Historic places in Cambridge

13 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Cambridge.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Bourn Windmill
A medieval post-mill, probably the oldest mill in Britain. It's at risk of collapse and stabilisation is under way; it was open for a few days in 2023.
See website for opening£3 adult, £1 child
See
Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum
Denny Abbey the only religious site in England to have been occupied at various times by three different monastic orders. Museum tells the history of farming in the fens.
Adults £8.00, children £5.00, concessions £6.50. English Heritage members free
See
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
The museum contains large and important collections of archaeological and anthropological material from all parts of the world. The archaeological collections from all periods include significant collections from Palaeolithic Europe, Asia and Africa; Precolumbian Central and South America; early civilizations of the Mediterranean; and British archaeology. The world-renowned anthropological collections include important collections from the South Seas, West Africa and the Northwest Coast of North America; historic collections from the 18th century; and extensive photographic collections from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Tue-Sun 2PM-4:30PM; closed at Christmas and Easter and on most public holidays; possible extended summer opening - please telephone or email for detailsFree
See
Queens' College
Founded by two Queens - Margaret of Anjou in 1448 and Elizabeth Woodville in 1465, the College stretches across both sides of the Cam, linked by the famous Mathematical Bridge. The myth goes that it was designed by Isaac Newton without the use of pins, screws, nuts or bolts, but when disassembled, the fellows and students couldn't figure out how to put it back together again. This is sadly false, the bridge dates from 1749, 22 years after Newton's death. The stunning medieval Old Hall is also worth a visit.
Open approx 10AM-4:30PM, see website or ring for updated times. Closed mid-May to mid-June£5 (includes printed guide). Free mid-October to mid-March
See
St. Andrew's, Chesterton
A walk from town, but with an impressive (if somewhat faded) medieval Doom painting around the chancel arch, showing the Judgement and giving worshippers good reason to pay attention to the sermon.
Drink
The Castle Inn
One of the best and busiest, traditional pubs in Cambridge. With an eclectic mix of locals and visitors, it can get impossibly busy of Friday and Saturday nights, however, the beer is excellent (the wine less so) and the food is home cooked and good value - the "Castle Burger" is a popular choice.
See
The Centre for Computing History
A small museum dedicated to the field of computing including video game consoles and arcade machines that can be played. The museum is also a hire-able venue for "Gaming Parties".
Wed-Sun 10AM-5PMAdults £12, children £8, concessions £10
Drink
The Fort St George
Been there for hundreds of years, overlooks the Cam and Midsummer Common. Also one of the best places in town for a pub lunch! (Think Sunday roast.)
Noon-11PM
See
The Museum of Cambridge
formerly: Cambridge Folk Museum
The only local social history museum in Cambridge and is the most comprehensive collection representing life in the South Cambridgeshire villages. Housed in an old Coaching House, the museum is home to some 20,000 objects representing the history of local life away from the University. Staffed by volunteers which may cause unscheduled closures, phone to confirm if required.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-4PMStandard £6, students & 16-17 £4.50, -16 free
See
The Round Church
Dating back to 1130, this is one of only four medieval round churches in England, and one of the most visited buildings in Cambridge. Besides the remarkable architecture, the building contains historical exhibitions and hosts occasional concerts and lectures. Included is a 20-minute film that provides an excellent overview of Cambridge's history. Tour guides based there offer walking tours of Cambridge which are highly rated.
DailyAdult £3.50
See
The Whipple Museum of the History of Science
The Whipple Museum is a pre-eminent collection of scientific instruments and models, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. Included in this outstanding collection are microscopes and telescopes, sundials, early slide rules, pocket electronic calculators, laboratory equipment and teaching and demonstration apparatus. Visitors are advised to check beforehand by contacting the museum if you have special access requirements.
Mon-Fri 12:30PM-4:30PM; closed at weekends (ex third Sat per month), bank holidays and occasionally over the Christmas periodFree
Do
Traditional Punting Company
Punting Cambridge
The Traditional Punting Company offers the best punting in Cambridge, where you'll see the world-famous College Backs in the heart of the city. Expert chauffeurs will guide you along the River Cam, entertaining you with Cambridge’s inspiring history and secrets of the city over the last 800 years. Tours last 50 minutes and are a return journey.
9AM - duskShared Tours from £20, Private Tours from £79
See
Trinity College
Large attractive courtyard and library designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The interior of the Wren Library (M-F noon-2PM, Sa 10:30AM-12:30PM in Full Term) is particularly beautiful and features medieval bibles, items from the possession of Isaac Newton, original manuscripts by Wittgenstein, a Winnie-the-Pooh manuscript by A.A. Milne, and notes by Bertrand Russell, among other things. Even when the college is closed to visitors, the library may still be accessible from Queens Road on the other side of the River Cam. As of July 2022 the college is closed to the public.
£2

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cambridge (CC BY-SA 4.0).