Top 6 things to do in Cambridge

We have been in Cambridge for 7 months on Thursday. Can you believe it?! It seems like just yesterday and yet, at the same time, an eternity ago that we crossed the pond to unchartered territory. Everything has become familiar and comfortable. We know the history of our little town, the best place to get a cappuccino and chocolate croissant and how to barter down the price of punting. So when our friends, Mark and Tat came to stay we were able to relax and show them the best Cambridge has to offer. We could also thoroughly enjoy ourselves because Mark and Tat are kindred spirits. While I, myself haven’t spent years getting to know them, Ben grew up with Mark and Tat and I immediately connected because of our shared passion for art, beauty and all things organized. They also share a love for our dog, Soren and have adopted him for the year while we are over here in England. We had an amazing week-thanks Mark and Tat!

Top 6 things to do in Cambridge in no particular order

Visit the Cambridge Botanical Gardens.

Tat is a florist so this was right up her alley.

Go Biking Along the Cam

This was the first time we had done this. We rented cycles from Station Cycles for a few hours – just enough time to bike up the river and back. Lovely.

Eat lunch at a Pub

Pubs here in England are not like those in North America. The grease coated burgers that pubs in NA would offer alongside the rowdy drunks had no appeal, whereas the food in most pubs here is authentic and the atmosphere warm. You can find anything from Bangers and Mash, Steak and Ale pie, Fish and Chips, or your regular pub burger (not Jamie Oliver’s pub burger…just to clarify)

Go Punting

Here is what you need to know if you ever go punting in Cambridge. Punters are their own breed on the prowl. They want the business just like anyone else so the price they tell you should not be the price you pay. While most posted prices are £25, when I take visitors, I never pay more than £10 per adult and the kids are free. Pack some snacks and be sure to ask for your own section otherwise you will be crammed in like sardines with 11 other tourists on an itty bitty boat.

Visit the Colleges and Be sure to go in the chapels
And I am not just talking Kings, Trinity and St. John’s. The grounds of Emmanuel, Gonville and Caius, Downing, Christ’s, Sidney Sussex among many others are all in Cambridge City centre as well. Here are a few perspectives of Clare College chapel you don’t normally get to see on the web.