Trip to Cambridge

[steveindenmark]

Jannie and I are going to Cambridge for a non cycling weekend and are looking for things to do.

We will visit the Old bicycle cafe and I will try and find some walks on RWGPS. There are mixed reviews about the Backs, from very good to a waste of time. Can someone elaborate.?

A long walk, 10 mile round trip, into the country for a pub lunch would be nice, if someone can suggest something. We would start from the train station.

We are just looking for things to do or see. But not the tourist trap things. Hidden secrets that the locals like.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Cambridge is a fantastic place to visit.
Lots to see and do, extremely vibrant and full of tourists and students.
Just use the tourist information and the leaflets where your staying.
2 days will go in a flash here.
You will walk miles!!

 

[slowmotion]

Kings College Chapel. You simply have to see it, even if it's rammed with tourists.

Kettles Yard Art Gallery.

If you want a taste of what a college is like, try Googling "Visiting Trinity Hall", and wander about inside.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Kings College Chapel. You simply have to see it, even if it's rammed with tourists.

Kettles Yard Art Gallery.

If you want a taste of what a college is like, try Googling "Visiting Trinity Hall", and wander about inside.

you can spend a day walking around them , lovely architecture

 

[IainC]

Walk (or punt) to Granchester (start near The Mill or The Anchor (good food) pub), there's a couple of lovely pubs there, the walk is very scenic if you stick near the river and there and back is around 6 miles. You can always go a bit further if you stick near the river.

I'd pass on the backs. Go for a pint in The Eagle (Watson & Crick pub), look in the Wren library (Newton's notebooks), stay well away from the Grafton Centre at all costs.

 

[slowmotion]

you can spend a day walking around them , lovely architecture

You may need to contact any particular college in advance in order to get past the Head Porter at the gate, but once inside, you should be free from the vast sea of tourists that Cambridge has become.

 

[Alien8]

We will visit the Old bicycle cafe...

Don't know what it's like - only went in when it was a bike shop.

There are mixed reviews about the Backs...

If you want to do the Backs, best done by (self) punt - make sure you swot-up on the bridges before you go.

A long walk, 10 mile round trip, into the country for a pub lunch would be nice, if someone can suggest something.

Grantchester is good call - I'd say it's a bit on the long side to punt it.

We are just looking for things to do or see. But not the tourist trap things. Hidden secrets that the locals like.

Obviously, like most touristy places, the locals go elsewhere.

But it depends what you like.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is great - well I think so.

The Botanic Gardens is a big space, nice glasshouses, and can be surprisingly quiet.

 

[Dave 123]

If you want a walk to a pub you could do the Grantchester grind.
From the mill pond walk along the river all the way out to Grantchester.

Once there ignore the RedLion, Green Man and Rupert Brooke pubs and walk the short distance to here

https://www.blueballgrantchester.co.uk/

A good, limited menu and drinks lots cheaper than anywhere in the area.

Hop on the tourist bus or the bus to Cambourn and go to the American war cemetery on Madingley Hill. Impressive and thought provoking. The trees have very good autumn colour.


A great pub in the city is here

https://www.freepresskitchen.co.uk/

One of the best in town. Fabulous food and great beer.

Or one just off Mill Road-

http://cambridge.pub/the-blue/

 

[Dave 123]

If you do venture onto a punt then tell them that your Mrs is your cousin and that you live local and that you’re not paying tourists prices!

 

[srw]

Get a bus to Oxford and see a decent city.

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

watch out cyclists everywhere!

 

[steveindenmark]

Thanks for this guys. I have no interest in punting or being punted.

 

[Reynard]

Cambridge University Press bookshop just off the market is a good place to while away some time if you're that way inclined. Plus, if you like sci-fi / fantasy, there's the Forbidden Planet behind the Grafton.

 

[captain nemo1701]

Pop into Addenbrookes for a rest in the Syd Barrett garden?:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-40947640

 

[steveindenmark]

If you want a walk to a pub you could do the Grantchester grind.
From the mill pond walk along the river all the way out to Grantchester.

Once there ignore the RedLion, Green Man and Rupert Brooke pubs and walk the short distance to here

https://www.blueballgrantchester.co.uk/

A good, limited menu and drinks lots cheaper than anywhere in the area.

Hop on the tourist bus or the bus to Cambourn and go to the American war cemetery on Madingley Hill. Impressive and thought provoking. The trees have very good autumn colour.


A great pub in the city is here

https://www.freepresskitchen.co.uk/

One of the best in town. Fabulous food and great beer.

Or one just off Mill Road-

http://cambridge.pub/the-blue/

Thanks for the OldBlue Ball Dave. A nice walk and a nice meal. Lovely weather.