Sights and Activities in Cambridge
Architecture
The architecture of Cambridge is captivating for architecture enthusiasts. The structures in Cambridge were built in different periods resulting in different and varied architectural styles ranging from ancient to modern.
The most visited structure in Cambridge is the King’s College Chapel which took over a century to build and was finally completed in 1547. It is one of the most exquisite examples of late English Gothic or Perpendicular style. The first stone of the chapel was laid in 1446 and it took many years before the chapel was completed. The chapel’s windows were created by different people and in different periods, and the windows are considered to be some of the finest in the world from their era. The chapel is still actively used for services, for college events and concerts. It has a world-renowned choir composed of male students from King’s College and boys from the nearby King’s College School.
Another notable structure in Cambridge is the Church of St. Mary the Great which marks the center of Cambridge. The church has a magnificent tower which is one of the most recognizable structures of Cambridge. The church houses the University Clock and the University Organ.
The Cambridge University Library which was built between 1931 and 1934 has been created in the industrial style. It is one of the buildings that mark the Cambridge skyline having a tower that stands 157 feet. The library houses more than 5.5 million books and pamphlets, over 1.2 million periodicals, various manuscripts, maps and specialist collections.
Other outstanding structures in Cambridge are St. John’s College Chapel, Cambridge Bridge of Sighs, Corpus Christi College, and Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Museums and Art Galleries
Notable museums can be found in the charming city of Cambridge some of these are the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology which is one of the most historic museums in Cambridge and is located in the city center; the Cromwell Museum which showcases displays and exhibitions about Oliver Cromwell, the famous Cambridge scholar and leader of the English Civil War; and the Fitzwilliam Museum and Art Gallery which houses exhibits of furniture, coins, medals, illuminated manuscripts, Japanese prints, and masterpieces by Titian, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Cambridge has art galleries you can visit and explore. Among these are the Broughton House Gallery which is the oldest gallery of contemporary art in Cambridge; Byard Art which displays works by 200 artists in 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional disciplines; and Primavera which is a well established gallery that displays contemporary art. Kettle’s Yard is an exhibition center and house which displays art and everyday objects. The Cambridge Arts Theater is a theater for performing arts in Cambridge.
Festivals
Cambridge has a lot of festivals and events that are held annually such as the Cambridge Folk Festival which is one of the largest folk music festivals in the UK; the Midsummer Fair which is one of the oldest fairs in the UK; the Cambridge Film Festival which plays international films that are open for public viewing; the Cambridge Beer festival which takes place in May and offers 200 different kinds of beer; and the Strawberry Fair which is a festival of entertainment, music, arts and crafts held on every first Saturday in June and is open to the public for free.
Sports and Recreation
Several sports are being enjoyed in Cambridge one of these is football. Cambridge played a unique role in the development of modern football since the first set of rules of the game was drawn up by members of the university in 1848. The Cambridge Rules had a significant influence on the Football Association rules created in 1863. Cambridge has football clubs such as Cambridge United FC and Cambridge City FC.
Rugby is played in Cambridge which has its own rugby union club. The city’s Cambridge Eagles rugby league team plays in the National Conference League East Section during summer months and attract other rugby union players who continue to play the sport throughout the year.
Punting is a known recreation on the waters of River Cam. It is called such because the flat-bottomed boats with square-cut bows are called punts. Punting requires the punter to propel the punt with a pole by pushing against the riverbed.
A large number of cyclists are in Cambridge since most of the residents prefer cycling to driving in the narrow busy streets. According to a census in 2001, 25% of the residents went to work by cycle giving the city the highest level of cycle use in the United Kingdom.
Other sports in Cambridge are real tennis which is played in the 2 real tennis courts at the university tennis club; motorcycle speedway racing and boat racing. The city also has a variety of sports clubs one can go to and have fun in.
Dining and Clubbing
Cambridge has a wide range of place you can choose to dine and wine in. The town has 43 restaurants, 13 bars and pubs and 7 cafés. It also has many establishments with catering and delivery services.