Things to do in Cambridge

Many think that a visit to Cambridge will mainly consist of visiting lots of university colleges and churches. While this may be partly true, the city is also home to many different types of attractions such as historic houses, lush green parks and wildlife reserves.

St Edwards Church

This impressive church is dedicated to Edward the Confessor, who was King of England until he died in 1066. The structure features a mixture of styles; a 12th-century tower, 14th-century arches and a 15th-century chancel. Two added side aisles were also put in to function as chapels to Clare College and Trinity Hall. The wooden pulpit from the 16th century, however, seizes the significance of the stones. This is from where Hugh Latimer preached the radical new Protestant theology. But when Catholic Mary Tudor ascended to the throne, Latimer was burnt at the stake.
Phone: +44 1223 359 223; website: www.st-edwards-cam.org.uk/.

Audley End House and Gardens

Located in southern Cambridgeshire, the spectacular Jacobean manor of Audley End House and Gardens was originally built for Thomas Howard, the admiral who was in command of the British fleet against the Armada. King Charles II later owned it in 1669, and it is one of the citys most significant landmarks, filled with remarkable period features. Nowadays owned by English Heritage, it features attractions such as various paintings, landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown, ponds, a formal parterre garden, a quaint stretch of the River Cam, an historic bridge and Palladian teahouse, antique furniture, a gift shop, caf and picnic area. Phone: +44 1799 522 842.

Oliver Cromwells House

One of the most famous, historic individuals to make their home in the Cambridge area, Oliver Cromwell settled down in Ely on the outskirts of Cambridge. Dating back to the 16th century, Oliver Cromwell House features lavishly decorated rooms packed with period elements. Over the course of history, this important and remarkable attraction has also been home to a brewery, a rectory and today houses the Ely Tourist Information office, which provides visitors with plenty of useful tourist information concerning other landmarks and monuments in the Cambridge area.
Phone: +44 1353 662 062.

Castle Hill

A bridge over the River Cam was first built at what is now Magdalene College. In the citys early days, the settlement relied on nearby Castle Hill to serve as a defensive position. This was reinforced by the Normans in their renowned motte and bailey style. The hill remains to this day, offering a superb view over the citys rooftops, spires and towers and surrounding countryside. During the English Civil War (1642), Oliver Cromwells forces restored the site and Shire Hall lies fittingly at the foot of the hill and is now headquarters of Cambridgeshire County Council. Phone: +44 1223 322 640.

Corpus Christi College

Established in 1352 by two citizen guilds in Cambridge, Corpus Christi College presented something of an incongruity given the well-heeled patrons of most other colleges. The college crest features a pelican plucking her breast and feeding the blood to her chicks, a popular icon of Jesus Christs sacrifice. When you enter New Court, you will see the Parker Library to the right, founded by Matthew Parker, Elizabeth I's Archbishop of Canterbury. His snooping character gave him the moniker nosy parker. To the left, a passageway leads to Old Court, the oldest surviving college courtyard in all of Cambridge (and Oxford). Famous graduates include Christopher Marlowe and Christopher Isherwood. The college has irregular opening hours. Phone: +44 1223 33 8000; website: www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/.

Botanic Garden

Wandering among the 40 acres of the Botanic Garden will let you escape the city crowds and traffic. The landscaped grounds are wonderfully maintained, featuring a collection of over 10,000 labelled plant species. Attractions include a lake, water gardens, rock gardens, greenhouses, a winter garden, carnivorous plants, Woodland Walk and nine National Collections. There is also a fragrant garden for the visually impaired. Admission is free for disabled persons, their companions, children under five, and all visitors Monday to Friday from November to March.
Phone: +44 1223 33 6265; website: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/.

Wimpole Hall Estate

This historic Cambridgeshire estate, located near to Cambridge, dates back to the 18th century. Featuring formal Dutch gardens, huge areas of parkland and woods, Wimpole Hall Estate is the biggest house in Cambridgeshire and often plays host to large open-air concerts during the summer months, which conclude with impressive fireworks displays. Now managed by the National Trust other attractions include lakes, avenues of trees, interesting walks, a walled vegetable garden and, in springtime, thousands of daffodils. Phone: +44 1223 207257.

Shepreth Wildlife Park

Did you think you could find wolves, stingrays and prairie dogs in South Cambridgeshire? You can at Shepreth Wildlife Park, where many injured or unwanted animals end up. This animal shelter is a great place for the kids. It is home to a wide range of animals, many of which are tame enough to be petted and fed, including giant fish, ponies, deer and ducks. A tropical pavilion houses exotic butterflies, and in the new Waterworld and Bug City you can see cockroaches and locusts, puffer fish and crabs. There is also a caf, shop and an adventure fort and play area. Please note that the park is only open until sunset in the winter.

Museums

Cambridge boasts a wide range of interesting museums showcasing the citys historic and cultural past, as well as technology and art. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology features numerous archaeological displays such as Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts, sculptures, passing exhibitions and first-rate facilities. The Fitzwilliam Museum is highly regarded for its outstanding art galleries, which exhibit important art collections, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Among the highlights are several masterpieces by world-famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Titian.

A former Victorian pumping station, the Cambridge Museum of Technology contains historic steam engines, printing machines, several steam related exhibits and featured steam days when the machines are operated. The Cambridge and County Folk Museum displays historic toys, curious household articles, exhibits regarding historic Cambridge life, a gift shop and many temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Houghton Mill is an historic, timber-built water mill, dating back to the 17th century. It is still fully operational today. Nowadays, Houghton Mill is also well-known for its large art gallery, which features regular exhibitions of paintings and sculptures by local Cambridge artists.