48 hours in CAMBRIDGE

This picturesque city is perfect for a long weekend away

- SARAH FINLEY

Why go?

If you dream of walking the same streets as some of the world’s greatest minds – including Cambridge University alumni CS Lewis, Sir David Attenborough, and Stephen Hawking – then this is the place to do it. Steeped in history, some of its oldest buildings date back to the 11th century, while its cobbled streets house cute coffee shops, modern restaurants and quaint bookshops. Easy to get to by car or train, the city is small enough to explore on foot or by bike.

Getting around

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punt down the River Cam – passing landmarks including the Wren Library at Trinity College and the Bridge of Sighs. Rutherford’s and Scudamore’s both offer private and group punting trips, where you’ll drift past the university’s many campuses and hear fascinating facts about the city. If you’re feeling brave, you can opt to steer the boat yourself but, we’re warning you, it’s not easy. One of the favourite modes of transport here is bicycles, so ditch the car and whizz around the bikefriendly city centre, or venture further afield and explore parks and meadows including Jesus Green on the outskirts of the city.