Captivating Cambridge

Visiting Cambridge on a day trip is like having an elusive glimpse of the beautiful countryside on an express train, a taster of a sumptuous dish or a sip of a fine wine. It leaves you wanting more! 

Only last week I spent a few glorious days there with my partner, my daughter and her husband. It just happened to be the hottest days of the year with sunshine and blue sky!
So if I go overboard with photos it’s for a good reason. I could easily have drawn a rectangle in the air of the view in front of me, put a stamp on and send it as a postcard! 

The University City of Cambridge

Cambridge is renowned for its historic and prestigious University dating back to 1209. It is the second oldest university in the UK, after Oxford. It has 31 colleges, the oldest being Peterhouse. Not surprisingly students make up about 20% of the city’s population. 

As I wandered around I was amazed by the sight of so many elegant buildings packed in a city about 1/50 the size of London! 

Magdalene College

Although it was founded in 1428 Magdalene College is only the 13th oldest in Cambridge University. As it’s right opposite the landing point for punting and entry was free, my partner and I went in for a stroll while waiting for our punting session at 10.00

River Cam

Apart from splendid buildings, Cambridge is also blessed with scenic landscapes along the River Cam.

Punting on River Cam

The first on everyone’s to-do list on a visit to Cambridge should be a punting session!

There’s no coastal path as such because most of the land along the river is privately owned. Punting is the best way to admire the stunning architecture of colleges and bridges on the route.

I booked our punting in advance with Scholars Punting for a “shared tour private section for up to 4 people”. It was perfect for us and the price was incredibly reasonable. 

As we glided along the river our punter Senay regaled us of some titbits about the colleges. It was like watching centuries of academic and cultural heritage being showcased on a conveyor belt! What a glorious way to pass 45 minutes! 

Bridges on the Punting route

Magdalene Bridge

The starting point for the punt is near Magdalene Bridge

Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College is the most photogenic of bridges on the route. It was built in 1831 and so called because Queen Victoria likened it to the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) in Venice of a similar design

Kitchen Bridge 

Kitchen Bridge (also known as Wren bridge) is the second oldest surviving bridge over the river Cam at St John’s College. It is so called because the dining hall in New Court Building had no kitchen, food had to be prepared in the old court kitchens and transported across this bridge 

Trinity Bridge

Trinity Bridge is really a road bridge, rebuilt in 1765. It looks rather plain, but look at the splendour of Trinity College on the riverside!

Garrett Hostel Bridge

Garrett Hostel Bridge is the newest bridge built in 1960. It’s functional rather than aesthetically appealing!

Clare Bridge

Clare Bridge is the oldest bridge on the river Cam and the only surviving pre-civil war bridge. 

Mathematical Bridge

Mathematical Bridge (also known as Queen’s Bridge) is a wooden bridge designed to look like an arch It was first built in 1749. The current version was built in 1902.

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens were just 10 minutes’ walk from our apartment. For me the gardens were pleasant rather than spectacular.

However a stroll in the warm sunshine amongst the gentle shades of purple and subtle hues of blue interspersed with a bit of red was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum 

There’re over 15 museums in Cambridge but if there’s a time constraint, The Fitzwilliam Museum is the one to visit. It’s the principal museum of The University of Cambridge specialising in art and antiquities and is conveniently situated in central Cambridge. 

The exterior of the museum is imposing enough, but the interiors are ten times more so! It makes you gape when you walk in and see the opulent setting, ceiling and grand staircases.

The place is huge with room after room packed with paintings, pottery and all sorts of artefacts. For me, the building itself was the main draw! What’s more, entrance is free! Quite remarkable! 

Great St Mary’s Church Tower

The church is right in the heart of Cambridge. There’s no better place to have a bird’s eye view of the city than the tower! There’re 123 numbered steps in a very narrow staircase to get to the top. The views from the top were well worth the effort and the fee of £7.00.

Views from the tower

View to the north – Gonville and Caius College (left) – 4th oldest college in Cambridge (1348)

View to the south – King’s Parade and King’s College

View to the east – The market place

View to the west – The Old Schools (where a graduation event was on) and Senate House (right)

The streets of Cambridge 

Where we stayed

For our sojourn in Cambridge I found us this modern apartment near the railway station (Apartment managed by Wayland Taylor Estates https://www.booking.com/Share-SiNk )

It has a spacious living area and 2 good-sized bedrooms on the ground floor, ideal for the 4 of us to crash out in our own space after a day’s sightseeing. It’s so near to shops and eateries that for our breakfast, one of us went out to get the cappuccino while the croissants were being warmed up! It was like home from home! 

Our stay in Cambridge was enjoyed by all. What joyous memories!