Things to do in Cambridge
Exploring Cambridge Your Way: Photo Tour, Walking Tour & Punting Tour Experiences Crafted for Discovery
Cambridge is one of the most visited cities in England, and for good reason. With over 800 years of history, a world-famous university, a beautiful river, and streets that reward every turn, there is no shortage of things to do in Cambridge for visitors of every kind.
Whether you are here for a day trip, a romantic weekend, a family holiday, or a graduation celebration, this guide covers the best Cambridge activities and experiences — starting with the ones we know best.
Capture Cambridge: Guided Photo Tours
The best way to experience Cambridge is with a camera/smartphone in your hand and a local photographer by your side.
Our guided photo tours take you beyond the postcard views. We walk the quiet lanes, the hidden courtyards, and the golden-hour spots that most visitors never find. Along the way, you will learn to frame iconic scenes like a professional — and go home with photos worth printing, not just posting.
What Makes Our Photo Tours Different
Every tour is led by a professional local photographer who has been shooting Cambridge for years. This is not a walking tour with a camera bolted on — it is a genuine photography experience designed around light, composition, and storytelling. We limit group sizes to keep things personal, and we tailor every session to your skill level, whether you are shooting on an iPhone or a full-frame mirrorless system.
We also know which colleges allow photography and when, so you will not waste time at locked gates.
Our Cambridge Photo Tours
Cambridge Photo Tour (Classic) — A 60 to 90-minute walk through the heart of the city covering King’s College front portal, the Senate House, Trinity Lane, the river, the Backs, King’s College Backs view and the Mathematical Bridge. Perfect for first-time visitors. Includes composition coaching and camera tips throughout.
Couple Photography Tour — A private tour designed for couples who want stunning photos of themselves against Cambridge’s most romantic backdrops. Ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or simply a memorable date. You will receive professionally edited images after the tour.
Graduation Photography Tour — Capture the moment properly. We photograph graduates and their families at the most iconic Cambridge locations on their big day. A popular gift from parents — ask about our gift vouchers.
Group Photography Tour — Perfect for corporate away days, photography clubs, hen parties, or any group that wants a creative Cambridge experience. We handle the logistics and the photos.
Private Bespoke Tour — Your tour, your way. Tell us what you want to see and shoot, and we will design a personalised route. From sunrise sessions to twilight walks, we build around your vision.
Go Punting on the River Cam
No visit to Cambridge is complete without a punt. Gliding along the River Cam beneath the Bridge of Sighs, past the manicured lawns of the Backs, and under the Mathematical Bridge is one of those experiences that stays with you. Around 900,000 people go punting in Cambridge every year, making it the city’s most popular activity.
You can hire a punt and have a go yourself (expect plenty of laughs and the occasional spin), or book a chauffeured tour with a guide who will share the history of each college as you drift past. Most punt stations are located near Mill Lane, Quayside, or Jesus Green, and a shared tour typically takes 45 minutes.
- The Cambridge Punt Company
Start: Jesus Green Moorings, Thompsons Lane, CB5 8AG – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Cambridge Punting Co
Start: Jesus Green, north of the city centre - Scudamore’s Punting Company
Start 1: Quayside Punting Station, Magdalene St, Cambridge CB5 8AB
Start 2: Mill Ln, Cambridge CB2 1RS - Rutherford’s Punting
Start: Jesus Green Moorings, Thompsons Lane, CB5 8AG – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Scholars Punting Cambridge
Start: Scholar’s Punting jetty, Thompson’s Lane, CB5 8AQ – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Cambridge River Tours
Start: Jesus Green Moorings, Thompsons Lane, CB5 8AG – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Let’s Go Punting
Start: Jesus Green Moorings, Thompsons Lane, CB5 8AG – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Cambridge Punters
Start: Jesus Green Moorings, Thompsons Lane, CB5 8AG – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Granta Moorings
Start: 14 Newnham Rd, Cambridge CB3 9EX - Cambridge Chauffeur Punts
Start: Silver St, Cambridge CB3 9EU - Traditional Punting Cambridge
Start: Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ – beside the Byron’s Bear pub - Trinity College & GHL Punts
Start: The Brewhouse, Trinity College, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TQ
Cambridge Tourist Information Centre
Website: infocambridge.com
Cambridge Other Tours
- Cambridge Tour Guides
- Guide & Peek
- Cambridge Bike Tours
- Cambridge Vintage Tours
- Cambridge Free Tours
- Cambridge Alumni Tours
- Cambridge College Tours
- Terrible Tours
- Tours of Cambridge
- Varsity Tours
- Roots Travel and Tours
- Cambridge Food Tour
- Uncomfortable Cambridge Tours
- Town & Gown Walking Tours
⚠️ Disclaimer
Please note that we are not affiliated with, employed by, or in any way a partner of the third-party tour and punting companies referenced on our site. Our role is purely informational—we list these providers for your convenience and to help you make your own choices.
While we strive to keep all details accurate and up-to-date, we do not book or manage these services (we only provide photo tours), nor do we exercise any control over their operations. Any issues—such as cancellations, delays, damages, or disputes—must be addressed directly with the provider.
By visiting their premises or booking their services, you acknowledge and agree that:
- These companies are separate entities, and we are not responsible for their policies, performance, or customer service.
- All bookings are subject to each provider’s individual terms, conditions, and liability disclaimers.
- We cannot guarantee refunds or resolutions should problems arise after booking.
We offer these listings to help enrich your Cambridge experience—but please review each provider’s terms carefully and contact them directly if you have any questions, concerns, or special requirements.
University of Cambridge
Nestled within this compact city are 31 semi-autonomous colleges, each with its own traditions, architecture, and scholarly community. From the medieval charm of Peterhouse (founded in 1284) to the modern design of Robinson College (established in 1977), the colleges trace nearly a millennium of academic history.
The University also includes King’s College, famed for its Gothic chapel and choir; St John’s College, known for its striking 16th-century Great Gate; and Trinity College, founded by Henry VIII. The University’s museums are also worth a visit – from archaeology and anthropology to science, polar exploration, and zoology, there’s something to inspire every curious mind.
Unlike most universities, Cambridge doesn’t have a central campus—instead, students live, dine, and learn within their colleges, participating in Cambridge’s signature small-group “supervision” teaching model. Each college manages admissions, accommodations, and pastoral care, while the central University oversees lectures, exams, and degrees.
Today, the colleges continue to inspire visitors with their stunning architecture, serene courtyards, and centuries of scholarly tradition. Open to the public at different times, they offer an intimate glimpse into Cambridge’s enduring legacy of learning, community, and cultural significance
Cambridge Colleges List
| College Name | Address |
| Christ’s College | St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3BU |
| Churchill College | Storey’s Way, Cambridge CB3 0DS |
| Clare College | Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TL |
| Clare Hall | Herschel Road, Cambridge CB3 9AL |
| Corpus Christi College | Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RH |
| Darwin College | Silver Street, Cambridge CB3 9EU |
| Downing College | Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1DQ |
| Emmanuel College | St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3AP |
| Fitzwilliam College | Storey’s Way, Cambridge CB3 0DG |
| Girton College | Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0JG |
| Gonville & Caius College | Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TA |
| Homerton College | Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PH |
| Hughes Hall | Mortimer Road, Cambridge CB1 2EW |
| Jesus College | Jesus Lane, Cambridge CB5 8BL |
| King’s College | King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST |
| Lucy Cavendish College | Lady Margaret Road, Cambridge CB3 0BU |
| Magdalene College | Magdalene Street, Cambridge CB3 0AG |
| Murray Edwards College | New Hall Lane, Cambridge CB3 0DF |
| Newnham College | Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge CB3 9DF |
| Pembroke College | Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RF |
| Peterhouse | Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RD |
| Queens’ College | Silver Street, Cambridge CB3 9ET |
| Robinson College | Grange Road, Cambridge CB3 9AN |
| St Catharine’s College | Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RL |
| St Edmund’s College | Mount Pleasant, Cambridge CB3 0BN |
| St John’s College | St John’s Street, Cambridge CB2 1TP |
| Selwyn College | Grange Road, Cambridge CB3 9DQ |
| Sidney Sussex College | Sidney Street, Cambridge CB2 3HU |
| Trinity College | Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TQ |
| Trinity Hall | Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TJ |
| Wolfson College | Barton Road, Cambridge CB3 9BB |
Stay Overnight in a College
Did you know that anyone—not just students—can book a stay inside a college via UniversityRooms.com? Enjoy Bed & Breakfast or self-catering rooms during academic breaks (mid‑June to mid‑October, mid‑March to mid‑April, early‑December to mid‑January). It’s a memorable way to sleep where Newton, Darwin, and Wordsworth once lived—complete with college dining hall breakfast, serene courtyard views, and the rare feeling of being part of Cambridge’s living history.
Visit Cambridge University and Its Colleges
Cambridge University is not a single campus — it is 31 individual colleges spread across the city, each with its own architecture, gardens, and traditions. Walking between them is one of the great pleasures of visiting Cambridge, and most are open to visitors for at least part of the day.
Colleges Open to Visitors
King’s College — Home to the famous Chapel, arguably the most photographed building in Cambridge. The fan-vaulted ceiling and Rubens altarpiece are extraordinary. Entry is ticketed (around £10–15) and you should book a time slot in advance, especially in summer. If you can, attend Evensong — the choir is world-renowned and the service is free.
Trinity College — Founded by Henry VIII in 1546, Trinity has the largest courtyard of any college in Cambridge or Oxford. Its alumni include Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, and 34 Nobel Prize winners. The Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is open to visitors and houses original Newton manuscripts.
St John’s College — Famous for the Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge modelled on its Venetian namesake. The college grounds are beautiful and the chapel tower offers one of the best views in Cambridge (by arrangement).
Queens’ College — Home to the Mathematical Bridge, a wooden footbridge that has fascinated visitors since 1749. The college courtyards span medieval to Tudor architecture and provide some of the best photography angles on the river.
Corpus Christi College — One of the oldest colleges, founded in 1352. The Old Court is the oldest continuously occupied courtyard in Cambridge. Look out for the Chronophage — the extraordinary golden grasshopper clock on the corner of the building facing King’s Parade.
Other colleges that regularly welcome visitors include Emmanuel, Pembroke, Peterhouse (the oldest, founded 1284), Clare, and Gonville and Caius. Opening times and entry fees vary by season, so check each college’s website before you visit.
Photography in the Colleges
Most colleges allow personal photography with phones and compact cameras. However, professional equipment such as tripods, DSLRs with large lenses, and lighting gear is typically restricted or requires prior permission. This is one of the reasons our photo tours are so popular — we know exactly which colleges allow what, when the light is best, and how to get the shots without the hassle.
Museums and Galleries
Cambridge has an exceptional collection of museums, and most of them are completely free to enter.
The Fitzwilliam Museum — One of the finest small museums in Europe, with collections spanning Egyptian antiquities, Renaissance paintings, and contemporary art. Free entry. Plan at least 90 minutes.
Museum of Zoology — Giant whale skeletons, a dodo, and Darwin’s personal specimens. Brilliant for families and genuinely fascinating for adults. Free entry.
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences — The oldest of Cambridge’s museums, packed with fossils, minerals, and geological specimens. Children love it. Free entry.
Kettle’s Yard — A unique gallery that feels more like a beautifully curated home than a museum. The collection of 20th-century and contemporary art is displayed alongside furniture, ceramics, and natural objects in a light-filled house. Free entry, booking recommended.
The Polar Museum — A small but gripping museum dedicated to Arctic and Antarctic exploration, including artefacts from Scott’s ill-fated Terra Nova expedition. Free entry.
Walking and Sightseeing
Cambridge is a compact city and one of the best things to do is simply walk. The city centre is largely car-free, and you can reach almost every major attraction within 20 minutes on foot.
The Backs — The stretch of green lawns and gardens behind the riverside colleges. Walk along Queen’s Road or across the meadows for some of the most iconic views of Cambridge, especially at sunrise or sunset. This is where most of the famous Cambridge photographs are taken.
King’s Parade — The postcard street of Cambridge, with King’s College Chapel on one side and a row of historic shops and cafes on the other. Always busy, always beautiful.
Market Square — Cambridge’s open-air market has been running since the Middle Ages. Browse artisan food, vintage books, handmade jewellery, and local produce six days a week.
Great St Mary’s Tower — Climb the 123 steps of the University Church tower for a panoramic view over the rooftops, spires, and college courtyards. It is the best elevated viewpoint in the city centre.
Castle Mound — A short walk north of the centre, this Norman motte gives you a surprisingly good 360-degree view of Cambridge and the surrounding fenland countryside. Free and usually quiet.
Parks, Green Spaces and the River Cam
For a city of its size, Cambridge is extraordinarily green. The river and its surrounding meadows provide breathing space right in the heart of the city.
Jesus Green and Midsummer Common — Two large open spaces perfect for picnics, ball games, or simply watching the world go by. Jesus Green also has one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in Europe (91 metres), open in summer.
Grantchester Meadows — A beautiful riverside walk or cycle from the city centre to the village of Grantchester. Stop for afternoon tea at The Orchard, where the Bloomsbury Group once gathered under the apple trees.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden — 40 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with glasshouses, a winter garden, and themed trails. A peaceful escape from the busier city streets. Small entry fee (under-16s free).
Food, Pubs and Cafés
Cambridge has a thriving food scene that goes well beyond student canteens. From historic pubs to independent cafés, there is something for every taste and budget.
The Eagle — Possibly the most famous pub in Cambridge. This is where Crick and Watson announced the discovery of DNA in 1953. The RAF bar ceiling still bears the graffiti of World War II airmen who burned their names into the plaster with cigarette lighters. Worth visiting for the history alone.
Fitzbillies — A Cambridge institution since 1920, famous for its sticky Chelsea buns. The café on Trumpington Street is a lovely spot for brunch or afternoon tea.
Mill Road — The most diverse street in Cambridge, packed with independent restaurants, delis, and shops from around the world. If you want to eat somewhere the students and locals actually go, head to Mill Road.
Check this popular blog post: Cambridge’s pub crawls
Day Trips and Nearby Experiences
Cambridge is perfectly positioned for exploring more of East Anglia. A few ideas if you have extra time:
Ely Cathedral — Just 20 minutes by train, the “Ship of the Fens” is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in England. The Octagon Tower is an engineering marvel.
Imperial War Museum Duxford — One of Europe’s premier aviation museums, housed on a historic Battle of Britain airfield just south of Cambridge. Brilliant for families and history enthusiasts.
Anglesey Abbey — A National Trust property with stunning gardens that change dramatically with the seasons. About 15 minutes by car from the city centre.
Seasonal Events and What’s On
Cambridge has a packed calendar of events throughout the year. Some highlights to plan around:
Cambridge Folk Festival (July) — One of the world’s premier folk music festivals, held at Cherry Hinton Hall.
Midsummer Fair (June) — A traditional fair on Midsummer Common that has been held since 1211.
Graduation Season (June–July) — The city fills with graduates in gowns. A wonderful time to visit and a perfect occasion for our Graduation Photography Tour.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (December) — The world-famous Christmas Eve service at King’s College Chapel, broadcast live by the BBC since 1928. Tickets are allocated by ballot, but the queue for remaining seats forms on Christmas Eve morning.
Cambridge Science Festival (March) — Two weeks of free talks, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments across the city, run by the University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Cambridge Experience
With so many things to do in Cambridge, the hardest part is knowing where to start. Our advice? Start with a camera. Cambridge is a city that rewards the curious, and there is no better way to discover its stories than through a lens.
Book a guided photo tour and let a local photographer show you the Cambridge that most visitors miss — the quiet courtyards, the golden-hour reflections, the details that make this city extraordinary.
Questions or ready to reserve your date? Call 01223 927232 or email cambridgeuktours@gmail.com
Questions about your visit? Get in touch — we’re happy to help with recommendations, even if you don’t book a tour.