I’ve compiled a list of the 15 best day trips from Cambridge, England. I grew up just a few miles away from the famous University city. So, in addition to enjoying all the wonders that Cambridge has to offer, I also benefitted from being in a great location for exploring slightly further afield.
Situated toward the south-east of England, Cambridge is connected with many major cities and towns via regular and reliable rail and bus networks. If you have a car, even better! Good motorways and road systems allow for easy access to some excellent Cambridge day trips.
Although the city itself has so much to offer, Cambridge is an ideal base for getting out and about. Whether you’re interested in quaint English towns, or vibrant cities, they’ll all be on your doorstep in Cambridge.
Best Day Trips From Cambridge
I’ve considered several factors whilst putting this list together. Questions such as: How easy is it to get to? How long will the journey take? And, Is it really worth leaving lovely Cambridge for? If you have yourself a few spare days in Cambridge, read on for some excellent day trip ideas.
1. London – Overview
How could I not start with the nation’s capital city? London is an easy train, bus, or car journey from Cambridge and is one of the best day trips from Cambridge. There’s so much to do in London that I’m actually just going to give an overview here. Further down I’ll be suggesting a few of my favorite areas to visit on different day trips from Cambridge.
Located 60 miles to the south of Cambridge, even with traffic, you can be in London within 90 minutes. In my experience, the train is the best option. Direct services operate up to 10 times an hour and will get you to King’s Cross Station promptly.
From here, London’s extensive and easy-to-use tube network will take you to all corners of the city efficiently and cheaply. Tap your credit card at the turnstiles on entry and exit and you’ll only pay for the journeys you make. It’s the best way to get around the city.
Distance from Cambridge: 60 miles (96 km) and around 90 minutes south of Cambridge.
Location: Kings Cross Station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL, UK
Getting There: Equally easy to reach by car, bus, or train from Cambridge. I personally prefer the train – it’s quicker, saves any hassle with parking, and regular and reliable services run throughout the day.
Must-Do Activities: The London Eye, the Tower of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral are just a number of amazing sights. A full-day tour is a great way to experience them all during a day trip from Cambridge. Click here to find out about a great London tour.
Where to Eat: You’ll be spoilt for choice in London for great restaurants, but I particularly love going to the German Gymnasium. It’s just a few minutes walk from King’s Cross and is a great place for German fayre like schnitzels and sausages.
2. London – Covent Garden
I’ve always loved an afternoon in Covent Garden and it’s one of the best places to visit from Cambridge. The large piazza-style district is home to some outstanding theaters, cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars. Grab a drink and enjoy the talented street artists. Expect to see everything from musicians to magicians showcasing their skills throughout the day.
After a stroll around, and perhaps coffee or a cocktail, take a short walk to see the famous Savoy Hotel. Stop in for a drink here too if you’re so inclined. Be prepared to spend a few quid though, from personal experience, I can tell you it isn’t cheap!
Continue to the banks of the River Thames, keeping the river on your left and passing Cleopatra’s Needle. You’ll soon reach the iconic figure of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Further on awaits Westminster Abbey, all within a 30-minute walk of Covent Garden.
Distance from Cambridge: By car, it’s 60 miles (96 km) south of Cambridge and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s around 1 hour by train and tube.
Location: The Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E, UK
Getting There: Easily accessible by car, train, or bus. By train is the quickest and most efficient way from Cambridge. Simply change at Kings Cross for the tube and the journey will take around an hour in total.
Must-Do Activities: Enjoy a drink or lunch in the bustling atmosphere of Covent Garden. Be sure to make your way to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. Check out this great guided tour – an excellent way to see these amazing London attractions.
Where to Eat: A previous birthday dinner of mine was at San Carlo Ciccheti. They serve some outstanding small traditional Italian plates in a beautiful sophisticated and relaxing environment.
3. Ely
Moving away from London, let’s take a trip to one of my favorite places to visit near Cambridge – Ely. This smaller cathedral city is just 17 miles away from Cambridge and is the location of some famous British history. It also has a great pub scene, which is a bonus in my eyes.
Ely Cathedral is a major attraction and is the closest cathedral to Cambridge. Construction began under William the Conqueror in 1083 and it was opened in 1189. How’s that for historical provenance? The former home of Oliver Cromwell is also in Ely. Cromwell was a pivotal figure in the First English Civil War which is highlighted by a great exhibition and museum.
History is all well and good, but my friends, I love Ely for its pubs. Within walking distance of the train station, there are around 15 excellent drinking establishments. The Prince Albert and the Minster Tavern are a couple of my favorites and both are well worth a visit.
Distance from Cambridge: Ely is located 17 miles (27 km) NNE of Cambridge. It should take around 30 – 40 minutes by bus or car, or 15-20 minutes by train.
Location: Ely Train Station, Station Rd, Ely CB7 4BS, United Kingdom
Getting There: Ely is very easy to get to by car or bus. By train is the quickest option as it the journey only takes around 15 minutes. Regular services run throughout the day.
Must-Do Activities: Take a trip to Ely Cathedral, a wonderful and historic sight, visit the former home of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and be sure to partake in a pub or two along the way.
Where to Eat: The Cutter Inn has great views of the River Ouse. It serves an extensive menu of traditional British pub food as well as a choice of international dishes.
4. Peterborough
I was born and spent most of my life in Peterborough. Despite traveling the world for years, Peterborough will always be home. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Cambridge via a straight drive north up the M11. 3 to 4 trains an hour also connect it with Cambridge so I highly recommend you plan a visit.
It’s the proud home of the mighty Peterborough United Football Club (an EFL League 1 soccer team, they’re not so great but I love them). The team is nicknamed The Posh and at their games, you’ll experience football in its truest form. Passionate fans (like me) scream their lungs out every week hoping one day Posh might just make it big.
As well as a beautiful 12th-century cathedral that dominates the city skyline, Peterborough features one of my favorite pubs in the world. Charters is a converted barge that sits on the River Nene. It’s a unique and delightful place to go drinking. The huge beer garden sits along the banks of the river and is one of the best places to be on a sunny day.
Distance from Cambridge: Peterborough is around 43 miles (70 km) north of Cambridge. It usually takes around 50 minutes by car, train, or bus.
Location: Peterborough City Center, Peterborough, Cambs PE1, UK
Getting There: Equally easy via car, train, or bus. All options should take less than an hour.
Must-Do Activities: If you can get to a Posh game, I guarantee the team and 6,000 fans would love to have you. Visit Charters for a few real ales and some of the best Pan-Asian food you’ll find in the UK.
Where to Eat: East is a Pan-Asian restaurant that sits directly above Charters on a barge on the River Nene. The food here is outstanding – it’s one of my favorite places to eat and it offers wonderful river views.
5. London – Camden Town
Perhaps my favorite area of London, and another of the easy day trips from Cambridge by train, is Camden Town. The Camden Town tube station is just 2 stops and around 4 or 5 minutes from King’s Cross.
Camden Town is like nowhere else I have ever really visited. The vibrant district is known for its extensive market, where you’ll find a variety of wares and an array of diverse food options. It’s a great place to shop and eat. The whole district has an alternate vibe based on music, fashion, and liberation.
Amy Winehouse’s favorite pub, The Hawley Arms sits in the heart of Camden. In fact, a statue of her is situated in the market area. I personally love The World’s End – a huge pub just steps away from the tube and one of the coolest places in London to go drinking. Some mega bands have played in the venue downstairs (The Underworld), I’ve enjoyed many great gigs here.
Distance from Cambridge: Camden is in North London so just under 60 miles (95 km) from Cambridge. It usually takes around 90 minutes via bus and car, or under an hour by train and tube.
Location: Camden High St, London NW1 8NH, United Kingdom
Getting There: If you’re going for the day, take the train. It’s just easier without parking and the usually heavy traffic, plus it takes less than an hour.
Best Tour: Camden Town Brewery makes some great beers that are really popular around the UK. There’s a great beer-tasting tour of their brewery based in the heart of Camden that I highly reccommend. Click here to find out more.
Must-Do Activities: Take plenty of time strolling around the huge marketplace. There are so many food options, my advice is to eat little and often to enjoy as much as possible. Have a pint or two in The Hawley Arms and The World’s End, two really cool pubs.
Where to Eat: Camden Marketplace has every type of food you can imagine. You’ll find everything from vegan burgers to sushi, and stone-baked pizzas to artisan cheese stalls.
6. Rutland Water
Whilst in Cambridge, you could take a short drive to the smallest county in England – Rutland. An easy drive, about an hour north, will bring you to beautiful Rutland Water. It’s the largest reservoir by surface area in the country.
The 23-mile perimeter is an idyllic location for walking and cycling, and it’s the perfect spot for day trips from Cambridge with a dog companion. Parking areas and villages around the water allow you to trek as little or as much as you want. You’ll find a number of great country pubs nearby too like The White Horse at Empingham, which is a great place for lunch.
If you fancy taking a dip, Rutland Water has an aqua park with inflatable slides, obstacle courses, diving boards, and free falls. It’s great fun, more so during warmer weather, however! You can hire bikes at Rutland Water too, and properly explore the beautiful nature of the area.
Distance from Cambridge: 54 miles (87 km) and around an hour north of Cambridge.
Location: Rutland Water, Rutland, UK
Getting There: This is one of the only day trips from Cambridge that is best reached by car only. In theory, you could take a train to Oakham and then a taxi to Rutland Water. It would take a little longer and some organizing, but is possible.
Must-Do Activities: Take a nice walk along the shores of the reservoir, stopping for a coffee or beer at numerous points along the way. Be sure to visit Normanton, where you’ll find a wonderful partially submerged still active 14th-century church and great views of the water.
Where to Eat: The White Horse is just a few minutes from the water. It’s a delightful English country pub with a nice beer garden, and a hearty menu of good quality pub food that includes pizzas, burgers, and excellent fish and chips.
7. Norwich
If you’re on the hunt for fun day trips from Cambridge, consider taking a short journey to nearby Norwich. Nestled around an hour away, Norwich has a number of rich historical sights and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s a destination that’s well worth exploring.
One of the biggest draws of visiting Norwich for me is its fascinating history. You can wander through cobbled streets, admire medieval architecture, and explore the iconic cathedral, Norwich even has a centrally located 1,000-year-old castle! The city has a thriving arts and music scene too, making it an ideal place to soak up some culture.
Norwich is also another great location for bars and pubs. The city center is a bustling place and you won’t search long for a good place to eat or drink. Consider stopping in at the Belgian Monk, my favorite pub in Norwich, or The Wallow, a self-service wine bar and a great spot for whiling away a few hours.
Distance from Cambridge: Norwich is around 65 miles (105 km) NE of Cambridge and should take around 90 minutes whichever way you travel there.
Location: Norwich City Center, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Getting There: Equally easy by car, bus, or train. All should take around 90 minutes.
Best Tour: Take a leisurely guided tour and learn about Norwich’s history and some of its most famous residents. Pub stops and drinks included, click here to find out more.
Must-Do Activities: Be sure to visit Norwich Cathedral and explore the castle. The Lanes are a cute shopping arcade and the outdoor market is a great place for shopping and eating.
Where to Eat: The Tipsy Vegan is an excellent place to fuel up, whether you’re a vegan or not. They serve non-meat takes on hearty pub cuisine in a cozy pub-like setting.
8. Stamford
We’re heading back towards my neck of the woods now, to the town of Stamford. About 15 minutes further north of Peterborough, Stamford is an idyllic option for a morning of exploring, afternoon shopping, and evening fun. It’s also one of the most romantic day trips from Cambridge and is a great place for a date night.
Stamford is lined with 17th and 18th-century stone buildings and home to five medieval churches. Just walking around is like stepping back in time. In fact, it’s been used as a filming location numerous times for films such as Pride and Prejudice, The Da Vinci Code, and the TV series Bleak House.
Many boutique shops, wine bars, traditional pubs, independent restaurants, and cafes are to be found through the many cute streets, cut-throughs, and alcoves. You’ll pass the magnificent Burghley House, home of the world-famous Burghley Horse Trials, on your way into town. It’s a truly awesome spectacle, the 16th-century house and gardens are a must-visit.
Distance from Cambridge: Stamford is around 50 miles (80 km) North of Cambridge and should take under an hour.
Location: Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK
Getting There: Equally easy by car or direct train and should take around an hour either way from Cambridge. Bus routes are available, but require a change in Peterborough.
Best Tour: Enjoy a fully guided tour of Stamford and explore the town’s vibrant history, delving into stories of heart-wrenching love affairs, political intrigue, and numerous hidden anecdotes not typically found in travel guides. Click here to find out more.
Must-Do Activities: A trip to Burghley House is a must, and drinks or lunch/dinner at The George Hotel will make your visit to Stamford one to remember.
Where to Eat: The Garden Room at the George Hotel is a wonderful restaurant. The high-end establishment is slightly more casual (and a little cheaper) than the main restaurant at The George whilst maintaining that high level of quality in both food and service.
9. Hunstanton
If you’re craving a beach day I’d recommend you head to Hunstanton. It’s a great English seaside town and one of my favorite places to visit outside Cambridge. I spent many weekends here as a child and it holds lots of treasured memories for me.
In Hunstanton, you’ll find a number of very English seaside attractions such as a fun fair, amusement arcades, fish and chips shops, and donkey rides. The town is also known for its distinctive striped cliffs and is often referred to as “Sunny Hunny” due to it being a popular sunny day spot; it allegedly gets more sun than many other parts of the UK.
The Wash Monster, (no, I’m afraid it’s not a mythical legend like the Loch Ness Monster), is a unique amphibious vessel that offers passengers an engaging and enjoyable means of exploring the native seal population, coastal regions with some amazing views, and the opportunity to delve into local history and legends surrounding The Wash.
Distance from Cambridge: 60 miles NNE of Cambridge, it takes on average just under 2 hours.
Location: Hunstanton, Norfolk, UK
Getting There: Equally time efficient via car or train. The type of roads make it a slow-going drive from Cambridge and the train requires a change in Kings Lynn. Both should have you on the beach in around 2 hours.
Must-Do Activities: Take a ride on The Wash Monster, partake in some people-watching, and simply enjoy a nice relaxing day at the beach.
Where to Eat: Elliots Fish and Chips makes the best fish and chips in Hunstanton. There are numerous places to go for the traditional English seaside dish, but this is one of my all-time favorites.
10. Newmarket
Just a stone’s throw away from Cambridge is the town of Newmarket, a place steeped in history and synonymous with the thundering hooves of racehorses. Known as the “Home of Horseracing,” Newmarket is a must-visit destination for race fans, and anyone seeking unique day trips around Cambridge.
Newmarket is all about the races, so if you’re a fan of horse racing, you’re in for a treat. The town is home to two world-renowned racecourses, the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course, where prestigious events like the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas Stakes take place every year. I’ve been to a couple of the lesser-known race days here and they were great fun.
The town’s historic streets are great for just wandering through. Be sure to take a visit to St. Mary’s Church, and admire the many architectural gems such as the 17th-century National Horseracing Museum along the way. Whether you’re an avid racing enthusiast or simply after a taste of British heritage, Newmarket offers a unique and memorable day trip from Cambridge.
Distance from Cambridge: Newmarket is around 15 miles east of Cambridge and should take between 20-30 minutes.
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
Getting There: It’s very easy to get to Newmarket via car, bus, or train. It’s actually one of the easier day trips from Cambridge by bus and regular and reliable public transport will get you there in 20-30 minutes.
Best Tour: Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into this iconic racing hub. Visit the Newmarket Gallops to witness daily horse training, embark on a stable tour, and make a stop at The National Stud to meet resident stallions and retired champions. Click here to book this unique tour now.
Must-Do Activities: Take a trip to the National Horse Racing Museum. Even if you’re not a big fan of the races, it’s really quite interesting and the building itself once belonged to King Charles II. It’s a glorious spectacle of English architecture, heritage, and history.
Where to Eat: The Pantry Fine Foods is an easygoing restaurant meets deli serving a modern British menu based on local produce and some excellent home-baked cakes.
11. Bath and Stonehenge
You’re sure to clock up a few miles with this one but for non-UK-based visitors, this is a really unique day trip from Cambridge. The city of Bath and the mythical Stonehenge are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are two jewels in British tourism’s crown. Although a fair distance away, visiting them both in one day is absolutely possible from Cambridge.
Bath is a wonderful city, home to the famous Roman Baths upon which it was built. The 17th-century Bath Abbey, located in the heart of town, is also an iconic and stunning structure not to be missed. There’s so much to do, it’s worth spending a little longer than a day here; get some ideas for a day trip with my previous blog – A Weekend Break in Bath (The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary).
Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument situated around 30 miles from Bath. The origins of the site date back thousands of years and its purpose is still much of a mystery, though it seems to have links with the sun and the summer solstice. It’s an amazing place to visit and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Distance from Cambridge: 181 miles (291 km) and around 3.5 hours in the car.
Location: – Bath, Somerset, UK – Stonehenge – Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
Getting There: By car is the most direct option from Cambridge, it takes an average of 3.5 hours. Trains are certainly possible but require changing stations in London via the Tube. It’s also possible to book a guided tour of Bath and Stonehenge from Cambridge (see below).
Best Tour from Cambridge: One of the best day tours from Cambridge will take you to both sites and back again in one day. It’s a great way to see two unforgettable British attractions from your base in Cambridge. Click here to learn more.
Must-Do Activities: Simply visiting Stonehenge and Bath are the must-do activities here. Though be sure to check out my previous blogs about Bath for the best cafes and pubs, and the perfect weekend itinerary.
Where to Eat: Visit the Saracens Head in Bath, one of the oldest pubs in the city. It’s full of traditional English pub charm and serves a great menu of hearty English classics.
12. Grantchester Circular Hike
After traveling a fair distance with the previous day trip, let’s keep it closer to home with a visit to the quaint neighboring village of Grantchester. Just a couple of miles out of town, one of my favorite hikes starts from here and takes in some lovely English countryside, a reservoir, and a few nice pub stops too.
The Granchester Circular Hike takes around 2 hours to complete and I’d consider it moderate in difficulty. It’s predominantly flat, but you’ll cover around 5 miles (8.2 km), which is a decent distance. The trail crosses in and out of the center of the village of Grantchester, through farmland, a nature reserve, and the beautiful Grantchester Meadows which runs alongside the River Cam.
It’s easy to get to via car or public transport, and ample free parking in the village is readily available. It’s a lovely hike for all weather, though parts may get a little muddy after heavy rain so pack some suitable shoes.
Distance from Cambridge: Grantchester is just 3 miles outside of central Cambridge and takes 10-15 minutes however you choose to travel there.
Location: Burnt Close, Grantchester, Cambridge, UK
Getting There: Equally easy by car or bus and should take around 10-15 minutes.
Must-Do Activities: It’s a very pretty and scenic route so have a camera to hand and pack a picnic for a pleasant lunch stop along the way. The Java Coffee Club is not far from the trailhead and is a great place for pre-hike coffee.
Where to Eat: The Rupert Brooke is a lovely traditional pub very close to the start (and finish) of the hike. A nice spot for a rewarding lunch after a 5-mile trek.
13. Oxford
A day trip from Cambridge to Oxford is not just a journey between two iconic university towns, but a chance to experience a historic academic rivalry. The age-old competition between these two esteemed universities dates back centuries and certainly adds a layer of excitement to a visit.
Oxford and Cambridge are renowned for the annual Boat Race on the River Thames, a historic rowing competition since 1829. Students from both universities fiercely compete, vying for a year’s worth of bragging rights. This global spectacle defines the enduring rivalry between the two cities and their prestigious universities.
The attraction of Oxford extends far beyond the competitive colleges. Oxford has stunning architecture, such as the Bodleian Library, the Christ Church College, and the picturesque Botanic Garden. Wandering through the cobbled streets and exploring the historic colleges you can ask yourself the age-old question – which is prettier Oxford or Cambridge? Tough one.
Distance from Cambridge: Oxford is around 85 miles (136 km) from Cambridge and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes via car or train.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
Getting There: Via car is the most direct route, even with traffic the journey should be around 2 hours. Trains are possible and will take around 2.5 – 3 hours. But the train route requires a trip to London, a quick Tube ride, and then another train to Oxford.
Best Tour: There are some great walking tours of Oxford available that tick off all the main sights and attractions in one day. I really liked this one led by former Oxford University alumni. Click here to find out more.
Must-Do Activities: Harry Potter fans shouldn’t miss a trip to the Bodleian Library, it stood in as the Hogwarts Library in numerous scenes throughout the films.
Where to Eat: Stop by Najar’s Place, a permanent kiosk located in central Oxford that serves some fantastic fresh Lebanese food and makes my favorite falafel wrap in the UK.
14. Saffron Walden
One of my first pet-sitting placements was in Saffron Walden. It’s a delightful little town not far from Cambridge and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to rack up a local 5-star review for my burgeoning profile. It worked a treat and I got to spend a few very enjoyable days there looking after a pack of 4 small dogs.
The town, with its medieval roots, is home to lots of impressive architecture, including the stunning St. Mary’s Church and the picturesque Bridge End Gardens. As a historic market town, the market square is a hub of activity. A twice-weekly market (Tuesdays & Saturdays) has lots of stalls offering fresh produce, crafts, and unique finds.
As well as the lovely town and the hub of bars, restaurants, and cafes around the center, there are lots of green, countryside spaces to enjoy nearby too. I’ve spent a few serene sunny afternoons at Bridge End Gardens, it’s a really tranquil spot. The renowned 17th-century Audley End House is another amazing location and is absolutely worth a visit.
Distance from Cambridge: Saffron Walden is just 16 miles south on the M11 from Cambridge. An easy journey that should take no longer than 30 minutes.
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex, UK
Getting There: By car is the quickest and most direct method. Buses and trains or a mix of the two should get you there in well under an hour.
Must-Do Activities: Take a trip to Audley End House – a grand country house and estate that’s been used as a filming location for numerous TV shows and movies, including the hit Netflix show The Crown.
Where to Eat: Cafe Coucou is a great place for lunch. Especially if you like hearty soups, excellent salads, thick sandwiches, delicious pastry-savory tarts, and filled baked potatoes.
15. The World via Stansted Airport
An absolute bonus of living near wonderful Cambridge is the proximity to an international airport. Stansted Airport is under 30 miles away and is a gateway to the world. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and as a Ryanair hub, cheap flights are always available.
So, let’s finish with a wild card. I put to you a day trip to locations such as Dublin, Barcelona, Milan, Edinburgh, Rome, and Stockholm as all are well within the realms of possibility. At the time of writing, flights to all the places I have just referenced were available for under $50 return. But it’s not unusual to see basic rate flights for under $10!
Expect no frills on a Ryanair flight; you’ll pay for everything additional, including baggage beyond a small rucksack. Food and drink, as well as designated seating, come at additional costs, but they’ll get you there quickly and efficiently for a base rate. So, if you’re planning a few unique day trips near Cambridge, throw Stansted into the mix and the world is your oyster.
Distance from Cambridge: Stansted is 30 miles south of Cambridge and should take no longer than 45 minutes.
Location: Stansted Airport, Stansted CM24 1RW, UK
Getting There: Equally easy and quick via car, bus, or train. Cambridge is well connected with the airport and all methods should take under an hour.
Must-Do Activities: Keep an eye out for some mega cheap late deals and book a surprise break to an incredible destination. Take it from a seasoned traveler, a trip within a trip is a fantastic and memorable experience.
Best Day Trip Tours from Cambridge
Although there are many great tours in Cambridge itself, day trip tours away from the city are few and far between. There is one available and it’s a great option that encapsulates two fantastic destinations in one day trip from Cambridge.
1. Guided Tour to Bath & Stonehenge From Cambridge: This guided tour from Cambridge explores two iconic destinations in one day – Bath and Stonehenge. The extensive organization involved would be a hassle with public transport so travel comfortably in a group vehicle. Walking tours are provided at each site, and delve into the mysteries of Stonehenge as well as Bath’s Roman history.
You’ll save time with this round-trip transport and skip-the-line tickets at Stonehenge (admission included). Plus, there are great insights into local history from your excellent guide. Experience the best of both attractions hassle-free. Click here to learn more and book your day trip from Cambridge.
Day Trips Around Cambridge: FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best day trips from Cambridge, England:
There are many popular day trips from Cambridge. London is a great option for many people with so much to do in the capital and easy transport links between the two cities. Those looking for something more quaint would perhaps consider the lovely city of Ely or the historic market town of Saffron Walden as a day trip of choice.
Cambridge has many things for visitors to enjoy. I’d recommend you take at least a weekend to see everything there is to see. A week or more will also allow visitors to enjoy many of the day trips from Cambridge that are available.
The best day trips from Cambridge by car are Rutland Water, Oxford, and the seaside town of Hunstanton. I’ve selected these as although public transport is available, having a car would make them much more easily accessible. Having a car in certain places like London can be a real hassle with parking, emission zones, traffic, and congestion charges.
The best day trips from Cambridge by train are to Stamford, Ely, and London. Cambridge is serviced by a decent-sized train station with regular and reliable services that will take you to all corners of the country. The train is a great way to get to London quickly and efficiently, whilst Ely and Stamford are 2 beautiful must-visit places near Cambridge.
The most beautiful place near Cambridge is Ely, in my opinion. The small Cathedral city has an abundance of lovely architecture, a magnificent cathedral, a lovely river running through it, and a thriving pub scene. It’s a wonderful place for a day trip from Cambridge.
Yes, you absolutely can take a day trip from Cambridge to Stonehenge. Although it’s a far distance (around 180 miles/ 290 km) getting there and back is completely feasible within a day. There’s a great tour from Cambridge, that in addition to Stonehenge, also includes a trip to the wonderful Roman city of Bath. Click here to learn more.
Granchester and more specifically Grantchester Meadows is a popular place very close to Cambridge. In fact, it’s only around 3 miles from the city center of Cambridge. It’s an idyllic spot for hiking, relaxing, taking picnics, and dog-walkers.
Cambridge is a great spot for a weekend break. There’s so much to fill a weekend itinerary with from punting on the River Cam, to exploring the stunning and world-famous university buildings. The thriving restaurant, bar, and cafe scene will give visitors no end of options across a weekend visit.
Yes, Cambridge is generally considered a safe place to visit and ranks as one of the safest cities in the UK, with relatively low crime levels. However, during summer, increased tourism brings a slight uptick in incidents. Anti-social behavior is the most common crime. As always, visitors should practice common sense when out and about in a big city.
The best way to tour Cambridge is on foot. The wonderful university city is full of beautiful buildings, churches, famous monuments, and points of interest at almost every turn. It’s a very walkable location but reliable and efficient public transport is readily available should you need it.
In Conclusion
Cambridge is a wonderful city to visit and benefits greatly from its proximity to many other fantastic towns, cities, and iconic spots. Geographically, Cambridge is perfect for exploring further afield, and the efficient buses and trains, as well as the closeness to one of the main motorways into London, make it an ideal jumping-off destination.
I feel lucky to have lived in Cambridgeshire for most of my life before embarking on a nomadic life of global travel and exploration. I certainly never took for granted having such great day trip opportunities on my doorstep and it’s been a pleasure to revisit them here.
Happy daytripping!
