Looking for the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones? A Cambridge day trip is just the thing. This charming city has something for everyone. From river punting and brunching by the water, to exploring ancient colleges and discovering quirky hidden gems.

Stay in Style at University Arms

Start your day by waking up in the prestigious University Arms Hotel, where classic Cambridge charm meets modern comfort. Think a cloud-soft mattress, plush pillows, and crisp white sheets that make it tempting to linger just a little longer. You even get the beautiful view overlooking Parker’s Piece. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere feels calm and refined. You’ll definitly start your Cambridge day trip feeling rested, relaxed, and just a little bit spoiled.

Whether you’re on a couples getaway or a family trip away, University Arms has you covered! They offer romantic rooms where you can add on sparkling wine, truffles and chocolate, and even romantic room decorations. If it’s you and your little ones, you can save up to 50% off on a second room for them, accommodating up to 2 children. You even get breakfast included in this offer and 2 children under 12 get free meals! Make sure to check when these offers are valid until.

Brunch with a View at Café Foy

Once you’re up and ready to start your Cambridge day trip, make your way towards the river and stop in at Café Foy, one of Cambridge’s best-loved hidden gems. Located right next to Magdalene Bridge, it’s the ideal brunch spot with a beautiful river views and cosy café vibe. To get there, you can either take a relaxing stroll through the city (15 minutes), or hop in a Taxi/Uber and arrive in just 10 minutes.

They have lots to offer from simple toast and jam for the kiddies, to Turkish eggs, or a breakfast bagel. Enjoy with a flat white, iced latte, or even a glass of fizz if you’re feeling like a treat.

Wander the Wonders of Cambridge’s Colleges

From Café Foy, take a stroll through Cambridge’s cobbled lanes and discover the heart of the city and Cambridge’s historic University Colleges. Many are open to visitors at certain times of the day, and walking through their ancient courtyards feels like stepping back in time.

Cambridge is world-renowned for its University, made up by 31 individual colleges. Founded in 1209, the university has been home to legendary thinkers like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking. As you walk through the city, you’ll pass centuries-old college buildings, libraries, and chapels that still buzz with student life today.

Discover the Magic of Cambridge’s Dinky Doors

As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for one of Cambridge’s cutest curiosities, the Dinky Doors. These tiny, handcrafted doors are dotted around the city, tucked into walls and hidden in plain sight. Each one is a tiny piece of public art, full of personality and charm. Spotting them adds a playful twist to your walk and keeps even the most seasoned Cambridge visitor on their toes.

The Art of Punting and Picnicking in Cambridge

When the early afternoon rolls in, it’s time for the highlight of your day, a punting tour with Cambridge Punting. Our expert chauffeurs will guide you down the River Cam and past the most iconic views in the city, the College Backs, with some views only accessible via the river.

For a truly special experience, add on one of our punting picnics to your private tour. Choose from either an afternoon tea, brunch, or deli box. You can also add on alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Think premium champagne or Fentimans soft drinks. Enjoy your lunch in total style, right there on the boat. It’s relaxed, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.

An afternoon scoop at jack’s gelato

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a stop at Jack’s Gelato, the city’s favourite spot for handcrafted ice cream. Their ever-changing menu features inventive flavours like fior di latte, burnt almond, and even zabaglione, alongside classics like dark chocolate and vanilla. Every scoop is made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients, and you can truly taste the care that goes into each one.

Jack’s has two locations in Cambridge, one on Bene’t Street, just around the corner from King’s College. The other being near All Saints Garden. While both are fantastic, the Bene’t Street location stays open until 11pm and 12pm on Saturdays, making it the perfect place to grab a pre- dinner treat or to end your Cambridge day trip on a sweet note.

Where Cheese Takes the Spotlight at d’Arry’s

Once you’re feeling peckish, i’d highly recommend eating at d’Arry’s. It is an independent restaurant and bar in Cambridge, with an amazing menu. They have a strong focus on cheese, with their main menu inspired by their d’Arry’s Cheesemonger. Expect to see small plated, sharing boards, and larger plates all for yourself.

If you’re feeling like you want to take a treat home, pop into their Cheesemonger store next door and try a few different cheeses out for free to make sure you make the right choice.

Unlock Cambridge with Our City Guide

When purchasing a punting tour with us, you will receive a free City Guide which will go through the major Colleges, Museums, and Green spaces that Cambridge has to offer. Not only this, but we offer unique discounts only available to our customers by businesses around Cambridge. You may even find Cafe Foy in there!

Travelling to Cambridge Made Simple

Travelling into Cambridge couldn’t be easier by train, as the main train station is connected to a lot of major cities. These include London (from 48 minutes), Stansted Airport (from 30 minutes), Peterborough (from 49 minutes), Birmingham New Street (from 2 hours 38 minutes).

If you’re driving into Cambridge and staying for the whole day, it may be a good idea to check out Park and Ride. This allows you to park at one of their car parks free of charge for up to 18 hours. You will then need to hop on the bus into the city centre, which is super easy and straight forward.

Tickets are £4 for a return ticket, with up to 3 children under the age of 16 free of charge. For groups of up 3 adults or 3 children, you can purchase a group ticket for £9, and up to 5 adults or children for £13.

If you want the ease of parking in the city centre, we’d recommend the below car parks, with information on disabled parking here.

• Chesterton Road: Pay-And-Display Parking For Short Stays (Up To 2 Hours) Or Free After 5Pm, Approximately A 5–10 Minute Walk Depending On Where You Park.
• Pound Hill: Pay-And-Display Parking For Short Stays Up To 2 Hours) Or Free After 5Pm, About An 8-Minute Walk Away.
• Park Street Car Park: Suitable For Longer Stays, Approximately A 5-Minute Walk.
• Castle Hill Car Park: Suitable For Longer Stays, Approximately A 12-Minute Walk.
• Grand Arcade And Grafton Car Parks: Multi-Story Options For Extended Parking, Conveniently Located In Central Cambridge, Each About A 15-Minute Walk Away.