10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Cambridge That You Shouldn't Miss

November 6, 2021 Ying Subia

Cambridge might be best known for its university, home to some of the world’s greatest minds (Milton, Darwin, Hawking, etc.). But there’s a vibrant theater and arts scene here as well, and you’ll find fantastic contemporary restaurants mixed in with traditional pubs. Climb the tower of Great St. Mary’s Church for sweeping views of the city.
Restaurants in Cambridge

1. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Madingley Road Madingley, Cambridge CB23 7PH England +44 1954 210350 [email protected] http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/cambridge-american-cemetery
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,170 reviews

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

At Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, we commemorate the service, achievements, and sacrifice of 10,000 American military service members and civilian volunteers who fought for freedom during World War II (WWII). This is one of 26 overseas American national shrines managed by American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), which is America's preeminent sentinel of memory. Come visit this pristine memorial near Cambridge, and learn of America's experience in the UK from 1942-1945. The visitor experience will reveal the true depths of our "Special Relationship."

Reviewed By Gary2822013 - Salford, United Kingdom

This is a fitting tribute to all those people who gave their lives and to read some of their stories of heroism and complete disregard for their own lives to save others is beyond words, the cemetery is immaculate and truly spectacular. A fitting tribute to the Americans who came to help us.

2. King's College Chapel

King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST England +44 1223 331100 http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/index.html
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,323 reviews

King's College Chapel

This imposing English Gothic structure was built between 1446 and 1515, and is the site where many great scholars were educated.

Reviewed By JimMeager - Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

We had originally planned for the four of us to attend choral evensong and were queuing outside in the very chilly evening breeze having arrived slightly early. As we waited, a verger in full robes came along the length of the queue explaining that we would soon be admitted into the cosy and warm environment of the chapel and further that, because it was the Feast of St. Andrew, the service would be a full sung eucharist. This was an amazing and completely unexpected bonus. We all found the service and world class choral accompaniment a very moving experience. I doubt that any of us will ever forget it. Thankyou choristers, priest and servers for allowing us the privilege of worshipping with you.

3. Peterhouse Cambridge

Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RD England +44 1223 338200 http://www.pet.cam.ac.uk/
Excellent
53%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Peterhouse Cambridge

Founded in 1284 by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, this is the oldest college in Cambridge, and with under 400 students, one of the smallest.

Reviewed By TERRAvelista - London, United Kingdom

We came across Peterhouse purely by chance as we heading to Fitzwilliam museum, located right near Peterhouse and which I would highly recommend you to visit due to the huge variety of gorgeous items you find here. Peterhouse was free to visit and as we accessed the grounds we were impressed with the gorgeous old buildings, dating back to 1284 and looking just impressive - you are just about to imagine some knights popping out of some corner in their Medieval attire!!! The security staff was very nice and welcoming, just so refreshing compared to the very rude entry staff at King's college (just because they are so busy due to their central location). You have to visit this quieter part of Cambridge, even if you are on a day visit, the way we were.

4. Fitzwilliam Museum

Trumpington Street Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB England +44 1223 332900 [email protected] http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,499 reviews

Fitzwilliam Museum

Museum houses vast collections of antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, including exhibits of English and European pottery and glass, furniture, clocks, Chinese jades, and ceramics from Japan and Korea.

Reviewed By Sebulus-Palmer - March, United Kingdom

I've been going to 'The Fitz' since I was a kid. My first favourite area, back as a nipper, was the arms and armour area. Then I moved on to the contemporary art galleries, in my teens (around secondary/sixth-form age I used to love to go and sketch there; learning from the masters in an inspiring environment!). More recently my wife and I have been getting more into the medieval, renaissance and suchlike, and enjoying such a temporary exhibitions as appeal to us, and these can be very varied: from medieval illuminated manuscripts to early gold coins, or Dutch paintings of Vermeer's era, etc. There's a nice cafe and shop area as well. And they even put on talks, concerts, and all sorts. We've moved further from Cambridge recently, making trips to The Fitz less frequent, and I/we miss it. It's like having a London style museum out in the 'the sticks'. Highly recommended.

5. Grantchester Village

Cambridge CB2 4AG England +44 1223 322640 http://www.grantchester.org.uk
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 362 reviews

Grantchester Village

Located a short distance from the center of Cambridge, this historic and picturesque village features a magnificent medieval church, quaint thatched cottages and a pool where Lord Byron used to swim.

Reviewed By 70ish - Worcester, United Kingdom

A beautiful typical English village on the River Cam just a couple of miles from Cambridge with a perfect church , St Mary & St Andrew parts of which date from the 12th century

6. Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

St. Marys Passage King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 3PQ England +44 1223 747273 [email protected] http://www.gsm.cam.ac.uk
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 328 reviews

Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

Overlooking the market place in the centre of Cambridge, this beautiful church dates back to 1205 - even older than the University of Cambridge! Great St Mary's was built, rebuilt, burned and built again over the centuries. The current building is largely Tudor. King Henry VII donated 100 oak trees to build its roof and Queen Elizabeth I visited the church in 1564 and gave an impressive Latin speech to the assembled scholars. Interactive touchscreens and a short film about royal Cambridge offer a perfect introduction to the history of Cambridge. Visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of King's College Chapel and the city. We also offer brass rubbing and children's activities during busier times of year. Great St Mary's is the church at the heart of Cambridge and hosts regular services, concerts, debates and community events.

Reviewed By Mossman19 - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom

It's a lovely 500 year old gothic church and you can get a fantastic 360 degree view of Cambridge from the tower.

7. Kettle's Yard

Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ England +44 1223 748100 [email protected] http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/
Excellent
77%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Kettle's Yard

Come to Kettle's Yard to enjoy art in an inspiring setting. Experience changing exhibitions in our new galleries and explore a wonderful collection of art in a historic house. And it is all free. The new Kettle's Yard opened in February 2018 with galleries, creative spaces for activities and a cafe and a shop. There are free, changing exhibitions to visit throughout the year, showing artists from around the world. We also have a variety of events for all ages, from workshops to music concerts. Visit our website to find out what's on. In the House you can enjoy paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. Works of art are displayed alongside natural objects like shells, pebbles and plants to create a unique place that many enjoy for its tranquility and beauty. We offer lots of art activities for all ages. Many of these are free and drop in, with no need to book. Find out about all our upcoming events on our website.

Reviewed By dr8484 - London, United Kingdom

A distinctive collection of 20th century art and a gallery exhibiting contemporary and modern art arranged in this modest private house - now part of the uni. Wonderful.

8. King's College

King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST England +44 1223 331100 http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 587 reviews

King's College

Dating from the mid-15th century and one of the finest examples of medieval architect, this college’s main draw is its chapel that houses Rubens’ Adoration of the Magi.

Reviewed By Davidm1961 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

Kings College isn't currently open (April 20) but i took the opportunity of the lockdown to enjoy the serenity of the building without the bustle of tourists and punt touts. Kings parade is virtually empty on a Sunday morning and you can enjoy the majestic beauty of one of the country's most stunning buildings bar none.

9. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ England +44 1223 333516 http://maa.cam.ac.uk/
Excellent
50%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 231 reviews

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Come to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge to see world-class collections of art and artefacts from all over the world. Objects ranging from stone tools and pots to sculptures and paintings represent cultures and histories over millennia. Great recent and contemporary works reflect the diversity of peoples worldwide, and the resilience of indigenous cultures confronted by globalisation

Reviewed By DigiDi - Reading, United Kingdom

We found this museum whilst wandering around Cambridge so glad we did, there was so much to see on the different floors with many exhibits. There is also the photographs from the opening of Tutankhamen tomb. Worth going to as also a beautiful building

10. Pembroke College

Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RF England +44 1223 338100 [email protected] http://www.pem.cam.ac.uk/
Excellent
62%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Pembroke College

Founded in 1347, this is the third oldest of the Cambridge colleges, which features a chapel that was the debut commission of architect Christopher Wren in 1665.

Reviewed By Happy13traveler

Walked in off the street to a college steeped in history with a wonderful chapel. We put our heads into the porters office out of politeness to let them know that we were in the grounds. Great find.

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