Ten reasons to visit cambridge + 2 day itinerary
A relaxed Cambridge weekend break from London, with riverside stays, punting, countryside escapes and where to stay
Looking for things to do in Cambridge? Here’s exactly how to spend a weekend there:
Cambridge is perfect for a weekend trip thanks to its historic colleges, punting, museums, and compact walkable centre.
Quick Cambridge Weekend FAQ:
A Perfect 48-Hour Cambridge Itinerary
- Day 1: London to Cambridge + Exploring the City
Arrive late morning, check into The Graduate Cambridge and start with a riverside walk. Spend the afternoon exploring the colleges and shops before dinner. - Day 2: Punting + Countryside Near Cambridge
Begin with a punting session, then head out to Grantchester, PAUS for a change of pace. Return for dinner in Cambridge. - Day 3: Coffee + Return to London
Enjoy a final wander and pick up a coffee in Fitzbillies and enjoy their amazing cinnamon buns before heading back. Trains run regularly, making it an easy end to your trip.
There’s something about Cambridge that feels like stepping into a slightly softer version of life. Just far enough from London to feel like a proper break, but close enough that you’re not committing to anything too strenuous, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding weekend trips from London. I recently spent a couple of days there, staying at The Graduate Cambridge, and it reminded me exactly why this city works so well as a Cambridge weekend break from London.
Here are ten reasons to go to Cambridge:
01
It’s one of the easiest weekend trips from London
If you’re looking for easy trips from London by train, Cambridge in the East of England is hard to beat. Trains from London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street stations take around an hour, meaning you can leave mid-morning and be checked in by lunchtime. I love a train journey! See my review of a special train journey to bath here: Read More
02
Where to stay in Cambridge, England: The Graduate Cambridge
If you’re wondering where to stay in Cambridge, The Graduate is an excellent choice. Set right on the River Cam, it offers that perfect balance of central location and calm retreat. There’s a collegiate charm to the interiors, a subtle nod to the university setting, and the riverside views instantly slow the pace. The Garden House restaurant is also worth building into your plans, whether for dinner or a long, lazy breakfast.
03
Go punting on the River Cam (a Cambridge must-do!)
If you’re researching things to do in Cambridge, punting will be top of every list and for good reason. Gliding along the River Cam past the colleges gives you a completely different perspective of the city.
04
Explore Cambridge colleges and historic streets
You don’t need a plan here. Simply wandering past King’s College, St John’s and the surrounding courtyards is enough to fill an afternoon. It’s history, but without feeling heavy.
05
Cambridge is made for slow wandering
One of the best things to do in Cambridge is, quite simply, not much. My kinda break. Dip in and out of shops, stop for coffee or a pint, circle back along the river. It’s compact, walkable and refreshingly easy.
06
The food scene makes it a great Cambridge mini break
From relaxed cafés to more polished dining, Cambridge delivers far more than you expect. Whether it’s a long lunch or dinner by the river, it’s easy to build a weekend around food alone. And don’t even get me started on the pubs – that’s a feature in itself.
07
It’s one of the best short breaks from London for switching off
For Londoners, the shift is immediate. Within an hour, everything feels slower, quieter and more manageable. It’s exactly what you want from a short break from London.
08.
You can explore the countryside near Cambridge
If you’re looking for countryside near Cambridge, PAUS is a beautifully designed wellbeing space just outside the city. Think hot tubs, cold plunges, barefoot nature walks and a café serving home-made cake. A short walk or cycle away, Grantchester offers open meadows and that quintessential English countryside feel. The Orchard Tea Garden is a must. And for something a little unexpected, there’s even an urban winery nearby. If you’re looking for something a bit different in Cambridge, Gutter & Stars is tucked away in a historic windmill just outside the centre, offering intimate tastings and a chance to experience English wine being made right in the city. Another lovely place to visit is Ely, at around 20 minutes away, it makes for an easy add-on, with its cathedral and riverside setting.
09.
Cambridge works all year round
Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a cosy winter break, Cambridge adapts beautifully. It’s one of those rare places that works in every season.
10.
It’s the perfect Cambridge weekend itinerary
Cambridge hits that sweet spot. Enough to do, but never overwhelming. It’s why it remains one of the best Cambridge weekend breaks from London.
FAQ: Cambridge Weekend Break from London
Related travel Experiences to enjoy
The Golden Age of Travel
The Golden Age of Travel The Belmond British Pullman serves up British fare with an…
a cinematic summer Stay
