Cambridge City Guide - Sightseeing

Cambridge has one of the oldest and most successful universities in the world and one of the largest in the UK, so it is little wonder that the university and its many colleges are central to the city, both culturally and architecturally. Many of the college buildings are worth seeing, particularly the stunning King's College Chapel from 1547. Several of the college bridges crossing the river are also gems, and they can best be seen from the river itself, so there's a good excuse for a punting trip.

The university also runs many of the fascinating museums in the city, including the zoology museum, where material collected by Charles Darwin on his Beagle voyage can be seen. For art lovers, the Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle's Yard house impressive art collections. Those more interested in nature are also catered for. Apart from the many pretty gardens and green open spaces, there is an excellent botanic garden containing more than 10,000 plant species.

Cambridge Visitor Information Centre
The Old Library, Wheeler Street
Tel: 0871 226 8006 or 1223 464732 (from overseas).
Website: www.visitcambridge.org

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1730, Sat 1000-1700 (Oct-Mar); Mon-Fri 1000-1730, Sat 1000-1700, Sun & Bank Holidays 1100-1500 (Apr-Sep).

The Cambridge Visitor Card entitles visitors to special offers and discounts on a wide variety of services and products around the city. It can be used on official city walking tours and chauffeured punts along the Cambridge 'Backs' as well as for reduced entry into museums, churches and the King's College Chapel. The card gives discounts at restaurants, coffee houses and shops. It lasts for a maximum of three weeks. The card can be bought from the tourist office.