journey Excursions from Cambridge
Though there are lots of nice excursions in Cambridge itself, day journey excursions away from the town are few and much between. There’s one accessible and it’s an important possibility that encapsulates two improbable locations in at some point journey from Cambridge.
1. Guided Tour to Tub & Stonehenge From Cambridge: This guided tour from Cambridge explores two iconic locations in at some point – Tub and Stonehenge. The in depth group concerned could be a trouble with public transport so journey comfortably in a bunch automobile. Strolling excursions are supplied at every web site, and delve into the mysteries of Stonehenge in addition to Tub’s Roman historical past.
You’ll save time with this round-trip transport and skip-the-line tickets at Stonehenge (admission included). Plus, there are nice insights into native historical past out of your glorious information. Expertise the very best of each points of interest hassle-free. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your day journey from Cambridge.
Day Journeys Round Cambridge: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on the very best day journeys from Cambridge, England:
There are numerous in style day journeys from Cambridge. London is a good possibility for many individuals with a lot to do within the capital and straightforward transport hyperlinks between the 2 cities. These on the lookout for one thing extra quaint would maybe think about the stunning metropolis of Ely or the historic market city of Saffron Walden as a day journey of selection.
Cambridge has many issues for guests to get pleasure from. I’d advocate you’re taking at the least a weekend to see every part there’s to see. Per week or extra will even enable guests to get pleasure from most of the day journeys from Cambridge which are accessible.
The perfect day journeys from Cambridge by automobile are Rutland Water, Oxford, and the seaside city of Hunstanton. I’ve chosen these as though public transport is accessible, having a automobile would make them rather more simply accessible. Having a automobile in sure locations like London is usually a actual trouble with parking, emission zones, visitors, and congestion prices.
The perfect day journeys from Cambridge by practice are to Stamford, Ely, and London. Cambridge is serviced by a decent-sized practice station with common and dependable providers that may take you to all corners of the nation. The practice is a good way to get to London rapidly and effectively, while Ely and Stamford are 2 stunning must-visit locations close to Cambridge.
Essentially the most stunning place close to Cambridge is Ely, for my part. The small Cathedral metropolis has an abundance of beautiful structure, an impressive cathedral, a stunning river operating by it, and a thriving pub scene. It’s a beautiful place for a day journey from Cambridge.
Sure, you completely can take a day journey from Cambridge to Stonehenge. Though it’s a far distance (round 180 miles/ 290 km) getting there and again is totally possible inside a day. There’s an important tour from Cambridge, that along with Stonehenge, additionally features a journey to the fantastic Roman metropolis of Tub. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Granchester and extra particularly Grantchester Meadows is a well-liked place very near Cambridge. Actually, it’s solely round 3 miles from the town heart of Cambridge. It’s an idyllic spot for mountaineering, enjoyable, taking picnics, and dog-walkers.
Cambridge is a good spot for a weekend break. There’s a lot to fill a weekend itinerary with from punting on the River Cam, to exploring the gorgeous and world-famous college buildings. The thriving restaurant, bar, and cafe scene will give guests no finish of choices throughout a weekend go to.
Sure, Cambridge is usually thought of a secure place to go to and ranks as one of many most secure cities within the UK, with comparatively low crime ranges. Nonetheless, throughout summer season, elevated tourism brings a slight uptick in incidents. Anti-social habits is the most typical crime. As all the time, guests ought to observe widespread sense when out and about in a giant metropolis.
One of the best ways to tour Cambridge is on foot. The fantastic college metropolis is filled with stunning buildings, church buildings, well-known monuments, and factors of curiosity at nearly each flip. It’s a really walkable location however dependable and environment friendly public transport is available do you have to want it.
In Conclusion
Cambridge is a superb metropolis to go to and advantages vastly from its proximity to many different improbable cities, cities, and iconic spots. Geographically, Cambridge is ideal for exploring additional afield, and the environment friendly buses and trains, in addition to the closeness to one of many important motorways into London, make it a great jumping-off vacation spot.
I really feel fortunate to have lived in Cambridgeshire for many of my life earlier than embarking on a nomadic life of worldwide journey and exploration. I actually by no means took without any consideration having such nice day journey alternatives on my doorstep and it’s been a pleasure to revisit them right here.
Completely satisfied daytripping!