Cambridge, England: travel guide to the historic university city on the River Cam

Cambridge is a city in the east of England, the county town of Cambridgeshire, set on the gentle River Cam about 80 kilometres north of London. With a population of around 145,000, it is world famous as the home of the University of Cambridge and as one of the most beautiful historic cities in the country.

For travellers searching for Cambridge, the university, King's College Chapel or punting on the Cam, it offers centuries of learning, magnificent architecture and riverside charm.

The university city

A trading centre in Roman and Viking times, Cambridge received its first town charters in the 12th century and was granted city status only in 1951. Its identity is bound up with the University of Cambridge, founded in 1209 and made up of more than thirty colleges, among the oldest and most renowned in the world. The soaring King's College Chapel, the great court of Trinity College and the Bridge of Sighs at St John's are among its glories, while the lawns and gardens along the river known as the Backs offer one of England's loveliest views.

Things to do

Visitors can glide along the Cam in a flat-bottomed punt, explore the treasures of the Fitzwilliam Museum, visit the rare round church of the Holy Sepulchre and stroll the University Botanic Garden. Beyond its history, modern Cambridge is the hub of the high-technology cluster known as Silicon Fen.

Practical information

Cambridge lies about 80 kilometres north of London, with fast and frequent trains making it an easy day trip from the capital, as well as a rewarding destination in its own right.