Places to stay in Cambridge

Five free things to do in Cambridge

The Corpus Clock, Corpus Christi College

Unveiled to the public in 2008 by Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking, this large 24-carat gold-plated clock features an ugly-looking metal sculpture of an insect visually akin to a grasshopper or locust, known as the Chronophage - which devours time.

St Bene't's Church

St Bene't's is an Anglican church in the centre of Cambridge known for being the oldest standing building in Cambridge. Built sometime between 1000 and 1050, its placement in one of the most serene areas of the city makes it the perfect place to relax amid the hustle and bustle elsewhere.

King's College Chapel

As perhaps the symbol of Cambridge to locals and visitors alike, this stunning building is considered one of the best examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture. Built by a succession of Kings of England between 1446 and 1515, it is still an active house of worship and a significant site for tourists.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Opened in 1846, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden grows and openly displays more than 8,000 different plant species in a massive 40 acres of landscaping. The winter garden, glasshouses and mature trees are sure to delight even the least green-fingered of visitors.

Fitzwilliam Museum

As one of the most popular free attractions in the city, the Fitzwilliam has over half a million artworks in its collection, making it one of the most impressive regional museums in Europe. It specialises in world history and art, from 2500BC to present day.

Stunning architecture and riverside wanderings in Cambridge

First and foremost known as perhaps the UK's top university town, Cambridge straddles the River Cam with stunning architecture that draws on a variety of influences tied to its history. With first settlements made in the area during the Bronze Age and Roman times, it would later fall under Viking rule before gaining its first town charters in the 12th century.

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is usually ranked one of the top five universities in the world and is the proud owner of many of the city's most famous sights, including the Cavendish Laboratory, King's College Chapel and Cambridge University Library; the latter two buildings feature prominently in the skyline.