The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is found on Bridge Street in Cambridge city centre. One of the city’s oldest buildings, it has been in place since 1130. Known locally as The Round Church, it was designed in tribute to the rotunda at the Holy Sepulchre church in Jerusalem. The church has been extended and restored several times from its original structure, when it served as a chapel for wayfarers along Bridge Street, a former Roman Road which led out of the city. The glass in the east window was destroyed by a German bomb in World War II and subsequently replaced.

In 1994, the small Grade I listed church was ruled unsuitable to house its growing congregation, and is no longer used as a place of worship. Christian Heritage have reopened the church as a museum, featuring an exhibition on the history and impact of Christianity in England. The redundant church also houses a library of theological texts, and offers a range of courses and lectures on the Christian faith. The museum also offers guided tours of places of worship and other significant buildings in the city. These start from the Round Church on Sundays at 2.30pm and Wednesdays at 11.00am.

The Holy Trinity Church is situated on the corner of Market Street and Sidney Street, in the shopping district of central Cambridge. The building dates back over 800 years and was constructed to replace a previous church, destroyed by fire in 1174. Only the western wall remains of the original structure; the church was developed heavily during the English Reformation and is an example of the Gothic Perpendicular style.

The temple played a key role in the city’s spiritual revival in Georgian England. The preacher at this time, Charles Simeon, increased the church’s popularity with an evangelical style that was at odds with the Anglican customs of the age. Simeon also helped to set up the Church Missionary Society, beginning the English church tradition of sending religious missions to troubled countries overseas.

Still a broadly evangelical church in the image of its former preacher, Holy Trinity Church holds a morning communion each Sunday at 9.30am. A children’s church service runs alongside the main service each Sunday morning. There is also an evening service on Sundays at 6.30pm. The church is a centre of student life within Cambridge, and holds an additional 11.30am Sunday service during term times, followed by a students’ social lunch.

Market Hill, commonly referred to as Market Square, is a notable 203-metre-long street situated in the heart of Cambridge. This historic area serves as the center of daily commerce with an outdoor market that traces its origins back to Saxon times. The market offers a diverse array of products, ranging from clothing and books to fresh fruits, vegetables, second-hand bikes, and mobile phone accessories.

The square has a rich historical backdrop, notably during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. A significant event occurred when a mob, led by the Mayor of Cambridge and incited by Margery Starre, destroyed the university's ledgers in the square. This act of rebellion was marked by a dance and the defiant cry "Away with the learning of clerks, away with it!"

Originally, Market Hill was densely built up with structures until a transformative fire in 1849 led to the clearance of these buildings. The redevelopment of the square included the addition of a Gothic Revival gabled fountain in 1855, though most of it was demolished in 1953, and its water supply was permanently severed in 1960 due to nearby construction activities.

Today, Market Hill is flanked by significant landmarks. To the west lies Great Saint Mary's, the Cambridge University Church, famous for its towering presence on King's Parade. On the southern edge, the Cambridge Guildhall stands, a structure built in the 1930s. Nearby, the Grand Arcade and Lion Yard shopping centers provide modern shopping experiences, blending the historical with the contemporary in the heart of Cambridge.

The University of Cambridge is a distinguished public collegiate research university, renowned as the world's third-oldest university still in continuous operation since its establishment in 1209. Originating from a group of scholars who departed from the University of Oxford after a local dispute, Cambridge, along with Oxford, forms the storied Oxbridge duo, known for their historic rivalry yet shared characteristics.

Cambridge was officially recognized with a royal charter by King Henry III in 1231, just 22 years after its inception. Today, the university is comprised of 31 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and over 150 academic departments and institutions, organized into six schools. Notably, Cambridge University Press & Assessment is its largest department, generating £1 billion annually and impacting 100 million learners worldwide.

Education at Cambridge is distinctive, centering on small-group "supervisions" held weekly within the colleges, complemented by lectures and laboratory work facilitated by the central university faculties. All Cambridge students must affiliate with one of the self-governing colleges, each managing its personnel and policies.

The university is also celebrated for its extensive cultural and scientific collections, including eight museums such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Its libraries, notably the Cambridge University Library, a legal deposit library, hold a staggering 16 million books.

Cambridge’s alumni and affiliates include an impressive roster of Nobel laureates, totaling 121, alongside iconic figures across various fields such as Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Isaac Newton. The university has also contributed to sports, with its alumni winning 194 Olympic medals.

The architectural heritage of Cambridge is vividly displayed in structures like King’s College Chapel, the History Faculty Building by James Stirling, and various colleges adorned with intricate brickwork patterns.

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a 40-acre oasis nestled in the heart of Cambridge, serves as a center of education, conservation, and research affiliated with the University’s Department of Plant Sciences. This Grade II* listed heritage garden is not only a place of natural beauty but also a vital resource for scientific study and public engagement.

Established in its current location in the 19th century, the garden was originally founded in 1762. It was significantly developed under the guidance of Professor John Stevens Henslow, mentor to Charles Darwin, who initiated its move to the larger site in 1831. The garden opened its doors to the public in 1846, and since then, it has been a hub of educational activity and a haven for plant lovers.

With over 8,000 plant species, the garden's collection is impressively diverse, featuring both rare and endangered plants from around the globe. These species are integral not only for university teaching and research but also for broader conservation efforts. The garden’s layout includes a variety of habitats, from woodlands and glasshouses to meticulously maintained thematic and seasonal trails, which offer an ever-changing display of flora throughout the year.

Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as the Garden Café, which offers freshly made food, and a shop where gardening enthusiasts can find plants and other garden-related items. The proximity to the city’s railway station makes it a convenient escape for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and inspiration in a beautiful setting.

Open all year round, seven days a week, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden not only enriches the academic life of the university but also serves as a source of inspiration and joy for the local community and visitors from around the world. Whether it’s for research, education, or a peaceful day out, the garden offers something for everyone, making it a treasured part of Cambridge’s cultural and natural heritage.

Why You Should Visit:
Nicely organized, but also full of chances to get lost and explore; no matter what time of year you go there is always something to see/smell.
The care and effort that they put into maintaining this garden are quite amazing; the staff is generally friendly and very helpful.
As for the café, there's a great variety of both hot, cold, light and fuller lunch food and you can eat inside or outside.

Tip:
You can also take a packed lunch if you wish – there are plenty of areas to sit and eat.

Owned and managed by Cambridge University, the Fitzwilliam Museum is located on Trumpington Street, within the university campus. The museum’s collection was founded in 1816 when Viscount Fitzwilliam donated his extensive fine art collection to the university. The current building, an imposing neo-Classical edifice resembling the Parthenon in Athens, was designed by George Basevi and opened to the public in 1848. The museum has achieved global recognition for the quality of its collections and has been described as one of the world’s best small museums. Containing over 30 galleries, the Fitzwilliam specializes in fine art, sculpture and antiquities from around the world.

The Fitzwilliam’s remarkable collection of antiquities includes coins, engravings and pottery from civilisations around the world, including Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and Persia. The building’s art galleries contain original masterpieces by Monet, Canaletto and Picasso amongst many others. The museum was extensively modernised in 2006, and now houses an impressive collection of 20th-century art.

Why You Should Visit:
To get a sense of the staid, scholarly atmosphere of a respected English university town.
Wide-ranging collection; magnificent surroundings and buildings; occasional free lunchtime concerts.
Photography is allowed, so long as you don't use a flash, making it a brilliant place for stocking up the photo album.
You probably won't see everything the first time, but that's fine because admission is free and you can pop back another time.
The café serves delicious soup and has a superb choice of cakes; the shop has a lovely range of gifts and is a jigsaw fan's haven of delight.

Tip:
Consider researching what the museum has to offer in advance of your visit to make sure you fully benefit from the eclectic exhibits – there is something here to cater for the whole family's interests.

The Mathematical Bridge is the local nickname for the Wooden Bridge, a footbridge that crosses the River Cam, connecting the buildings of Queens’ College that lie on either side of the river. Part of the university grounds, it can be viewed from the road bridge on Silver Street, a few metres to the south. The bridge has earned its nickname due to the unusual design – formed of long, straight timber beams arranged radially, so as to create an arcing structure. Designed by William Etheridge and completed in 1749, the bridge was rebuilt twice, in 1866 and 1905, retaining the original design on each occasion.

Because of the design, the bridge appears to be held above the water almost unnaturally, leading to many myths – one of the most famous being that the bridge is constructed without the use of any bolts, and is held together by design alone. Sadly, this is not true, although the original design did use embedded nails which gave the impression that this was the case. The bridge is still widely believed to be the work of Sir Isaac Newton, who discovered the law of gravity. The mathematical design of the bridge contains hallmarks of Newton’s theories – but they can only be in tribute, as Newton died 20 years before the bridge was constructed.

Tip:
You can see the bridge for free from a distance away or you can pay to see it up close and walk across it on a tour of Queens' College. However, you can also travel under it on a punting tour, which is what many choose to do.

One of the oldest institutions within Cambridge University, Corpus Christi College is located in the heart of the academic district on Trumpington Street, opposite Saint Catharine’s College. It was founded in 1532 and, as its name suggests, has been one of Cambridge’s most religiously active colleges throughout history. For many years, all graduates from this small, wealthy college became members of the clergy. Often at the centre of religious argument and debate in the city, the college was known as Saint Bene’t’s for several years following the Reformation, when Catholicism was outlawed. This relates to nearby Saint Bene’t’s Church, Cambridge’s oldest building, which was once used as the college chapel.

The main Corpus Christi campus is divided into three courts. Old Court is the original college building dating back from its creation, and one of the city’s oldest academic buildings. New Court, completed in 1827, was designed by William Wilkins. The architect considered the courtyard his finest work and is buried within the college chapel, which was built at the same time. The third courtyard is Library Court, a brand new area housing student amenities, which opened in 2008. Together, the three courtyards span the college’s 650-year history.

Why You Should Visit:
The college contains lodges that are the oldest in either Cambridge or Oxford; the lawns are manicured, the buildings are austere and ooze character.
The Parker Library, which has some really spectacular manuscripts, is open to the public, just once a week, and should be visited by everyone, if possible.
The chapel is small, certainly not the size of Kings College, but is unusually bright and lovely for a Cambridge chapel.
As one of the colleges you can enter, this should definitely be on your list.

The Corpus Clock can be found in the Library Court at Corpus Christi College. The newest of three at the college, the court incorporates a former library building, redeveloped and extended to provide accommodation for students. The clock is Library Court’s centrepiece and was unveiled to the public in 2008 by Professor Stephen Hawking, himself a Cambridge University graduate.

The clock is a unique device, a fitting addition to the university campus renowned for invention throughout its history. Fitted with a rippled, 24-carat gold face, the clock displays time through three rings of LEDs, which depict hours, minutes and seconds. The face is topped by a large metal object, which resembles a grasshopper. This is an enlarged clock escarpment, which links the pendulum to the cogs inside the clock. It has been set on top of the clock face to resemble an insect that ‘eats’ time as the clock face rotates. It is even fitted with eyes that blink occasionally.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Corpus Clock is the fact that it is only accurate once every five minutes. It has been set to randomly slow and accelerate, to give the appearance that the metal insect is indeed eating up time at will. The clock, one of Time Magazine’s greatest inventions of the 21st century, can be viewed within Corpus Christi’s grounds. Ask at the porter’s lodge for admission times and costs.

Tip:
Try to time your visit after dark and see the clock from across the road, when there's no traffic or significant pedestrian noise, as it is then at its best.
In the daytime, there are generally a number of tourists standing in the road taking photos, gathering particularly on the hour, so take care not to get run over.

King’s College Chapel has stood in Cambridge since 1515 when Henry VIII was King of England. As its name suggests, the chapel was built to provide a place of worship for residents of nearby King’s College, at the western end of the city’s sprawling university campus. The chapel is considered to be one of the city’s finest examples of late Gothic English architecture. The interior of the chapel building is notable for its ornate fan vault ceiling, as well as elements of Renaissance-era design. Nikolaus Pevsner, a leading expert on ecclesiastical architecture, stated that King’s College Chapel contains the UK’s finest surviving examples of Italian decoration. The chapel is one of Cambridge’s most distinctive buildings and is featured on the city council logo.

The chapel is known for its exquisite original stained glass windows, which date from the 16th century. Still an active place of worship, King’s College Chapel is also used for college events and concerts, including the college music society’s May Week Concert, where the audience is treated to free champagne and strawberries on the church lawn. The chapel has a rich musical history, on account of its exceptional acoustics, and has a world-famous men’s choir.

Why You Should Visit:
This chapel is like a cathedral in scale and grandeur with high stained glass windows and a wonderful ornate ceiling which is worth seeing on its own.
The grounds offer a superb view of the chapel exterior and other buildings, as well as the river.

Tip:
Try going to Evensong at 5:30pm (you need to get there around 5pm) which is not chargeable, but has a retiring collection; the service is lovely and you can sit within the chapel and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient building.

King’s College is located on the western side of Cambridge University campus, close to the River Cam and the surrounding Backs area of countryside. The college gatehouse stands adjacent to King’s College Chapel, one of the city’s most iconic buildings. The history of King’s College is one of many paradoxes. Completed in the Tudor era, the college was at one time only accessible to students of Eton, a renowned private school for children of the English upper classes. Nowadays, it has one of the highest intake rates of students from state schools of any Cambridge college.

True to its name, the college was founded by Henry VI and saw heavy investment under his reign, including the creation of the adjoining chapel. Other colleges viewed King’s College as a status symbol for the Tudor monarchy – to this day, many of the buildings, including the striking Gothic gatehouse, feature the Tudor rose emblem repeatedly. Despite its royalist beginnings, King’s College has become known for left wing and republican sentiment among its student base. Famous alumni of the college include authors Salman Rushdie and E.M. Forster.

Great Saint Mary's is a Church of England parish and university church situated at the north end of King's Parade in central Cambridge. Designated as a Grade I listed building by Historic England, it holds significant historical and architectural value.

As the university church for the University of Cambridge, Great Saint Mary's plays an integral role in the university's legislative framework. This includes residency requirements for university officers and undergraduates relative to the church's location. The church is instrumental in university life, hosting University Sermons, and housing both the University Organ and the iconic University Clock, which chimes the "Cambridge Quarters" that inspired the Big Ben chimes.

The historical records of Great Saint Mary's date back to 1205 when King John presented Thomas de Chimeleye to the rectory. The church's foundations likely date to 1010, though it underwent reconstruction following a destructive fire on July 9, 1290. Initially known as The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin until 1352, it has since been referred to by its current name. The crown initially held the church's patronage, which was transferred to King's Hall in 1342.

Architecturally, the church is styled in the Late Perpendicular motif, with stained glass work completed by Hardman between 1867 and 1869. To manage large audiences during compulsory University Sermons, galleries were added in 1735. The church boasts several unique features, including one of the few moveable pulpits in England, a font from 1632, and a significant sculpture of Christ in Majesty by Alan Durst completed in 1960.

The church's bell history is notable as well, with the bells initially housed in a wooden structure before being moved to the tower in 1515. The Society of Cambridge Youths, formed in 1724 to oversee the ringing, is recognized as one of the oldest bellringing societies.

Great Saint Mary's also contains two distinct pipe organs-the Parish Organ in the Chancel and the University Organ in the West Gallery, the latter owned by the university. The University Organ, built originally in 1698 by Bernard Smith and significantly enhanced over the centuries, serves as a focal point for university services.

Today, Great Saint Mary's continues to serve both its parish and the academic community, aligning with the Liberal Catholic tradition of the Church of England and embracing inclusive practices as a member of the Inclusive Church network.

Why You Should Visit:
As well as viewing the beautiful nave, you can climb the bell tower (admission fee) to the viewing platform for a spectacular panorama of the city.

Tip:
The acoustics here are excellent for concerts (watch for a schedule) and be sure to check out the first edition King James Bible, on the left-hand side, as you enter the church.
If you climb the tower, try to be the first in your group and go up quickly (very narrow stairs), so you have one minute alone on the top.

Trinity College, a prestigious constituent of the University of Cambridge in England, is notable not only for its academic excellence but also for its rich history and significant contributions to various fields. Established in 1564 by King Henry VIII through the amalgamation of Michaelhouse and King's Hall, Trinity stands out as the largest and wealthiest college in both Cambridge and Oxford, and it even owns the O2 Arena.

Trinity College has a notable roster of alumni including two members of the British royal family, six British prime ministers, and numerous other distinguished individuals. Among these are 32 Nobel laureates, representing a significant portion of the 90 Nobel prizes awarded to Cambridge affiliates. Some of its most famous alumni include Sir Isaac Newton, King Charles III, and philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Architecturally, Trinity is renowned for its Wren Library, the largest in Cambridge, housing around 300,000 books and open to the public. The library, along with other historic buildings such as the King's Hostel, the Great Gate, and Neville's Court, illustrates the college's commitment to preserving its heritage while providing modern educational facilities.

The Great Gate, an iconic entrance facing Trinity Street, is usually the first glimpse visitors get of the college. Above its doorway, a statue of Henry VIII, holding a wooden chair leg instead of a scepter due to a historical student prank, greets visitors. This gate leads to the Great Court, reputed to be the largest enclosed quad in Europe, and the central courtyard features a prominent fountain.

Adjacent to the Great Court is Neville’s Court, named after Thomas Neville who was master of the college when he commissioned its construction. It is characterized by its cloisters that provide sheltered walkways linking the Great Hall, the college libraries, and other facilities. The construction of the Wren Library at the end of the 17th century enclosed the court, adding to the grandeur of the college.

Trinity College thus remains a symbol of historical significance, academic achievement, and architectural beauty, continuing to inspire and nurture some of the brightest minds in the world.

The Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge is a significant architectural feature of Saint John's College at the University of Cambridge. Named after the famed Venetian bridge, Cambridge's Bridge of Sighs was constructed in 1831 under the design of architect Henry Hutchinson. Despite its name, the bridge bears little resemblance to its Venetian counterpart aside from being covered.

Positioned over the River Cam, the bridge links the college's Third Court with the New Court, a region on the west side of the river known as the Backs. This area was developed as part of the expansion of Saint John's College, which was the first among Cambridge colleges to extend its facilities to the west bank of the Cam. The architectural style of the bridge is Gothic Revival, reflecting the fashionable trend of the era.

The Bridge of Sighs is not only a Grade I listed building but also a prominent tourist attraction in Cambridge, highly admired by historical figures including Queen Victoria, who reportedly favored it above all other places in the city. Its charm and historical significance have made it a beloved spot for many, including former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who was photographed there as a student and during subsequent visits in 1974 and 2000.

The bridge has also been a backdrop for pranks; notably, in 1963 and again in 1968, students daringly dangled cars from the bridge as part of student pranks, though without causing any damage to the structure. Additionally, it has served as a picturesque filming location, appearing in movies such as "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (2007) and "The Theory of Everything" (2014), further cementing its role as an iconic symbol of Cambridge's heritage.

When local art collector James Ede knocked together three workmen's cottages in the 1950s he created one of the most perfect spaces for art in the UK, and possibly the world. His Cambridge home, now a museum/art gallery is his personal collection of stunningly simple but beautiful pieces, carefully curated to produce an experience of art that is rare anywhere but unique certainly in this part of the world.

The gallery was expanded in 1970, with architect Leslie Martin adding a modernist extension behind the cottages. More recently, in 2015, the house and gallery temporarily closed while a major building project to create a four-floor education wing, improved exhibition galleries, a new entrance area and a café was carried out. A series of gentle additions by Jamie Fobert Architects offers greatly improved support services for visitors, including a new courtyard and welcome area and a new shop. The interior of the house has been left untouched. Both the house and gallery reopened in February 2018.

The gallery hosts permanent and visiting exhibitions on modern art, and is seen as the city’s most significant modern art gallery. It houses works by Henry Moore, Christopher Wood and Joan Miro, amongst many others. Admission to permanent exhibitions is free, although there may be a charge for special events at the gallery. Like many buildings of historical or artistic interest in the city, Kettle’s Yard is managed by the University of Cambridge.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy some amazing art exhibits/installations not usually seen outside major galleries, as well as many hidden gems throughout.
This is really something quite different to try in Cambridge and once there, you can stay as long as you want (volunteer guides are eager to help).

Tip:
Try to be there when the House first opens, so you get the chance to be one of the first to drift through the rooms, thus enjoying the space with fewer people around.
You can photograph in the house but have to check-in all bags. Tickets are free, but best pre-booked online because it can get busy.

The River Cam flows through Cambridge in eastern England, enriching the historic and cultural tapestry of the city. It originates near Debden in Essex and stretches for approximately 69 kilometers (43 miles) until it merges with the River Great Ouse at Pope's Corner, south of Ely. The journey of the Cam from Cambridge to the sea spans about 40 miles (64 kilometers), with the river being navigable for a variety of small watercraft, including punts, rowing boats, and small boats.

The River Cam holds a unique place in local history and etymology. Originally named the Granta, the river was later renamed to align with the evolved Middle English name of the city, Cambridge. This linguistic transition is a rare instance where a river's name is derived from a city rather than the customary reverse. Notably, the upper reaches of the River Cam still carry the name Granta, particularly above the Silver Street Bridge in Cambridge. The river also incorporates the Rhee and another tributary known as the Granta, recognized on Ordnance Survey maps with their dual names.

This river is not only crucial for navigation and connectivity-linking to the Great Ouse which in turn connects to England’s canal system through the Middle Level Navigations and the River Nene-but also serves as a hub for various recreational activities. These activities include angling, swimming, and boating, each adding to the river's vibrant local life and tourist appeal.

The River Cam's significance is enhanced by its academic associations, flowing through the heart of Cambridge, a city renowned for its university and rich academic history. This enhances the scenic and cultural value of the river, making it a cherished feature of the cityscape and a focal point for both residents and visitors.

Tip:
In high Summer the river is very crowded. To hire a punt, the lines can get pretty long on weekends (especially when the weather is nice) and it's not inexpensive. Best to be wary about accepting offers from touts for renting the punts, too. You could hire yours from the actual Mill Pond, behind the Granta Pub on Newnham Road. It's a good, smaller alternative to the hustle you often experience with the main rental company, Scudamore's. Make sure you watch the guide boats and observe their technique before taking on your own, though!