Cambridge by the river
The Backs, the bridges and a walk to the meadows: Cambridge at water level.
The River Cam is what makes Cambridge look the way it does. The colleges back onto it, so the best views of the city are from the water and the paths beside it.
This route spends the day close to the river, from a punt in the morning to the meadows in the afternoon.
Photo: Jean-Luc Benazet / Unsplash
With the City Pass
3 of these stops are included, worth £62.50 if you paid separately. The pass is £50.
- 10:00
Coffee at Fitzbillies
Fuel up on Trumpington Street, then walk down Mill Lane to the river.
Included in your pass · normally £4.50 - 11:00
Punt the Backs
A shared tour from Quayside glides past St John's, Trinity, Clare and King's. Look out for the Bridge of Sighs and, at the far end, the Mathematical Bridge at Queens'.
Included in your pass · normally £41 - 12:15
King's College Chapel
Step off the water and into the chapel, then walk out across the lawns that run down to the river.
Included in your pass · normally £17 - 13:30
Picnic on the Backs
Pick up lunch in town and find a spot on the grass along Queen's Road, with the college buildings across the water.
Not part of the pass - 15:00
Walk to the meadows
Follow the river path south towards Grantchester Meadows: open fields, cows and swimmers in summer. Go as far as you like and turn back.
Not part of the pass
Tips
- Bring a layer: it's cooler on the water than in the streets.
- The riverside paths can be muddy after rain.
- Sunset over the Backs is worth staying for in summer.
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Ready for your day in Cambridge?
£50 for the day. Buy now, use it whenever you visit.