The Bridge of Sigh, Cambridge
The Bridge of Sigh, Cambridge

The best things to do on a day trip in Cambridge

 

Planning a trip to the historic city of academia? There are many more things to do in Cambridge than reading books and boating! Cambridge is only 62 miles from London by car, making it the perfect destination for a weekend trip with Zipcar Roundtrip. Find out the best places to eat, drink, explore and shop in Cambridge with our guide.

 

 

Eat and drink in Cambridge

These cafes, restaurants and bars in Cambridge will see you from your morning brunch to evening drinks.

The Orchard Tea Rooms

orchard tea room scones

The Orchard Tea Rooms

If you want a quintessentially English experience in Cambridge, it doesn’t get much better than afternoon tea in The Orchard Tea Garden. Sit down to a pot of tea with freshly baked scones and lashings of clotted cream and jam - all enjoyed in the delightful gardens.

Vegan Vice

vegan burger

Vegan Vice

Vegan Vice is proving that pant-based doesn’t have to be plain – one vegan burger at a time. From vegan patties to vegan chick’n fillet, fries, shakes and much more, enjoy guilt-free (and sustainable!) junk food in this vibrant and eclectic space.

Calverley’s Brewery & Taproom

craft beer taps

Calverley’s Brewery & Taproom

Craft beer fans will love this independent microbrewery. Enjoy a freshly poured pint in the Taproom accompanied by something tasty from the street food vendors, or pick up cans or fresh growlers of beer to take away.

Places to visit in Cambridge

From historic architecture to amazing artefacts, Cambridge isn’t short on culture and sightseeing.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Cambridge botanical gardens

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

A true garden of academia, the Botanic Gardens of Cambridge house over 8,000 plant species for research and teaching. The gardens are stunning at any time of year. Admire delicate blossoms in spring, relax on the lawns in summer, see the leaves turn in autumn, or wrap up warm for a winter stroll.

Walking Tours of Cambridge University

View of cambridge university

Walking Tours of Cambridge University

Many Cambridge graduates love to impart their knowledge of the university and its colleges, from the history and architecture to the folklore and traditions. Cambridge walking tours are free, but the student guides work hard to earn their tips!

River Punting

The Bridge of Sigh, Cambridge

River Punting

No trip to Cambridge would be complete without a punt along the River Cam. Whether you go it alone or choose a punting guide so you can sit back and relax, winding along the river and under the bridge of sighs is a delightful (and romantic) experience.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Fitzwilliam museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Home to over half a million pieces of art and antiquities including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics, manuscripts, prints and much more, the Fitzwilliam Museum makes for an endlessly fascinating day out.

Shopping in Cambridge

Take a piece of Cambridge home with you from any of these unique independent stores.

Nomads

Nomads turkish lamps

Nomads

An eclectic emporium of ethnic curiosities, from Turkish lamps and Afghan rugs to incense, jewellery and homewares. Nomads is proud to be one of Cambridge’s longest standing independent retailers.

Jemporium Vintage

vintage clothing

Jemporium Vintage

From 60s miniskirts to 90s hi-tops, this vintage store has it all. No matter what era you’re feeling inspired by, there’s something for every occasion and season at Jemporium Vintage. Sustainability never goes out of style!

The Haunted Bookshop

Bookshop

The Haunted Bookshop

Whether you brush up against the supernatural spectre said to haunt the basement of this bookstore or not, it’s still a great place to explore. Specialising in antique illustrated and children’s books, as well as general fiction, it’s well worth a trawl through the shelves.

Why Rent a Zipcar?

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Save money

We pay for fuel, parking, Congestion Charge and insurance – so you get access to a car without all the hassle of owning one!

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Rent a car locally

Zipcars live just around the corner. We've got the largest car sharing fleet in the UK (not that we're boasting) and you'll find us in cities across the UK. 

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Drive on-demand

Whatever you need wheels for, we’ve got them. Rent cars and vans by the minute, hour or day when and where you need them.

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Live greener

We’re the perfect addition to buses, trains and bikes for those times when you just need a car. We've also got hundreds of electric cars in our fleet.