Cambridge, UK

12 Nov

Our day in Cambridge was one of those beautifully unhurried adventures, the kind where every corner reveals a story and every street seems to whisper history. We spent the day exploring the heart of the city centre, soaking up the charm that makes this university town so special.

From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by stunning architecture, the kind that makes you stop and stare. Cambridge is famous for its grand colleges and we couldn’t help but admire King’s College Chapel, a true masterpiece of Gothic design. Its towering fan-vaulted ceiling and intricate stained glass windows are absolutely breathtaking and it’s one of those places where you can almost feel the centuries of history layered in the stone.

As we wandered further, we passed Trinity College, founded by Henry VIII, with its impressive Great Gate, and St John’s College, known for its beautiful Bridge of Sighs, said to have inspired the one in Venice. We caught glimpses of Clare College, Gonville and Caius, Queen’s College with its lovely Mathematical Bridge, and Corpus Christi, one of the oldest colleges in Cambridge. Each one had its own story to tell, its courtyards and spires standing proudly as part of the city’s living history.

The streets themselves are a joy to explore, narrow, winding lanes lined with honey-coloured stone buildings, quirky independent shops, and bursts of colour from hanging flower baskets. We loved getting lost among them, discovering cosy bookshops and boutique stores. One of the most delightful surprises was stumbling across the Harry Potter-themed shops, filled with magical curiosities, wands, and wizarding memorabilia. They added such a fun, whimsical twist to the day and brought out the child in both of us.

After a leisurely wander, we walked out towards the parklands and along the River Cam, watching the punts glide gracefully past the college backs. The peaceful sound of the water and laughter from the river created the perfect backdrop to the afternoon. The willows dipping into the river and the old stone bridges gave us picture-perfect views at every turn.

We eventually stopped for a lovely lunch overlooking King’s College, where we could sit back and take in the stunning skyline of towers and chapels, the hum of students and visitors, and the timeless beauty of a city that has inspired minds for over 800 years.

Cambridge truly is a place where history and everyday life blend seamlessly. Whether you’re admiring the architecture, browsing the quirky shops, or simply people-watching by the river, there’s something endlessly captivating about this city. Our day there was relaxed, full of charm, and a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones spent wandering without a plan.

2024-03