1 day in Cambridge: an art lover’s itinerary
Cambridge is exactly what it’s cracked up to be, especially in the autumn: crunching leaves underfoot, students whizzing past on bicycles, and an atmospheric glowing light when the sun comes out.
Cambridge is a perfect day trip from London, offering the kind of charm that feels both timeless and relaxed. Known for its historic colleges and beautiful architecture, Cambridge also has plenty to offer art lovers—particularly fans of modern art. The best part? Many of these experiences are free, making this a great option for a budget-friendly escape.
My own connection to Cambridge goes back to when I was studying art history for my MA at the Courtauld Institute. Due to an academic partnership between the unis, I found myself attending weekly lectures in Cambridge, and visiting in the autumn was magical. The soft light, crisp air, and golden leaves made each trip feel special, and I was always taken with the city’s unique blend of beauty and scholarly energy.
Cambridge is full of charming places, one of the most popular day trips from London, but perhaps less well known as an art destination. It has some wonderful hidden gems which you will discover on my itinerary for seeing the best art and architecture in Cambridge.
Why Visit Cambridge for One Day?
Cambridge is compact, walkable, and packed with highlights—it’s easy to see the best of the city in just one day. From world-class museums and historic colleges to beautiful riverside views, you’ll experience plenty without feeling overwhelmed. Of course, you could spend longer here exploring every corner, but a single day gives you a wonderful taste of Cambridge’s unique atmosphere and cultural offerings.
How to Get to Cambridge
The easiest way to get to Cambridge is by train. Direct services run from London King’s Cross and Liverpool Street, with journeys taking about 45 minutes to an hour. I recommend booking tickets in advance through Trainline to save money.
Once you arrive at Cambridge station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the city centre. The route is pleasant, but if you’d rather save time, you can rent a bike or grab a taxi.
Once you're in Cambridge, it is easy to get around by foot, and you won't want to miss anything while you're passing by.
Peterhouse College
Morning: Journey to Cambridge and Exploring the Colleges
Journey to Cambridge
Train journey: ~45-60 minutes from London
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Start your day at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, just a five-minute walk from the train station. If you’re into gardens and plants, this is a lovely way to ease into the day. It’s beautiful in all seasons—think glasshouses for winter and vibrant flowers in spring and summer. Entry costs around £8, with discounts for students and young people.
The glasshouses at the Botanic Garden are a historic highlight, featuring plants from around the world. Dating back to the 19th century, these structures have long been a haven for exotic species, offering visitors a glimpse into global biodiversity. I loved visiting the gardens in the autumn when the foliage outside was golden and crisp, while inside the warm glasshouses, I found refuge among the towering cacti and tropical plants—a welcome contrast to the chilly air outside.
Peterhouse College
From the gardens, it’s a short walk to Peterhouse, Cambridge’s oldest college, founded in 1284 by Hugh de Balsham, the Bishop of Ely. Peterhouse is renowned for its intimate size and historic significance, with its dining hall being the oldest of its kind in Cambridge, dating back to 1290.
The college has a unique charm, with its peaceful courtyards and striking architecture offering a glimpse into Cambridge’s medieval origins. While you can’t go inside the buildings, visitors are welcome to stroll through the courtyard for free.
It’s charming, peaceful, and a nice prelude to the more famous colleges in the city. I like to have a walk around here before visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum just next door.
Book a guided tour of Cambridge Colleges
Info: Visiting Cambridge Colleges
King’s College
Many colleges in Cambridge allow visitors to explore their grounds for free or for a small fee. Some popular choices include King’s College, Trinity College, and St John’s College. If you’re keen to see the interiors or get a deeper insight, consider booking a guided tour—there are plenty led by current students who share stories about Cambridge’s history and traditions.
Each college has its own terms of entry; many are free but some cost to enter. See this helpful overview of the Cambridge Colleges.
Fitzwilliam Museum
A must-visit for art lovers, the Fitzwilliam Museum houses a stunning collection that spans ancient Egypt to modern painting. The museum itself is a beautiful neoclassical building, and the exhibitions are thoughtfully curated.
The museum, founded in 1816, boasts a rich history tied to its namesake, Richard Fitzwilliam, whose bequest formed the foundation of the collection. Today, visitors can see works by Titian, Monet, and Canaletto, alongside exceptional pieces of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art.
It’s the kind of place that feels both grand and welcoming, perfect for escaping a sudden bout of rain (as often happens in Cambridge). Entry is free, and an hour here gives you a solid overview. There are often excellent temporary exhibitions so I suggest looking ahead to plan what you want to see.
Midday: Lunch, Market Square, and Kettle’s Yard
Fitzbillies
Leaving the Fitzwilliam, head to Fitzbillies for a treat. Their iconic Chelsea buns are sticky, spiced, and delicious—worth the hype. If you’re hungry, you can sit in for a full meal, but I recommend grabbing a bun to go.
Cambridge Market Square
Make your way to Cambridge Market Square, where you’ll find a mix of street food, vintage clothes, and fresh flowers. It’s a great spot for a casual lunch, with plenty of options from around the world. The walk here takes you through the heart of Cambridge, so enjoy the iconic colleges and historic buildings along the way.
If seeing more colleges is high on your list, this is the perfect time to duck into one or join a student-led tour.
Book a guided tour of Cambridge Colleges
Great St Mary’s Tower
For a panoramic view of Cambridge, climb up the tower at Great St Mary’s Church. It’s a short climb and costs just a few pounds. From the top, you get sweeping views over the market square, the surrounding colleges, and the rooftops of the city.
Kettle’s Yard
From the market, take a walk down Rose Crescent (one of the prettiest streets in Cambridge), then head toward the river and over Magdalene Bridge. Your destination: Kettle’s Yard.
Kettle’s Yard is hands-down one of the best modern art experiences in the UK. Part gallery, part house museum, it was once the home of Jim and Helen Ede, who curated the space to showcase their art collection in a way that felt warm and lived-in. The contemporary galleries are free and host excellent exhibitions, but the real highlight is the house itself. Book ahead if you can, as slots to visit the house can fill up, especially in busier seasons.
One of my favourite works here is Henri Gaudier-Brzeska’s 'Red Stone Dancer,' a vibrant Red Mansfield Stone dancer inspired by the rough and primitive dancing in the Rite of Spring. It’s rare to see art so beautifully integrated into a home setting.
Afternoon and Evening: Punting, Evensong, and Dinner
Punting on the River Cam
A visit to Cambridge wouldn’t be complete without punting on the River Cam. Head back to the riverside, where you’ll find plenty of operators ready to take you on a tour. Punting is both relaxing and a great way to see landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs and the backs of the colleges. Tours usually cost around £20-£30 per person, but it’s worth it for the views and experience.
Evensong at King’s College Chapel
End your day with evensong at King’s College Chapel, one of the most stunning examples of Gothic architecture in the world. The chapel’s fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass are breathtaking, and the evening service offers a peaceful, atmospheric way to see the space without paying for entry. Evensong starts at 5 pm, but it’s best to arrive early to queue, especially on weekends.
Dinner in Cambridge
Before heading back to the station, enjoy a meal in one of Cambridge’s cosy pubs or excellent restaurants. Here are a few recommendations:
The Cambridge Chop House: Classic British dishes with views of King’s College
Zhonghua Traditional Snacks: Delicious and affordable Chinese dumplings
Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge: An outpost of the ever-popular London Indian restaurant
Flat Iron: Affordable and sleek steakhouse
After dinner, either walk or taxi back to the station and enjoy the train ride home.
Cambridge offers a perfect blend of art, architecture, and charm, making it a brilliant day trip for anyone with an interest in culture. From world-class museums to peaceful punting and hidden gems like Kettle’s Yard, it’s a city that’s easy to explore and endlessly inspiring. If you’re in London and looking for a change of pace, 1 day in Cambridge might just be the ideal escape.
A guide to one day in Cambridge filled with art and architecture.