Cambridge is a charming destination, celebrated for its ornate gardens, tranquil river, and rich heritage. Officially granted city status in 1951, it exudes a quintessential Englishness. Whether you're gliding along the River Cam on a punt, exploring museums, browsing boutique shops, or dining at world-class restaurants, a trip to Cambridge is sure to be unforgettable.
Whether Cambridge is already your favourite city or you’re experiencing it for the first time, CrossCountry can get you there from key locations across the UK. Catch a train to Cambridge and explore this beautiful historical city today.
Train tickets to Cambridge
The main transport hub and the best place to travel for a day trip is Cambridge station. CrossCountry provides routes to Cambridge station from locations such as Stansted Airport, Birmingham New Street, and Peterborough.
To get the most out of your train travel, book an Advance Ticket before your journey so you can benefit from the best prices. Alternatively, take a look at the ticket types on offer and find what suits you best.
Heading to Cambridge for a family day trip? Be sure to bring your Family & Friends Railcard along. Train travellers with a valid Family & Friends Railcard can save up to a 1/3 on their own travel and 60% on tickets for children ages 5-15. Check if you’re eligible or explore Railcard options with CrossCountry.
FAQs
The main train station in the city is Cambridge Station.
Located southeast of the main city centre, Cambridge Station is a 20 minute walk from the main attractions. Cambridge Blue bus offers a shuttle service from the train station to the city centre if you don’t fancy the walk.
The closest airport to Cambridge is London Stansted. It is super easy to get to and from the airport - simply hop on a CrossCountry service, it only takes around 30 minutes.
There are ways to enjoy great savings on your train to Cambridge. Many people are eligible to save ⅓ of every journey with a railcard. It also helps if you can be slightly more flexible and travel off peak, avoiding rush hour periods. Take a look at single ticket prices, sometimes it is cheaper than booking a return. Our cheap tickets page has more tips, so make sure you check that out before booking.
For further information about the station in Cambridge, check out our station guide.
Experience Cambridge
Places to eat in Cambridge
There are so many delicious places to eat in Cambridge. If you’re visiting for the day, how about grabbing breakfast at Relevant Café & Bar on Mill Road? Their signature take on Eggs Benedict, the Egg Relevant with homemade spicy baked beans, is the perfect way to start the day. Plus, tucked away downstairs is a record shop full of the latest vinyl releases.
For a coffee fix, the expert baristas at Bould Brothers cut no corners when it comes to quality. With two locations in the city, one on Regent Street and the other on Round Church Street, stumbling upon their shop will be a happy accident. Another option is Bean Theory, a charming coffee shop that overlooks Mill Pond, a truly serene place to enjoy a drink.
For a fulfilling evening meal, try Restaurant Twenty-Two on Chesterton Road. Though their menus are constantly changing with fresh seasonal produce, what is consistent is the quality of food and the satisfaction of every bite. Want something more laid-back? Check out Fin Boys on Mill Road for a feast of the sea, featuring monkfish, pan-fried pollock, bluefin tuna, Carlingford oysters, and more fresh, flavourful bites.
Places to stay in Cambridge
Cambridge is a wonderful place to visit for a staycation, with lots of welcoming hotels for all budgets. The Fellows House on Milton Road is a standout 4-star hotel with a contemporary vibe. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, as well as a chic restaurant that makes for a fabulous afternoon tea spot.
If you're looking for places to stay in Cambridge that offer a countryside escape, Rectory Farm offers a taste of rural luxury. Surrounded by 50 acres of parkland, the country house provides a peaceful retreat while still being just a half-hour bus ride from Cambridge station, perfect for those who want both nature and easy access to the city.
For familiar comforts, Cambridge also has a range of well-known chain hotels that guarantee a comfortable stay. Conveniently located within walking distance of the station, both Ibis and Travelodge offer wallet-friendly options for visitors.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Culture and heritage in Cambridge
Cambridge is the place to be to see breathtaking architecture with a long and fascinating history. The Cambridge University Colleges are a must-visit, with the oldest, Peterhouse College, dating back to 1284. Just imagine the countless scholars who have hurried to lectures and joyfully flung their graduation caps into the air over the centuries! The colleges, with their sweeping lawns, intricate architectural details, and cavernous halls, are often available for tours.
The Fitzwilliam Museum is another beautiful way to discover heritage in Cambridge, as it is full of precious artefacts and priceless artwork. They often have intriguing temporary exhibits and regularly hold events, including family-friendly drop-in sessions and creative lunches.
One of the most popular activities in Cambridge, particularly in Spring and Summer, is punting down the River Cam. It’s a fantastic way to take in the city’s sights while gliding over the gentle waters. You can relax as an expert guide shares fascinating stories about Cambridge’s history, or, for something different, try steering your own punt and put your skills to the test.
The culture in Cambridge is endless, with its exciting music and comedy scene. The Junction is within walking distance from Cambridge station and has a revolving door of gigs, comedy acts, magic
Shopping in Cambridge
Cambridge has three main shopping centres, and they’ve proven to be a big draw for visitors around the county, as well as in surrounding areas like Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Norfolk. The Grand Arcade and Lion Yard are interconnected and boast a range of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema. After getting the most out of these shopping centres, be sure to walk along Petty Cury onto Market Hill to experience Cambridge’s central outdoor market. Traders have done business here since the Middle Ages, and today, you can find plenty of bargains, from ceramics to souvenirs to sweets.
From the Lion Yard, you can also easily walk to the Grafton Centre with a scenic stroll through Christ’s Pieces Park. You’ve not completed the perfect shopping day trip without adding this shopping centre to your list. Finally, there are lots of wonderful independent businesses to explore all over the city. Some favourites include Ark, where you can find unique clothing, jewellery, and adorable cuddly toys, and Heffers, an independent bookshop that has stood since 1876.
Whether you prefer high-street favourites or vintage boutiques, shopping in Cambridge is one of our favourite ways to spend a weekend.
Best Restaurants in Cambridge
Explore Cambridge’s top dining spots with CrossCountry.
Best Walks in Cambridge
Stretch your legs and see the best of Cambridge with these walks.
