Page 4 | What to do in Cambridge for a day by myself?

PoosyCat · 2024-03-15T21:05:51+00:00

I’ve got about 8 hours to spend by myself in Cambridge on Monday. I’ve never been before and I’m quite excited at the thought of a day pottering all by myself! I’d like to be pretty central, within walking distance of the train station. Any suggestions?

AnotherEmma · 16/03/2024 12:27

I love Kettle's Yard and I'd say it's definitely worth coming back on another day (ie not Monday) to visit.

Been living in Cambridge for years and years, and haven't actually done all the things listed on this thread.

ehb102 · 16/03/2024 12:57

@PoosyCat I wrote right instead of left after Trinity Street towards the keys.

Papillon23 · 16/03/2024 15:07

Penguinsa · 16/03/2024 12:13

There's a lovely florist on Magdalene Street which does flowers, plants and dried flowers.

https://www.whatthefleur.co.uk/

This street also has a whole shop full of gorgeous polish pottery. I never seem to pass by when it's open though so no idea how expensive it is!

Original poster

PoosyCat · 16/03/2024 19:56

ShowOfHands · 16/03/2024 12:24

DD is lower sixth as well and spends a lot of time at Caius doing English stuff. I tend to go on the train with her and then mooch. I adore Cambridge and it's best without an itinerary ime. I've never needed a bus or taxi from the station. It's only 20 mins if you're a quick walker. There are some brilliant suggestions of routes on here but I'd aim for bookshops, wandering the backs and several food stops. There are some great charity and vintage shops as well.

If your DD returns or you do, really do try to see the Fitzwilliam and Kettle's Yard. Both wonderful.

Have a lovely time.

Yes, a mooch around is exactly what I fancy! Some great suggestions on this thread on places to look out for. I’m actually pretty excited at the prospect of a bonus day off work spent pootling around a new city, seeing all the sights.

OP posts:

PhotoDad · 16/03/2024 20:03

Maybe someone's already mentioned it, but the market is always fun. It seems to alternate between "mainly food" and "mainly crafts" but I'm sure a local can enlighten you. And it's incredibly central!

Sundaycoffee · 21/03/2024 14:17

OP, how was your trip? I'm thinking of doing similar next Thursday. I have a day off work and no plans and have never been to Cambridge. What did you end up doing?

Original poster

PoosyCat · 21/03/2024 21:23

Sundaycoffee · 21/03/2024 14:17

OP, how was your trip? I'm thinking of doing similar next Thursday. I have a day off work and no plans and have never been to Cambridge. What did you end up doing?

I had such a lovely day thanks @Sundaycoffee . The weather was beautiful which really helped! I walked through the botanic gardens which was lovely. I went to St. Mary’s church and went up the tower for a fantastic view of the city. For lunch I want to Aromi and then later on had coffee and cake at Fitzbillies. Both were busy but I got tables without having to wait.
I took in a few of the colleges and had a little potter round the grounds of Christ’s college where my daughter was spending the day. I mooched around the shops and market and enjoyed Heffers and the haunted bookshop.
I was footsore and worn out by 5 o clock when we got our train home. The train from Cambridge to Peterborough at rush hour was ridiculously over crowded and quite frankly dangerous. We couldn’t even walk down the aisle to our reserved seats so I had to stand on my poor, aching feet!! But our connection from Peterborough was quiet and calm and I had a little snooze!
Definitely worth a visit, especially if the forecast is good!

OP posts:

WelcomeMarchwithwintrywind · 22/03/2024 01:03

@PoosyCat , I’m glad you had a good day. You managed to pack a lot into it.

@Sundaycoffee , perhaps choose a different Thursday, unless the weather forecast improves or you have a good waterproof coat.

What to do in Cambridge for a day by myself?

Sundaycoffee · 22/03/2024 16:27

PoosyCat · 21/03/2024 21:23

I had such a lovely day thanks @Sundaycoffee . The weather was beautiful which really helped! I walked through the botanic gardens which was lovely. I went to St. Mary’s church and went up the tower for a fantastic view of the city. For lunch I want to Aromi and then later on had coffee and cake at Fitzbillies. Both were busy but I got tables without having to wait.
I took in a few of the colleges and had a little potter round the grounds of Christ’s college where my daughter was spending the day. I mooched around the shops and market and enjoyed Heffers and the haunted bookshop.
I was footsore and worn out by 5 o clock when we got our train home. The train from Cambridge to Peterborough at rush hour was ridiculously over crowded and quite frankly dangerous. We couldn’t even walk down the aisle to our reserved seats so I had to stand on my poor, aching feet!! But our connection from Peterborough was quiet and calm and I had a little snooze!
Definitely worth a visit, especially if the forecast is good!

Show quote history

Sounds fabulous! Thanks for all the ideas. I'll definitely be taking some (most) of these on board. The weather isn't looking so promising next week so I'm hoping it clears up or may have to postpone

AnotherEmma · 22/03/2024 20:11

@Sundaycoffee
As you're thinking of going on a Thursday, when the museums and galleries will be open, it wouldn't be the end of the world if it rained - obviously Cambridge is at its best in fine weather, but if it rains you could easily spend the best part of the day happily inside. I love Kettle's Yard so that's where I'd recommend.