Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Cambridge and Beyond tells us how to make the most of 48 hours in Cambridge
Local to the Cambridge area for more than 30 years, we asked Emma Thornton, CEO of the new Visit Cambridge and Beyond tourism organisation body, for her tips on how visitors should spend 48 hours in Cambridge.
Things to do in Cambridge
Day 1
Get your bearings
Nothing beats a good walk to stretch the legs and soak up Cambridge’s history and atmosphere. Visitors can choose a public two-hour walking tour, or a private tour tailor made to your own interests and timescale. The tours cover the city’s numerous personalities – from Wordsworth, Byron, Coleridge and AA Milne – and visit some of the most impressive sights Cambridge has to offer, such as King’s College and Chapel and the beautiful Queens’ College. Add some of Cambridge’s many excellent museums to your own walking tour – from the Fitzwilliam Museum to the equally fascinating Polar Museum – and you’ll have had your culture fill for the morning. For more information on Official Guided tours of Cambridge call 01223 791501.
Lunch
Cambridge is not short of places to have lunch. I am regularly spoilt for choice with numerous pubs, restaurants, coffee shops etc. We have famous, internationally known restaurants to small, family run businesses, catering for every taste and budget.
Shopping
I can easily while away a few hours browsing the amazing variety of shops in Cambridge. Whilst there is always a place and demand for the big brand names, we also have a wonderful range of small independent shops, offering something totally different. You’ll also often find me among the hats and books at the market.
Take a punt
Finish your day with a punt on the River Cam, a leisurely way to see the world famous Cambridge College ‘Backs’ from the comfort of a punt. You can choose a guided commentary with a chauffeured punt, or hire your own and try the art of punting yourself.
Dining
Cambridge offers restaurants to cater for all occasions from Michelin starred restaurants to an award-winning vegetarian and vegan restaurant as well as some of the best known Italian favourites. Visitors can dine in style in many of the hotel restaurants in the city and when the weather is warmer. I like nothing better than watching the river go by whilst eating alfresco at one of the many riverside eateries. We also have a great range of street food provided by our street traders and on Cambridge Market which operates seven days a week.
Stay
Again, when it comes to accommodation Cambridge offers a really wide choice of bed and breakfasts, guest houses, hotels and self-catering accommodation, to suit all tastes and budgets. The city is the perfect destination for individuals, families or groups. And for our visitors that are looking to truly immerse themselves in university life, I think there is no better way than actually staying in one of the University of Cambridge Colleges.
Things to do in Ely
Day 2
Cathedral city of Ely
Take to the road and experience some of the Cambridgeshire’s outlying towns and cities, such as Ely, Newmarket and St Neots. A 30-minute drive north of Cambridge, Ely is steeped in history and renowned for Ely Cathedral, a magnificent building with its Octagon Tower which dominates the landscape for miles around.
Dine on Eels
The name Ely is derived from the Isle of Eels when the city was surrounded by water and marshland. Eels are still caught in the River Great Ouse, and smoked eels are considered a delicacy and can be bought at Ely’s award-winning Farmers Market. While in Ely, follow the city’s circular public art Eel Trail, taking you past the oldest parts of Ely and down to the beautiful riverside area.
Fen life
Famous for their big skies and rich black soil, the Fens stretch for miles and miles and display some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever see. To see real life in the Fens, then a visit to Burwell Museum, a 25-minute drive south of Ely, is essential. It recreates scenes depicting life as a farmer, blacksmith, housewife, soldier and many more occupations spanning the years.
To plan your trip to the city of Cambridge visit www.visitcambridge.org/beyond–cambridge
