It’s not just the university! 23 recommended sightseeing spots in Cambridge, England!

Cambridge, a historic city located in eastern England, is home to 31 universities. While it may be known primarily for its universities, it actually has many tourist attractions as well.

You can enjoy strolling through the various colleges within Cambridge University, and the scenic views along the River Cam offer a perfect opportunity to soak in the beauty of European landscapes. Beyond the university, there are various places to visit, such as museums, botanical gardens, and art galleries.

1. King's College Chapel (University of Cambridge)

The highlight of sightseeing in Cambridge is undoubtedly the famous King's College Chapel. Located within King’s College at Cambridge University, this chapel was constructed over 70 years, beginning in 1446. The time and effort dedicated to its creation are evident in its grand, delicate, and beautiful structure, and stepping inside fills visitors with a profound sense of awe.

Built in the Perpendicular Gothic style over five generations of English monarchs—Henry VI, Edward IV, Richard III, Henry VII, and Henry VIII—it’s often considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Cambridge.

The chapel’s twelve large windows are adorned with stunning stained glass, creating a breathtaking synergy with the interior decor. On sunny days, the stained glass shines even brighter, making a visit on a clear day highly recommended. Guide pamphlets are also available, allowing visitors to learn more about the chapel’s history.

2. Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is an art museum located within Cambridge University. Having an art museum within a university is quintessentially European, and very fitting for the UK. But what’s even more surprising is that this museum is free to enter, making it a fantastic option for visitors.

Inside, you’ll find famous paintings by artists like Picasso and Monet, as well as a vast collection of antiques, sculptures, and other remarkable artworks. The museum’s spacious interior, where photos are permitted (although flash is prohibited to protect the artwork), allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely tour while taking photos.

The museum also has an on-site café and a museum shop that sells stylish items and postcards, perfect for a quick break or purchasing a souvenir to remember your Cambridge visit. When sightseeing in Cambridge, don’t just explore the colleges—make sure to stop by the Fitzwilliam Museum too!

3. Anglesey Abbey

Angelsey Abbey is a tourist spot on the outskirts of Cambridge, offering beautiful gardens to explore. This vast 12-acre estate features meticulously maintained gardens where visitors can admire delicate flowers, such as snowdrops.

There are also tours of the manor house, which showcase the art collections and jewels gathered by the British noble Lord Fairhaven, along with the history of the building itself. Note that the manor is only open on days other than Mondays and Thursdays, so check the schedule if you want to explore inside.

During spring and autumn, the Rose Garden is filled with colorful roses, making it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys fragrant blooms. About 13 kilometers from the center of Cambridge, Angelsey Abbey is accessible by bus, car, or even on foot for those who wish to enjoy the scenic route through Cambridge.

4. River Cam

The River Cam is the river that Cambridge is named after, and is a great spot for a stroll. It flows along the gardens of Cambridge University, so you can see students and tourists lying on the grass, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

There are several boat docks called "punts" on the river, and you can enjoy sightseeing in Cambridge's nature and historical buildings by riding a punt down the river. You don't have to row the punt yourself, as a rower will ride with you. It gets crowded with tourists on weekends, so it's best to visit on weekdays. A leisurely river ride watching the adorable ducks floating on the river will help you relax and relieve the fatigue of your travels and the busyness of everyday life.

The River Cam is very cold in winter, so don't forget to take measures against the cold if you visit in winter. If possible, we recommend visiting in seasons other than winter.

5. University of Cambridge

Speaking of Cambridge, you can't miss visiting Cambridge University. Cambridge University, which has a history of 600 years, is a comprehensive university consisting of several colleges, and the stone buildings also exude a historic atmosphere.

The greatness of this university can be seen from the fact that many famous people have been involved, such as Newton who taught there and Cromwell who studied there. Cambridge University is still known as one of the world's most prestigious and prestigious universities.

Each college has a different atmosphere, and is worth visiting, along with the beauty of the historic buildings. Tourists can visit the colleges by paying an admission fee, but some places are closed on certain days, so be sure to check in advance about the college you want to visit.

It is within walking distance of Cambridge Station, but it is a long distance, so we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes.

6. Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a tourist spot located within Cambridge University where you can enjoy a wide variety of plants. It originally started as a place used by students of the Department of Medicine to study medicinal herbs, but now it has greenhouses, gardens, and rock gardens and is open to the public as a botanical garden that is open to tourists.

The garden was established in 1846 and cultivates approximately 8,000 types of plants. There are benches and a cafe inside the garden, making it the perfect place to take a break while admiring the beautiful plants.

Spring is the season when the flowers bloom most, but there is a wide variety of well-maintained plants so you can enjoy it in any season. There are also trees with unusual shapes, which makes it a great spot for taking photos.

7. Computer Museum

The Computer Museum is a museum in Cambridge where you can learn about the history of computers while having fun. Here, a wide variety of equipment is exhibited, from old calculators to the latest computers, and you can actually touch and enjoy them.

Famicom and the original PlayStation are also exhibited, and you can actually play the games. It is recommended for sightseeing with the family, and when there are not many tourists, you can enjoy it for a long time.

By tracing how computers have become smaller over the years and their screen resolution has improved, you can feel the evolution of technology and the efforts of the people involved in its development. It is located in an area lined with colleges of Cambridge University, so it is a museum that you should stop by in between university sightseeing.

8. King’s College

One of the most popular spots for tourists in Cambridge is King's College Chapel, but King's College itself, which houses the chapel, is also a tourist destination worth seeing. It is characterized by its impressive gate and buildings, which are particularly eye-catching among the colleges of Cambridge University, and its well-maintained gardens further enhance its beauty.

King's College, founded in 1441, is a historic place that is also said to be "the most beautiful college in Cambridge University." It is also a tourist attraction known for being the place where John Maynard Keynes, who built the foundations of macroeconomics, graduated.

You can take a tour of the college, and tickets can be purchased at the general store opposite King's College. It is also recommended to visit at night, as the security is good. You can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime when it is lit up.

9. St. John's College

St. John's College is one of the colleges of Cambridge University, located in the north of Cambridge. The building, designed to resemble Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, boasts a beauty that was praised by Queen Victoria. The building is decorated with coats of arms and looks like a wedding cake, and you can enjoy the historical and delicate construction down to the smallest detail.

It is also one of the main filming locations for the movie "The Theory of Everything", and is recommended as a pilgrimage spot for movie fans. You may enjoy it more if you watch the movie before visiting Cambridge.

This college, built in 1511 on the site of a former hospital, is rumored to be haunted by ghosts, and has a mysterious charm that is typical of England. Enjoy taking photos while savoring the legends and stories behind the beautiful buildings!

10. Trinity College

Trinity College is located right in the center of Cambridge and is one of the colleges of Cambridge University. It is famous for having produced many Nobel Prize winners, with 32 Nobel Prize winners having graduated from Trinity College.

It is also famous for having produced Isaac Newton, and the apple tree that is said to be a descendant of the apple tree that discovered universal gravitation is also a popular spot for tourists. The thin tree in front of the gate is said to be that apple tree, and tourists who want to take photos of it line up.

Trinity College, built in 1546, is symbolized by its large gate called the Great Gate, and the large courtyard is well-maintained and very beautiful. It is also famous as the richest college in Cambridge University and is said to be very popular with students. When you hear that it is a college that is popular with top-level students, you will want to visit it!

11. Scott Polar Research Institute

Scott Polar Research Institute is located in the southern part of Cambridge and focuses on Arctic and Antarctic research. Adjacent to the research institute, a museum displays artifacts from polar exploration, which is free to enter. Named after British naval officer Robert Scott, the museum showcases items used during expeditions, as well as tools and equipment from polar life.

The museum is relatively quiet, providing a relaxed atmosphere for exploration, with photography allowed (though online publication is restricted). This spot is ideal for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of polar history.

12. Market Square

Market Square is located at the heart of Cambridge and features an array of market stalls. Visitors can find everything from ready-to-eat foods and handicrafts to clothing, artwork, and jewelry, making it an ideal place to shop for Cambridge souvenirs.

This lively market offers a variety of quality British teas at affordable prices, perfect for gifts. The colorful canopies add to the cheerful shopping atmosphere, and the pedestrian-only layout ensures a safe and enjoyable visit, even when busy. Located near the Cambridge Visitor Information Centre and King’s College, Market Square easily fits into any sightseeing plan.

13.Grantchester Village

Grantchester Village is a charming spot located south of Cambridge, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional English countryside scenery. Although it’s about a one-hour walk from the city center, this quaint village with its thatched-roof houses provides a perfect escape to experience the beauty of England’s natural landscape.

A recommended route is to walk along the River Cam heading south, or you can take a punt closer to the village. The scenic journey, with views of open meadows, makes the time pass quickly. Cambridge University students often visit Grantchester by bike, adding to its appeal as a peaceful and relaxing destination.

14. Orchard Tea Garden

The Orchard Tea Garden is a historic café located in Grantchester, south of Cambridge, known for its over 100-year tradition of serving royal-approved jams and scones, drawing many visitors.

This café offers a quintessential English experience with its picturesque countryside views, perfect for savoring delicious scones with jam and tea. Cambridge University students initially frequented this house for tea while admiring the beautiful scenery, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a luxurious escape.

15. Mathematical Bridge

Mathematical Bridge is the southernmost bridge on the River Cam in Cambridge, located within Queen’s College. You can view it from Silver Street without entering the college, which is a popular spot for sightseeing.

Built in 1749 and reconstructed in 1905, this bridge is renowned for its precise geometric design and arched shape, hence its name. Among the unique bridges over the Cam, it’s a favorite for photography. You can also view it from below while punting on the river, and if you visit Queen’s College, you might get a rare view from within the college grounds.

16. Sigh Bridge

Bridge of Sighs is located behind St. John’s College at Cambridge University. Named after the famous bridge in Venice, this beautiful covered stone bridge is a must-see. Queen Victoria herself praised it, saying it was "a bridge fit for a painting." A punt ride along the River Cam provides stunning views of the bridge.

Besides its Venetian inspiration, the name “Bridge of Sighs” is rumored to reflect the sighs of students who receive poor exam results here. However, the bridge’s intricate design and beauty truly leave visitors in awe, making it a popular spot for photography.

17. Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is a free tourist attraction located near the center of Cambridge. It displays fossils and specimens, and you will be overwhelmed by the large replica of an Iguanodon skeleton on your right as you enter.

There are some rather modest exhibits, such as spider fossils and crayfish fossils, that will make you think, "Wow, they have fossils like this...", but at the end there is a fossil discovered in the famous Burgess Shale, and it seems that many tourists come to see it for this purpose.

The exhibits are displayed at eye level so that you can enjoy the view, and it is not very crowded, so you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.

If you are visiting Cambridge with your family, be sure to visit the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, which your children will love. It is closed on Sundays, but on other days you can enjoy a free time learning about the evolution of the earth.

18. Corpus Clock

Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, has a unique clock that was unveiled by physicist Dr. Stephen Hawking. The Corpus Clock, installed on the exterior wall of Taylor Library, is a clock that displays time not with traditional hands or digital display, but with light leaking from a rotating disk!

It is a large clock with a diameter of 1.5m, and it was also a hot topic because it cost about 120 million euro to make. When it was installed in 2008, the Corpus Clock attracted a lot of attention as a new tourist spot, and many tourists still visit it today.

The clock is decorated with a mysterious insect object called a "chronophage," which glows pale blue at night. This slightly creepy-looking insect represents the creator's thoughts on the theme of "eating time," and is said to symbolize his regret for wasting his student days.

It is a new and unique tourist spot that can be seen in historic Cambridge, so be sure to take a photo of it when you visit.

19. Great St. Mary's Church

Great St. Mary’s Church is a historic church standing prominently in the center of Cambridge, located along King’s Parade and near attractions like King’s College and Market Square. The church’s bells are said to have inspired the melody for school chimes.

For a fee at the gift shop, visitors can climb the steep stairs to the tower, which offers a stunning view of Cambridge’s townscape and surrounding greenery. Although crowded below, the tower is a quieter, hidden gem for breathtaking photos.

20. The Round Church

The Round Church is a circular church located diagonally across from St. John's College in Cambridge University. Although it is called a church, it is actually a visitor center with tourist information for Cambridge.

Churches are generally shaped like a cross when viewed from above, and circular churches like this are very rare, with only about four in the UK. It is the second oldest church in Cambridge, dating back 1130 years, and is also a tourist information center. Inside, there are not only tourist information, but also notices that tell you about the history of the Round Church.

The street in front is narrow and there is a lot of traffic, so please be careful when passing by. It is a place with a mysterious charm that is different from other buildings, so please be sure to visit it.

21. Cambridge Science Centre

Cambridge Science Centre is a science museum located in the heart of Cambridge. Known for its science magic shows and interactive experiment stations, it’s especially popular with children but offers something for visitors of all ages.

Although smaller than the science museum in London, it’s highly rated by visitors, with friendly staff and activities that make science hands-on and engaging. Family-friendly workshops provide about 2-3 hours of entertainment. If you’re ready for an interactive break from sightseeing, the Cambridge Science Centre is a great choice, especially for families.

22. Queens College

Queens' College is one of Cambridge University's oldest and most beautiful colleges, founded in 1448. The famous Mathematical Bridge connects two parts of the college over the River Cam.

The college's First Court, built with red bricks, evokes a medieval atmosphere, and the name "Queens' College" comes from the support of two queens who helped establish it. Popular spots include the Old Hall and Chapel, both open to visitors. The Victorian-style ceiling adorned with gold leaf and the stunning triptych altar are highlights that showcase Cambridge's rich history.

23. Parker's Piece

Located in the center of Cambridge, Parker's Piece is a green park where Cambridge University students and local people can relax. It is said to be the birthplace of football, where the rules of the Cambridge University Football Club were first created. It is a must-see tourist spot for football fans.

It is also known as the historic place where the coronation banquet of Queen Victoria was held in 1838.

Various events are held throughout the year, such as music events in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter. Parker's Piece is beautifully green and allows you to enjoy the four seasons of Cambridge, and is used by not only students but also tourists for picnics.

Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Cambridge

How did you enjoy our selection of 23 recommended sightseeing spots in Cambridge? The city’s beautiful, historic streets may even make you wish you could spend your student years here, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Just an hour’s train ride from London, Cambridge is filled with sights well worth the extra trip. One of Cambridge’s charms is its appeal in every season, making it an excellent addition to any UK itinerary. Be sure to visit Cambridge when touring England—you’re sure to have a refreshing, memorable experience.

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It’s not just the university! 23 recommended sightseeing spots in Cambridge, England!