10 Things to do in Cambridge Travel Guide | The Best London Day Trip?

Summary

Join us on a delightful day trip from London to Cambridge, where we explore the charming university city. After a quick and affordable 45-minute train ride, we visit the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, enjoy a hearty lunch at the Regal Pub, and take in stunning views from Great Saint Mary’s Church tower. We also explore iconic colleges like Queens College and Trinity College. Despite feeling under the weather and the crowds, the trip offers valuable insights and tips for future visitors, including the best time to visit and why staying overnight can enhance the experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Early morning train journey from London to Cambridge with 45 minutes to spare before departure.
• 😀 Kings Cross station is a popular spot for Harry Potter fans, especially Platform 9 3/4, but the main destination today is Cambridge.
• 😀 Train travel to Cambridge takes about 45 minutes to an hour and a half, with tickets costing around £16 when booked last minute.
• 😀 The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a great stop, showcasing over 8,000 species and unique time-telling plants.
• 😀 The Regal pub in Cambridge offers affordable food like Steak and Ale Pie and Eggs Benedict, perfect for brunch.
• 😀 Cambridge’s River Cam is a popular spot for punting, but the visitors also explored some of the city's historic colleges.
• 😀 Queens College, one of the colleges at Cambridge University, is notable for its historic half-timbered building and Erasmus of Rotterdam's connection.
• 😀 Visiting college grounds often provides a peaceful experience, as many tourists don't pay for admission, keeping the area less crowded.
• 😀 The Great St Mary's Church tower offers the best views of Cambridge after a narrow and crowded spiral staircase climb.
• 😀 Trinity College, founded by Henry VIII, is the largest college at Cambridge University, and the travelers reflect on the history of the Tudors after watching the show.
• 😀 Despite enjoying the trip, the travelers were unwell, dealing with sore throats and fatigue, and recommended visiting Cambridge during the week to avoid crowds.

Q & A

Where did the travelers go on their day trip?

The travelers went on a day trip to Cambridge from London.

How much time did the travelers have before their train departed?

They had about 45 minutes to spare before their train departed.

What is the Harry Potter attraction at King's Cross Station?

The Harry Potter attraction at King's Cross Station is Platform 9 3/4, a popular photo spot for visitors.

How much did the travelers pay for their train tickets to Cambridge?

They paid 16 pounds for their tickets to Cambridge, which they booked last minute.

What is the first stop the travelers made in Cambridge?

Their first stop in Cambridge was the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

What interesting fact did the travelers learn about the flowers in the Botanic Garden?

They learned that some flowers in the garden open at sunrise and close at sunset, and one flower only opens at night.

Where did the travelers have lunch, and what did they order?

They had lunch at the Regal pub, where one traveler ordered a Steak and Ale Pie with a pint of Guinness, while the other had Eggs Benedict.

Which college did the travelers visit first in Cambridge, and what is its historical significance?

Their first college visit was Queens College, which is where Erasmus of Rotterdam studied, and it is the only college in Cambridge with a half-timbered building still standing.

What is one of the most popular activities to do in Cambridge, aside from exploring the university?

One of the most popular activities in Cambridge is punting on the River Cam.

What historical connection does Trinity College have?

Trinity College is the largest college in Cambridge, founded by Henry VIII.

What did the travelers suggest about visiting Cambridge on a weekend versus a weekday?

The travelers suggested visiting Cambridge on a weekday, as weekends tend to be crowded, especially during the summer.