| Important Information about Cambridge Trip | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 1 Day |
| Best Time to visit | June-Oct |
| Total Distance | 116 KM |
| What is Cambridge Famous For | History, pubs and punting |
1 day trip from London to Cambridge via Thaxted
Planning a trip from London to Cambridge is really easy. It is pretty straightforward, right? Drive or take a bus to reach Cambridge, spend a day exploring this beautiful city and come back. But, what if we say that you can make this day trip from London to Cambridge even more memorable by adding a little town to the itinerary? The town we are talking about is Thaxted – the well kept secret of the UK; and don’t worry, it will still be a day trip. Thaxted is right on the way from London to Cambridge. Visiting an English historic town is an experience worth adding to your vacation journal.
In order to do the drive from London to Cambridge via Thaxted, it is best if you rent a car. Managing this trip in public transport would prove to be really complicated. A self drive car will allow you the freedom to choose the number of hours you want to spend in Thaxted.
Things to do while driving from London to Cambridge via Thaxted
Explore Thaxted during first half of the day
London is 49.3 miles from Thaxted and the drive can be covered within an hour by car via M11, which means you can be in Thaxted by 9 AM or 10 AM if you choose to start as early as 8 AM or 9 AM. We advise you to have an early breakfast and leave from London by 8 or 8:30, that way, you will have enough time to explore Thaxted before the drive to Cambridge.
Places to visit in Thaxted
Start with Thaxted Parish Church followed by the Guildhall, and Thaxted Almshouses. If you love open spaces, Thaxted’s countryside is astounding. While walking around don’t forget to visit the Windmill, Margaret St. Garden, Recreation Ground, Walnut Tree Meadow, Cutler’s Green and Bardfield End Green. These places have green spaces where you can spend an hour or so.
Thaxted Parish Church and Wind Mill are the most loved attractions, especially the scenic path that leads to the Windmill.
Where to Park your Car in Thaxted
We advise you to explore this charming village on foot and park the rental car at Margaret Street Car Park which is close to almost every Thaxted attraction.
Where to have lunch in Thaxted?
You can visit Star Pub for a quick bite, but if you want something classier, Swan Hotel and the Star Brasserie are some of the places that have good reviews.
Explore attractions of Cambridge in the afternoon
Cambridge is a small city with amazing attractions.Though you can easily drive around the city to save time, most of the people explore the place on foot or on bikes. There are a few places in Cambridge like City Cycle Hire on 61 Newnham Road, where you can rent bicycles for a day.
Visit Great St. Mary’s Church
Since the church closes down by 5 PM, it is best you cover it as soon as you arrive in Cambridge.
Where to Park Car in Cambridge
There is Grand Arcade Car Park, just 3 minutes from the Church, where you can park your rental car and start your city tour on foot.
Now, you must be wondering why Great St. Mary? It sits opposite King’s College, is extremely beautiful & has a really great architecture but on top of that it has a tower that offers the best views of Cambridge in the whole city.
The Church is 800 years old, a rare treat to the eyes, so have a look around the place before climbing 123 steps to reach the tower’s top. It remains open from 12 noon to 4 pm daily except for Mondays.
Don’t forget to visit Cambridge’s popular colleges
Cambridge has a history that goes back to more than 800 years. Over the years it has been the talk of the ton mainly for punting and its 31 colleges. Since that number is a lot for one afternoon, we advise you to explore the main 3 colleges of Cambridge (given below):
King’s College Chapel
It is certainly the highlight of Cambridge, unofficially the most visited place in the city. This chapel is most noted for its fan vaulted ceiling – one of a kind in the world. It still has its medieval stained glass windows that create patterns of beautiful light inside the chapel.
It is one of the many masterpieces that came into being during the reign of the house of the Tudors. It usually remains open till 3:30 PM; however, do check the opening & closing timings as they tend to be different for Saturday and Sunday.
St John’s:
It is Cambridge’s oldest college. Its buildings flank both the sides of River Cam joined by the famous Bridge of the Sighs.
Trinity College:
Also located on both sides of River Cam, it is most noted for Wren Library whose collection is one of a kind in the whole world. It is home to the original manuscript of Winnie the Pooh and Shakespeare’s early plays.
King’s College:
Its most defining feature is its Gothic architecture. A walk around its beautiful gardens is a must.
Enjoy punting during end of your tour in Cambridge City
Visiting Cambridge and not going punting? Not possible! So even if you are a bit late and the evening is descending, make sure you go to Quayside Punting Station near Magdalene Bridge & find yourself a punting tour. We suggest you get tickets in advance just to be on the safe side; the tours usually last 45 minutes.
Where to have dinner in Cambridge City?
If you are planning to dine in Cambridge, we advise you to go to one of Cambridge’s many pubs. The Anchor & the Punter are two most popular pubs in Cambridge.
More things to do in Cambridge City
Spend the next morning exploring Cambridge’s Round Church, stroll along the Cambridge’s area called ‘The Backs’ and Fitzwilliam Museum.
Imperial War Museum at nearby Duxford & Sutton Hoo (archeological sites) are worth visiting.