An Idyllic Day Trip to Cambridge, UK
London is a city like no other – a city so modern yet it still feels like you’ve just walked out of the 19th century. And while you can easily spend 2+ weeks there without getting bored, sometimes you just want a break from all the hustle and bustle. Cue Cambridge, a charming city with cobblestone streets, local pubs, and a whole lot of colleges (31 to be exact). Its quaint charm and unique offerings makes it the perfect day trip from London. My recommendation would be to go on a Sunday (you’ll see why later).
Getting There
The easiest way to get there without a car is by train. Trains depart rather frequently from London's Kings Cross or Liverpool Street station and take about one hour. You can grab your ticket ahead of time via Trainline.
Once you’ve arrived in Cambridge, the first stop is always a coffee. Head over to Bould Brothers Coffee on Regent Street to get your caffeine fix with these carefully crafted brews. If hunger permits, grab a light bite (but don’t eat too much as there’s food in your future)
Now it’s time to try punting on the River Cam. It’s a classic Cambridge activity where you get on a flat bottom boat and the “punter” uses a long pole to propel you across the water all while offering you a diploma in the city and college’s rich history. If you find yourself a bit of a history buff, this is especially for you. Oh, but if history isn’t your thing, not to worry. This boat is BYOB, so pour yourself a drink and enjoy the ride.
Choosing the right company for this experience is pretty straight forward depending on if you would rather pay a little more for a private experience or if you don’t mind punting with others. We like Cambridge Chauffeur Punts (book ahead for this) or if you don’t want to plan in advance, head over to Scudamore's Mill Lane Punting Station.
After you’ve done your educational (or casual drinking) experience for the day, head to the pub to grab a pint or two. The Mill is a convenient two minute walk from all of the punting so you won’t need to go far to enjoy a cold one.
Hopefully your stomach has the perfect liquid coat on and you are ready to eat. The reason you came here on a Sunday is to experience the Sunday Roast. A Sunday Roast is a traditional British meal eaten on a Sunday, typically containing roast meat, veggies, and potatoes of some sort. And there is no better place to enjoy this than at The Three Horseshoes. This is a little bit outside of town so you’ll need to grab a taxi or uber to get there. Be sure to book a reservation in advance to secure your spot. The ambiance is beyond delightful, with a super cozy decor that makes you feel like you are in a movie. The food is comforting and delicious and you really can’t go wrong with what you pick. It’s a lot of food so prepare your stomach to be absolutely stuffed.
When you finish your lunch, you can head back into town and do some shopping on the cobblestone streets and at market square. And while I am sure you are plenty full at this point, if you have any room left before you venture back to London, check out Jack’s Gelato for some delicious flavors. If you feel like you haven’t learned enough about the university and its colleges, then you can always book a walking university tour in advance.
The best part about this day trip is that you can get back to London just in time to enjoy a fabulous dinner. Check out St. JOHN Bread and Wine for some light bites and drinks to cap off the night.
