Sightseeing

Welcome to Cambridge, a city renowned for its profound history, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant academic culture. We encourage you to take some time to explore its iconic sights and unique traditions during your visit.

May Balls Week (June 20-26th)

Your visit coincides with a truly special time in Cambridge: May Balls week. These are spectacular, all-night parties held by the colleges to celebrate the end of the academic year. While the balls themselves are private, the entire city buzzes with a festive atmosphere. A highlight for visitors is the incredible fireworks displays that light up the sky over the River Cam on several nights during the week. Be sure to check local listings for viewing spots to witness this unforgettable Cambridge tradition.

For a schedule of events, you can visit the official May Ball website.

Guided Tours

To get the most out of your visit, consider joining one of the many excellent guided tours available. Here are a few highly-rated options:

• Footprints Tours: Offers a popular Free Cambridge Walking Tour that provides a great introduction to the city’s history and landmarks.
• Cambridge College Tours: Provides in-depth tours focusing on the history and architecture of the famous colleges. Visit their website at cambridgecollegetours.co.uk.

University of Cambridge Colleges

A walk through the city is a walk through history, with many of the University’s 31 colleges offering breathtaking views. We particularly recommend visiting:

• King’s College & Chapel: Founded by Henry VI in 1441, King’s College is famed for its magnificent Perpendicular Gothic chapel. Its large, stained-glass windows and the world’s largest fan vault ceiling are true masterpieces of medieval architecture.

  

• Trinity College: With its famous Great Court, Trinity is the largest and wealthiest college in Cambridge. Its alumni include Isaac Newton and many other Nobel Prize winners.

  

• St John’s College: Known for its beautiful “Bridge of Sighs,” a covered bridge that is one of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks.

Punting on the River Cam

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a leisurely punt along the River Cam. This traditional flat-bottomed boat, propelled by a long pole, offers unparalleled views of the college “Backs” – the picturesque gardens and buildings that line the river. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a unique perspective.

Historic Pubs

Cambridge is home to many historic pubs, each with its own story.

• The Eagle Pub: Step into a piece of scientific history at The Eagle, a historic pub located in the city center. It’s most famous as the place where Francis Crick and James Watson announced to the world that they had discovered “the secret of life” – the structure of DNA. The pub’s ceiling is covered with graffiti from WWII RAF and American airmen.

  

• Pub Tours: For those interested in exploring more of the city’s pub scene, check out Cambridge Pub Tours for guided experiences.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

For art and history lovers, the Fitzwilliam Museum is an essential visit. This magnificent museum houses a world-class collection of over half a million works of art, antiquities, and manuscripts from around the globe. However, it is just one of over 30 museums in the city.

For a comprehensive list to explore, please see this guide to Cambridge museums.