2 days in Cambridge: a weekend itinerary
King's College Chapel, a punt along the Backs and a walk to Grantchester, in a very walkable city.
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
Cambridge is compact and flat, so it is ideal for a weekend on foot. This plan takes in the famous colleges and the river on day one, and a museum and a country walk on day two.
College opening times change during exams and events, so check before you go.
Day 1: Colleges and the Backs
- Morning: Visit King's College Chapel, with its famous fan-vaulted ceiling, and wander through the other central colleges.
- Lunch: Eat in the market square or at a cafe in the city centre.
- Afternoon: Take a punt along the Backs, the stretch of the river behind the colleges, or walk along it.
- Evening: Have dinner in the centre, then a pub by the river.
Day 2: Museums and Grantchester
- Morning: Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is free and has a large collection of art and antiquities.
- Lunch: Eat at a cafe near the museum or on Mill Road.
- Afternoon: Walk through the meadows to Grantchester, a pretty village with a tea garden and pub, about three miles each way.
- Heading home: Cambridge station is a short walk or bus ride from the centre.
Where to stay
Staying near the centre is convenient and pricey. Mill Road is lively and cheaper, and the area near the station is handy for trains.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From London: About 50 minutes by train from King's Cross.
- From Norwich: About 1 hour by train.
- From Manchester: About 4 hours by train.
The centre is compact and best seen on foot or by bike. Driving is difficult, so use a park and ride.
If it rains
In wet weather, spend longer in the Fitzwilliam Museum, the colleges and the covered market, and visit the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Packing list for Cambridge
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Wet-weather gear
Frequently asked questions
Is two days enough for Cambridge?
Yes. It is small, and two days covers the main sights and a country walk.
Do I need to book punting?
Not usually, though weekends and summer afternoons are busy.
Which colleges are worth paying for?
King's College is the most famous, and Trinity and St John's are also very good. Check opening hours and prices.
Keep planning
Historic colleges, riverside lawns and punting on the Cam
Punting in CambridgeThe River Cam, CambridgePunting on the River Cam is one of Cambridge's signature experiences.
Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-AvonStratford-upon-Avon, WarwickshireStratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the Royal Shakespeare Company stages plays there year-round.
Seals at Horsey GapHorsey, NorfolkHorsey Gap, on the east Norfolk coast, is home to one of the largest grey seal colonies in England.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.