The best things to do on a day trip in Cambridge
Planning a trip to the historic city of academia? There are many more things to do in Cambridge than reading books and boating! Cambridge is only 62 miles from London by car, making it the perfect destination for a weekend trip with Zipcar Roundtrip. Find out the best places to eat, drink, explore and shop in Cambridge with our guide.
The Orchard Tea Rooms
If you want a quintessentially English experience in Cambridge, it doesn’t get much better than afternoon tea in The Orchard Tea Garden. Sit down to a pot of tea with freshly baked scones and lashings of clotted cream and jam - all enjoyed in the delightful gardens.
Vanderlyle
Vanderlyle is proving that plant-based doesn’t have to be plain. Based on Mill Road in the historic city of Cambridge Vanderlyle is a small restaurant which works directly with farmers, growers and producers to create ingredient-centric dishes and matched drinks. Headed by chef Alex Rushmer, they source local, ethical and regeneratively-grown produce to create a plant-led tasting menu and matched drinks, inspired by the seasons and the best produce.
Calverley’s Brewery & Taproom
Craft beer fans will love this independent microbrewery. Enjoy a freshly poured pint in the Taproom accompanied by something tasty from the street food vendors, or pick up cans or fresh growlers of beer to take away.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
A true garden of academia, the Botanic Gardens of Cambridge houses over 8,000 plant species for research and teaching. The gardens are stunning at any time of year. Admire delicate blossoms in spring, relax on the lawns in summer, see the leaves turn in autumn, or wrap up warm for a winter stroll.
Walking Tours of Cambridge University
Many Cambridge graduates love to impart their knowledge of the university and its colleges, from the history and architecture to the folklore and traditions. Cambridge walking tours are free, but the student guides work hard to earn their tips!
River Punting
No trip to Cambridge would be complete without a punt along the River Cam. Whether you go it alone or choose a punting guide so you can sit back and relax, winding along the river and under the bridge of sighs is a delightful (and romantic) experience.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Home to over half a million pieces of art and antiquities including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics, manuscripts, prints and much more, the Fitzwilliam Museum makes for an endlessly fascinating day out.
Nomads
An eclectic emporium of ethnic curiosities, from Turkish lamps and Afghan rugs to incense, jewellery and homewares. Nomads is proud to be one of Cambridge’s longest-standing independent retailers.
Jemporium Vintage
From 60s miniskirts to 90s hi-tops, this vintage store has it all. No matter what era you’re feeling inspired by, there’s something for every occasion and season at Jemporium Vintage. Sustainability never goes out of style!
The Haunted Bookshop
Whether you brush up against the supernatural spectre said to haunt the basement of this bookstore or not, it’s still a great place to explore. Specialising in antique illustrated and children’s books, as well as general fiction, it’s well worth a trawl through the shelves.
