24 hours in Cambridge

[goldpendant]

Can I please have your recommendations for the best things to do/see with 24 hours in Cambridge (or just over!)

Where should I book for lunch?
Where/how best to experience the river, likewise the colleges?
Any great shopping/boutiques?
Dinner or bar recommendations?

Thanks! First night away in almost 2 years!

Punting. You can get a pretty good look at the colleges ans it’s really fun. I’m old and haven’t been out for dinner in ages, but I like the pint shop. For lunch, a walk to the orchard or res lion in grantchester, or the plough in coton, would be very pleasant.

You have some great ideas from happylittlevegemites. If you are travelling by car you might be able to park in Grantchester and then walk into the centre of town. Parking is very expensive in Cambridge and it’s a lovely walk. I would add Fitzbillies to the list for a coffee and Chelsea bun. You could also go to The Eagle. I’m not sure what it’s like in there now as I haven’t been for ages but good history DNA and RAF bar. If you walk from Quayside beside the river you will get to Fort St George pub which is a nice setting by the river. If you want somewhere really fancy for lunch/dinner Midsummer House is Daniel Clifford’s Michelin star restaurant which is near there. You will also see the college boathouses and may see some rowers. Lots of interesting museums in Cambridge too and most of them free I think.

Punt tour to see the river and colleges (or rent a punt if you're brave/co-ordinated!). Though you'll see a lot of the colleges just walking round town. Usually you can go in some but I think not at the moment...

Six at the Varsity or Parkers Tavern at the University Arms for nice food, or Restaurant 22. And yes, Fitzbillies for a Chelsea bun and also Jack's gelato for amazing ice cream.

Cambridge is OK for shopping but nowhere amazing to look out for. The centre's small so you'll walk past most shops anyway!

Missed the lunchtime recommendation to walk to Grantchester, definitely agree with that!

Ooooohhh yes, Varsity rooftop terrace would be lovely if the weather is good. Here’s a pic of the centre of Cambridge today. Shockingly quiet.

Great tips thanks everyone

Varsity rooftop is on the list (almost booked night here but went with Gonville instead).

Very excited, can't believe I've never been!

Information about the museums and when they reopen

www.museums.cam.ac.uk/museum_reopening

The botanical gardens are lovely but you do have to pay, I think the others are all free.

Shopping is slightly spread out as you have two centres really - around the historical colleges and market square and also the more modern Grafton Centre. Having said that Cambridge is small and easily walkable.

Don't go to the Grafton! It's awful. The other end of town is much better.

Kings College Chapel
Fitzwilliam Museum

It's quite a long walk to Grantchester but worth driving down and walking along the river / eating at the Red Lion. Or you can park at Lammasland and walk down towards Grantchester.

King's college chapel is gorgeous. As pp said, don't bother with the Grafton.