Cambridge isn’t a huge town. It’s only about an hour outside of London, is chock-full of history, and is the perfect weekend trip. I’ve down whirlwind trips through various towns and cities, and felt like I barely scratched the surface. However, Cambridge isn’t like that at all. With a little bit of planning (and a willingness to walk), you can absolutely see some of the most incredible places. Cambridge has a long and fascinating history, and I believe everyone should visit at least once. Today I’m chatting about how to spend 48 hours in Cambridge and make the most of it!
Cambridge is an historian’s dream. Medieval history, modern history, religious history, scientific history, political history, it is all in Cambridge. And even if you aren’t a huge history buff, it is a stunningly gorgeous town. One of the big questions surrounding Cambridge is, should I visit Cambridge or Oxford? I personally picked Cambridge because it has far more surviving historic buildings, and because it isn’t nearly as busy as Oxford. So, if you are looking to get lost and spend 48 hours in Cambridge, you are in for a fantastic weekend.
Hidden History- The Tudor Presence
If you are interested in Tudor history, Cambridge is a perfect town for you. The Tudors and their associated courtiers and friends have without a doubt left their mark on Cambridge. Sir Walter Midmay, Elizabeth I’s Chancellor to the Exchequer, founded Emmanuel College in 1584. You can see the Tudor influence not only in the architecture of the college, but also in the actual Tudor Roses carved into the buildings. Cambridge was founded in 1209, and saw a great deal of growth in the Tudor period. Countless notable Tudor figures graduated from the University of Cambridge, icnluding Thomas Cramner, Francis Walsingham, and Robert Devereux. TUdor lovers, wander around the older colleges, you will undoubtedly have your fill of Tudor history!
Cambridge University Press Bookstore
It might seem odd, but the Cambridge University Press bookstore was one of my favourite places in Cambridge. This is the oldest bookshop site in England, as books have been sold here since 1581. The bookstore has a handy little timeline, including the impressive date of 1534 when Henry VIII granted Cambridge Press their Letters Patent. Cambridge University Press has published several remarkable books, including the Cambridge folio edition of the King James Bible in 1629 (the first consistent version), and the more than one edition of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica. And you can now go into the bookshop yourself and buy any number of CUP books. (This will be particularly exciting to historians and other academics. However, you can also find some fun books there, including the Cambridge College Colouring Book I picked up!)
Not-So-Hidden History- Kitchen Bridge
I will get into punting further below, but Kitchen Bridge is one of my favourite Cambridge bridges. It is one of the St. John’s College’s bridges (with the Bridge of Sighs also connecting the college). Cambridge has many impressive and historic bridges, but Kitchen Bridge is the second oldest surviving bridge. And although it looks like it is pieced together, it is actually one single piece of limestone carved to look as though it isn’t. And my favourite historical fact about this bridge? It is based on designs by Sir Christopher Wren! (Yes, the man who designed St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, the South Front of Hampton Court Palace, and more…)
King’s College Chapel
I’ve written about the King’s College Chapel before- it is an incredible building. The chapel itself was built between 1446 and 1515, by Henry VI, Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, Henry VII, and Henry VIII. (I feel like given current events at the time, the Chapel wasn’t necessarily taking precedence…) In any case, it has the world’s largest fan vault- this is absolutely a case of having to look up. If you are only able to spend 48 hours in Cambridge, I would put the King’s College Chapel at the top of your list. Ideally, going to Evensong would allow you to admire the gorgeous ceiling and the world-renowned choir, but even a visit will do. And you can see one of Henry VIII’s gifts to Anne Boleyn in person, the rood screen separating the nave of the church. (Note: this is definitely a place for Tudor aficionados to head.)
Hidden History- White Horse Tavern on King’s Lane
That little blue plaque on the wall there handily lets you know that there is something historical of note to see. It reads “Site of the White Horse Inn/ Known as ‘Little Germany’ where Cambridge scholars debated the works of Martin Luther in the early sixteenth century/ A birthplace of the Reformation in England”. So, while you currently have these slightly smug angels bearing the King’s College crest looking down at you, almost 500 years ago would have been quite different. There is quite some debate on whether or not Archbishop Thomas Cramner would have attended the White Horse Tavern, but in any case, it played a substantial role in the early history of the English Reformation.
Punting
I’ve shared my 5 tips for Punting in Cambridge already, a must-read if you are heading to Cambridge. However, it is doubly a must if you are only spending a day or two in Cambridge! The River Cam is a focal point of the town, with many of the older colleges centred around it. A guided punt down the river seems to take between an hour to two hours, and you can see so much in that time. The Bridge of Sighs, Mathematical Bridge, St. John’s College- all seen at their best from the river. It’s also much cheaper to see it on a guided punt rather than pay several college entrance fees. And I think it needs to be said, punting is a quintessential Cambridge to-do! (I would recommend booking ahead if you have limited time in Cambridge, to ensure you have a spot.)
Not-So-Hidden History- College Gates
If you look for nothing else in Cambridge, you absolutely must look for the different college gates. Many of the Cambridge colleges date back to the medieval period. And as such, they have medieval gatehouses. Some gates are rather unassuming, and blend in with the buildings. However, many of the gates are gorgeous and stand out quite a lot. The King’s College gate above is a sight unto itself, and you can understand why. The St. John’s College gate below is no slouch, either. Not only do gates allow you to control entry into your buildings, it is also a way to show your wealth and status off. Cambridge does it quite well, and you absolutely need to keep an eye out for these when you are wandering through the town. And a bonus? It’s always free to see the gates from the outside!
How would you spend 48 hours in Cambridge?
Cheers,
The Historian
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