Cambridge is a delightful historic market town that can offer the visitor plenty of interesting things to do. The town is steeped in history and culture, has an abundance of places to eat and drink and offers amazing scenery and architecture. The Guide 2 Cambridge has selected some of our favourite things to do to help you make the most of your stay in Cambridge.
Cambridge University Library
No visit to Cambridge is complete without a visit to the Cambridge University Library. It is home to over 7 million books and runs frequent exhibitions. There is also a special collections section where the library’s most valuable and oldest artefacts are kept, one of which are Chinese Oracle Bones dating from 1400 to 1200 BC. For further information visit: http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/
Cambridge University Press Bookshop
This bookshop is located on the oldest bookshop site in England. The shop has been selling books since 1581 and the press printed its first publication in 1584. The bookshop stocks not only educational and academic reading but lots of books on Cambridge history and information. For details visit: http://www.cambridge.org/uk/bookshop/
The Round Church – Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Round Church is the second oldest building in Cambridge. The church was built in 1130 by the ‘Fraternity of the Holy sepulchre.’ It is believed they were heavily influenced by the round Church of Jerusalem and the style is typical of the Norman Era during which period it was built. More building work was added over the centuries which are apparent by the Romanesque style of the pillars erected outside the building. For further details visit: http://christianheritage.org.uk/Groups/560/Home.aspx
Christ’s College
Christ’s College was founded by Lady Margret Beaufort and her coat of arms and statue is situated outside of the gatehouse. The world famous scientist Charles Darwin was a student from 1828 – 1831 and also the famous poet John Milton attended the college. The college frequently holds exhibitions and the Darwin 200th anniversary is currently on this year. For more info: http://www.christs.cam.ac.uk/
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi was founded as a college in 1352 by members of the Guild of Corpus Christi and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its original use was to train priests. The stunning architecture holds an interesting past where the walls have witnessed the town versus gown riots during 1381, educated world famous students and even holds a resident ghost! There is an amazing medieval courtyard and Corpus Christi is also home to the Grasshopper Clock. For more details: http://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/
Downing College
Downing college was funded it’s royal charter by Sir George Downing, whose Grandfather paid for the Downing Street building to be erected. The college is surrounded by beautiful lawns and it’s neo-classical architecture makes this place truly unique. Visit: http://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/
Emmanuel College
The chapel of Emmanuel College was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and building work was completed in 1674. The college has educated many famous students, one being John Harvard whose name was taken for the famous American University. There is a plaque in memory of him. The college is nestled in beautiful gardens in which there are ponds, wildlife and rare trees. For more info: http://www.emma.cam.ac.uk/about/
The Grasshopper Clock
This newest addition to the town is situated in Corpus Christi. It was unveiled to the public in 2008 and in a mesmerizing way is actually terrifying! The dial is made of 24 carat gold and as the hour strikes the metal grasshopper rocks then opens its wide jaws as it devours another hour passing. While the clock strikes a chain can be heard dropping into a wooden coffin. The clock symbolizes how quickly time passes as every hour is snatched and gobbled up relentlessly, ending in death and a wooden coffin. The clock is definitely worth a visit and you must see the clock reach the hour.
