Welcome to Cambridge
Explore the historic university city of Cambridge.
Situated in the east of England, Cambridge is home to the prestigious University of Cambridge which dates back to 1209. The city is full of colleges to explore including the famous Trinity and university museums with exhibits on archaeology and anthropology, amongst others.
YHA hostels in Cambridge
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Things to do in Cambridge
Five free things to do in Cambridge
The Corpus Clock, Corpus Christi College
Unveiled to the public in 2008 by Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking, this large 24-carat gold-plated clock features an ugly-looking metal sculpture of an insect visually akin to a grasshopper or locust, known as the Chronophage - which devours time.
St Bene't's Church
St Bene't's is an Anglican church in the centre of Cambridge known for being the oldest standing building in Cambridge. Built sometime between 1000 and 1050, its placement in one of the most serene areas of the city makes it the perfect place to relax amid the hustle and bustle elsewhere.
King's College Chapel
As perhaps the symbol of Cambridge to locals and visitors alike, this stunning building is considered one of the best examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture. Built by a succession of Kings of England between 1446 and 1515, it is still an active house of worship and a significant site for tourists.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Opened in 1846, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden grows and openly displays more than 8,000 different plant species in a massive 40 acres of landscaping. The winter garden, glasshouses and mature trees are sure to delight even the least green-fingered of visitors.
Fitzwilliam Museum
As one of the most popular free attractions in the city, the Fitzwilliam has over half a million artworks in its collection, making it one of the most impressive regional museums in Europe. It specialises in world history and art, from 2500BC to present day.
Stunning architecture and riverside wanderings in Cambridge
First and foremost known as perhaps the UK's top university town, Cambridge straddles the River Cam with stunning architecture that draws on a variety of influences tied to its history. With first settlements made in the area during the Bronze Age and Roman times, it would later fall under Viking rule before gaining its first town charters in the 12th century.
The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is usually ranked one of the top five universities in the world and is the proud owner of many of the city's most famous sights, including the Cavendish Laboratory, King's College Chapel and Cambridge University Library; the latter two buildings feature prominently in the skyline.
Cambridge City Sightseeing Bus Tours
Sightseeing has never been so much fun! Hop On and Hop Off as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see all the best sights and attractions that the Cambridge has to offer. One...
Cambridge Science Centre
Kids will love learning about electricity, gravity and more at this exciting science centre with interactive exhibits. Follow in the footsteps of Hawking, Newton and Darwin!
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
If you prefer living exhibits, the University Botanic Gardens are a hidden treasure. The site’s 40 acres include large glasshouses with tropical plants and outdoor displays of domestic species...
Cycling in Cambridge
The Cambridge area is a great place for cyclists and is one of the top cycling cities in Britain - an excellent opportunity to admire the city’s open spaces and beautiful architecture. Cambridge has a...
Grantchester
Stroll through the meadows and along the river to the little postcard village of Grantchester where the Orchard Tea Garden awaits you.
Mill Road
Just minutes from YHA Cambridge, this colourful stretch is one of the best streets in the UK for vintage shopping! Rest in an electic cafe or find your new favourite item of clothing.
Walking and Rambling in Cambridge
If you're planning on staying at YHA Cambridge, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
View some of our popular Cambridge blog posts
Exploring Cambridge
Fancy a trip to Cambridge? Beat the summer crowds by exploring this historic city over the colder months. King’s College Chapel is mine alone. It’s mid-afternoon in Cambridge...
Take your family on a short break with YHA
If you’ve never tried a family holiday with YHA, it’s time to find out what you’re missing. Our hostels are more family-friendly than ever before, offering unique on-site adventures that kids will love...
A tale of seven cities – our guide to literary locations
As theatres, museums, libraries, and arts venues open up again, we’re using good books to guide our autumn city breaks. Here’s our guide to seven cities with YHA hostels, looking at literary locations...