Cambridge Travel Guide: Punting, Colleges and a Beautiful Day Trip from London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 04/10/2026

Introduction

Cambridge feels softer and greener than Oxford. It has grand colleges, but the river is the memory: punts moving under bridges, lawns rolling down to the Cam, bicycles everywhere and light catching the college backs.

Come for King’s College Chapel, stay for punting, Fitzbillies, The Backs and a slow walk through the historic centre.

Quick Facts

Detail · Info ·

Best from · London King’s Cross, St Pancras, Liverpool Street ·

Travel time · Around 50 minutes to 1h30 ·

Car needed? · No ·

Best for · Punting, colleges, river views ·

Time needed · Full day ·

Map

Cambridge walking map ↗

Best Things to Do

King’s College Chapel

⭐ Must visit ⏱ 45-75 minutes Website: King’s College visits ↗ Map: King’s College Chapel ↗

Punting

⭐ Best Cambridge experience ⏱ 45-60 minutes 💡 Tip: Guided shared punting is easiest for day trippers.

Official tourism: Visit Cambridge punting ↗ Map: Punting Cambridge ↗

The Backs

⭐ Best free walk ⏱ 30-60 minutes Map: The Backs ↗

Where to Eat

Fitzbillies

⭐ Best for Chelsea buns and coffee Website: Fitzbillies ↗ Map: Fitzbillies ↗

The Eagle

⭐ Best historic pub Website: The Eagle ↗ Map: The Eagle ↗

Parker’s Tavern

⭐ Best polished meal Website: Parker’s Tavern ↗ Map: Parker’s Tavern ↗

Where to Stay

University Arms for elegant central stay: website ↗ The Varsity Hotel & Spa for rooftop/spa: website ↗

One-Day Itinerary

09:45 arrive, 10:15 Fitzbillies, 11:00 King’s College, 12:30 The Backs, 13:30 lunch, 15:00 punting, 16:30 market/bookshops, 18:00 train.

How to Get There

Take the train to Cambridge from London King’s Cross, St Pancras or Liverpool Street. Check National Rail ↗.