Cambridge

The university city of Cambridge has a relaxed atmosphere of learning set against a backdrop of the arts. The beautiful architecture of many of the colleges draws visitors from far afield, and most of the buildings are open for visitors to walk around.

The college buildings are a fascinating architectural mix, with many different styles, and sights not to be missed include the Bridge of Sighs and the Pepys Library. Magdalene owns a selection of half-timbered buildings, while parts of Corpus Christi date from the 1350s.

As befits such a centre of learning, museums and galleries are found here in abundance, ranging from the Fitzwilliam Museum, the main University collection with many fine masterpieces of art, to the Folk Museum, with its portrayal of life in rural Cambridgeshire.

Surrounding the colleges and churches are several ornamental gardens hosting various displays of colourful plants and flowers. Book-loving visitors will find Cambridge is a veritable paradise for them with a multitude of shops to peruse. For the more energetic tourist, punting and rowing await; punts can be hired on the River Cam, and what more romantic way to spend an afternoon than partaking of champagne and strawberries while gliding along the river?

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB (01223) 332900
Opened in 1848, The Fitzwilliam Museum has been hailed as “one of the greatest art collections of the nation”.

Originally built to house 144 pictures belonging to Richard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, the museum now includes masterpieces from the 14th Century to the present day, together with objects of furniture, armour and manuscripts.

King’s College, Cambridge CB2 1ST (01223) 331212
Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, King’s College is one of 31 colleges in the University of Cambridge.

King’s College Chapel is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and took over 100 years to build.

Visitors can walk the grounds of King’s College, tour the chapel and visit the art centre which houses a gallery and studio.

Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge (01223) 336540
A fascinating exhibition; The Polar Museum at Scott Polar Research Institute holds a unique collection of objects relating to the Polar Regions.

The collections include the last letters of Captain R.F. Scott and his companions; the four expedition diaries of Sir Ernest Shackleton; and a number of artefacts from the British search for the Northwest Passage.

The Backs, Queen’s Road, Cambridge
The Cambridge Backs is an area of land adjacent to the River Cam at the back of the riverside colleges.

Visitors can walk among the rear grounds of the King’s, Queen’s and Trinity Colleges; watch Cambridge’s favourite pastime of punting; or just admire the fantastic architecture of the Bridge of Sighs at St. John’s College.