Places You’ll Want To Discover In Cambridge, England
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Places You’ll Want To Discover In Cambridge, England
There are almost no places I would be willing to give up my beloved Saipan and relocate to, with a few exceptions.
For sure I’d move to Japan. Maybe New Zealand. More than likely Portugal.
But there’s only one city I’d give up paradise for – Cambridge, England. Cambridge has my heart.
Cambridge’s architecture has a heavy Gothic influence, with gargoyles standing sentry high above the quaint streets. Cambridge is also a progressive city that is very modern, with fantastic shopping and many diverse restaurants. It is what I consider as a very “livable” city, with great public transportation, easy walking distance to everywhere you need to go, and plenty of parks/green space to keep you healthy.
Everywhere you look is something beautiful to see, so finding places to get the right shot for your Instagram feed shouldn’t be a challenge. The awe-inspiring architecture envelopes you. Beautiful doesn’t even come close to explaining Cambridge.
While the stunning buildings are the main focus for most, there are other hidden gems all around town. Here are my eight Instagram worthy locations in Cambridge you will want to discover!!
1. The Eagle
Opened in 1667, The Eagle has a long, rich history. Crick and Watson are said to have announced they discovered DNA at The Eagle in 1953. The ceiling of the pub is covered with graffiti leftover from British and American GIs during World War 2. They used soot to engrave their names and the battles they had fought in, as well as the names of their fallen brothers at arms. It’s a fantastic place to sit and drink a pint, and they have excellent fish and chips.
2.The Round Church
As you might already know, I love unique churches. This church fits right into that category. Being the second oldest building in Cambridge, the Round Church has hosted royalty and religious heads of state such as Queen Victoria and the Dali Lama. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre makes for beautiful pictures inside as well as out.
3. Cambridge’s Universities & Colleges
One of the most prominent features of Cambridge is its more than 30 colleges and universities. From the stunning King’s College founded by King Henry VI in 1446 to the University of Cambridge where Prof. Stephan Hawking taught, Cambridge has some of the most unique campuses to explore anywhere on the globe.
Every college has its own policy about admitting the public to enter. Cambridge News publishes a list of Cambridge colleges opening times and which ones let you in for free. Do be sure to double-check before you go, as schedules may change from time to time.
The photo ops speak for themselves.
4. The Corpus Clock
At the corner of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street sits a funny little oddity. The Corpus Clock was built and paid for by inventor and Corpus Christi College alumni, John Taylor. It was unveiled to the public by Stephen Hawking in 2008. It’s equal parts scary looking and mesmerizing to watch. For the best pictures, go during the day. To see the clock at its best, visit at night.
5. King’s College Chapel
One of, if not perhaps the tallest buildings in Cambridge is the King’s College Chapel. You couldn’t miss this awesome example of Gothic architecture if you tried, but why would you want to? When I visited, it was for the Evensong in the Chapel on Monday nights, and no cameras are allowed. Which is a shame because I can’t show y’all the incredible inside of the Chapel. There is the largest fan-vault ceiling in the world and the Rood Screen that was a gift from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.
When you’re sitting inside the Chapel at night, and it is only lit up by candlelight, listening to a choir sing majestic praises that echo all around you – that moment is total divinity. I wanted to pinch myself many times that night. It was all so much beauty that it nearly overwhelmed.
(Do click on the Evensong link. There is an interactive 3D picture of the interior of the chapel where you can really get a closeup of the ceiling and Rood Screen.)
6. Punt The River Cam
Probably the best way to enjoy Cambridge is by punting the River Cam. The river splits Cambridge neatly in two and offers some of the prettiest views of the back sides of the colleges you will see. You can hop on and off the punts and go exploring as you like. I recommend renting your punt at Scudamore’s as they have so many options for tours, and are the best, in my (unpaid and unaffiliated) honest opinion.
7. Mathematical Bridge
Originally built in 1749, the Wooden Bridge (as it is actually named, though seldom called) connects two parts of Queen’s College. The Mathematical Bridge is known as such because although it appears that the wood is in an arch, the entire bridge is built out of straight timbers. There is a long-held rumor that Sir Issac Newton was involved in the design of this bridge, which isn’t possible because he died 22 years before it was constructed. It is also said the bridge wasn’t originally built with nuts and bolts but has been rebuilt in the years since with them. This is also a myth that no one knows where it started. Either way, it is an architectural wonder to see.
Cambridge has me so smitten. Just visit once and you will understand why! Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll trade in my tan for a winter coat and England at its finest.
Have you visited Cambridge before? How amazing are all the streets and buildings? Don’t you love that everyone bikes everywhere? Let’s dish about our Cambridge crushes in the comments!
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