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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Eastern England, England

Nearby Destinations

Ely: Explore this historic city, home to the magnificent Norman cathedral, often called the "Ship of the Fens." Visit Oliver Cromwell's House for a glimpse into his life. Direct trains from Cambridge take about 15-20 minutes, making it an easy independent visit.

Newmarket: The global home of horseracing. Visit its racecourses or the National Horseracing Museum. Direct bus services from Cambridge take approximately 30-40 minutes.

Highlights

  • Ely Cathedral: A stunning example of Norman architecture.
  • Newmarket: Horseracing's global home and National Horseracing Museum.
  • Bletchley Park: World War II codebreaking center (approx. 1 hour by train).
  • Easy access by train or bus for independent trips.

Natural & Cultural Excursions

Explore unique natural landscapes and deepen your understanding of regional history.

Natural Escapes

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve: One of Europe's most important wetlands. Ideal for birdwatching, walking, and cycling. Allocate a half to full day.

National Trust Properties

  • Anglesey Abbey: Extensive gardens, historic house, and working watermill.
  • Wimpole Estate: Large country house, gardens, and working farm.
  • Most convenient access by car.

Cultural Excursions

Audley End House and Gardens: A magnificent Jacobean mansion with Capability Brown gardens. Reach by train to Audley End station, then a short taxi or walk.

Imperial War Museum Duxford

  • Europe's largest air museum with historic aircraft and vehicles.
  • Short drive or bus service from Cambridge.
  • A full day is recommended for exploration.

Planning Your Day Trips

Travel Considerations

  • Most destinations are easily accessible by public transport.
  • A car offers flexibility for some National Trust sites.
  • Check opening times and potential closures in advance.
  • Consider booking tickets online for popular attractions.

Experience Types

  • Enjoy self-guided walks and independent exploration.
  • Many natural sites are ideal for wildlife spotting.
  • Group tours can simplify logistics for some trips.
  • Deep dive into history and culture.

Day Trip Planning Resources

  • GetYourGuide offers day trip booking options:Explore Day Trips
  • Local bus schedules:Stagecoach East
  • National Rail inquiries:National Rail Enquiries
  • National Trust properties:National Trust UK
  • English Heritage sites:English Heritage
  • Imperial War Museums:IWM Duxford
  • Cambridge Visitor Centre:Tourist Information
  • Local taxi services:Various local firms

Local Tip:

For Ely and Newmarket, trains and direct buses make them easy to explore without a car. Bletchley Park is also accessible by train.

Multi-Day Extensions from Cambridge

Extend your journey to explore more of the UK from Cambridge.

London

The capital city offers unparalleled museums, theatre, and iconic sites. Frequent direct trains from Cambridge take 50-90 minutes.

Norfolk Broads

A unique network of navigable rivers and lakes, ideal for boating, wildlife spotting, and tranquil escapes. Accessible by train to Norwich.

Suffolk Coast

A beautiful coastline with charming seaside towns. Best explored by car to visit different towns and coastal paths.

London Extension

Add 2-4 days to your trip for a full exploration of London's major attractions, from historical landmarks to West End shows.

Activities in London

  • Visit the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace.
  • Enjoy a show in the West End.
  • Explore world-class museums like the British Museum.

Norfolk Broads Extension

Dedicate 2-3 days for a relaxing boating holiday, picturesque waterside villages, and gentle outdoor activities.

Activities in Norfolk Broads

  • Hire a boat and cruise the waterways.
  • Spot diverse birdlife and local wildlife.
  • Enjoy gentle walks along riverbanks.

Suffolk Coast & Heaths Highlights

Charming seaside towns:Aldeburgh, Southwold
Coastal walks:Enjoy scenic paths
Fresh seafood:Local culinary delights
Nature reserves:Birdwatching opportunities
Artisan shops:Unique local crafts
Recommended duration:2 days

Consider your interests:

  • London for major city attractions and cultural immersion.
  • Norfolk Broads for a peaceful, water-based holiday.
  • Suffolk Coast for traditional English seaside charm and nature.
  • All are easily reachable from Cambridge for a multi-destination UK trip.

Special Interest Tours

Tailor your trip with specialized day excursions.

Equestrian Enthusiast's Tour

Visit Newmarket, the heart of British horseracing. See the famous gallops and the National Horseracing Museum.

Newmarket Highlights

  • Morning gallops viewing (check availability).
  • Newmarket Racecourses (Rowley Mile & July Course).
  • National Horseracing Museum.

WWII History Deep Dive

A profound visit to Bletchley Park, where codebreakers cracked the Enigma code, and IWM Duxford for aviation history.

Historic War Sites

  • Bletchley Park: Explore the codebreaking huts.
  • IWM Duxford: See historic aircraft and military vehicles.
  • A full day is recommended for each site.

Gardens & Estates Journey

Explore magnificent country estates and their landscaped gardens, including Anglesey Abbey and Audley End House.

Grand Estates

  • Anglesey Abbey: Seasonal garden displays and working mill.
  • Audley End House: Jacobean mansion with Capability Brown gardens.
  • Wimpole Estate: Countryside charm with a working farm.

Fenland Nature Expedition

Explore the unique wetland environment of the Fens with a visit to Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve.

Wicken Fen Highlights

  • Exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
  • Walks along boardwalks through wetland habitats.
  • Cycling routes through the flat fen landscape.

Customized Tour Planning

Consider combining these themed excursions to create a personalized multi-day trip from Cambridge, catering to specific interests.

Transport Options

Trains and buses connect many sites. Consider hiring a car for ultimate flexibility.

Guided Experiences

Look for local guides or specialized tours to enrich your experience at each destination.

Seasonal Visits

Some sites or activities may be seasonal, so verify opening times before your visit.

Special Note:

These extended excursions beyond Cambridge offer regional exploration.

Planning Resources for Excursions

Useful links and information for organizing your trips from Cambridge.

Recommended Platforms for Booking

GetYourGuide

Browse and book a variety of day trips and excursions. Find Experiences

Trainline

For train tickets and schedules across the UK. Often easier than individual rail operator sites.

Stagecoach East

Local bus services in and around Cambridge, including routes to nearby towns and attractions.

Tips for Independent Travel

  • Check public transport times, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Purchase train tickets in advance for better fares.
  • Consider a railcard if you plan extensive train travel in the UK.
  • Download offline maps for rural areas with limited mobile signal.
  • Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites and nature reserves.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially for longer excursions.

Benefits of Guided Tours

  • Logistics are handled, including transport and entry fees.
  • Expert guides offer insights and historical context.
  • Can reach multiple sites in a single day efficiently.
  • A good option for those preferring a structured experience.
  • Opportunities to meet other travelers.
  • Often have skip-the-line access at popular attractions.

Local Insights for Trips

Early Bird Access

Arrive early at popular attractions like Bletchley Park or Audley End to experience them with fewer crowds.

Local Markets

Check for local market days in towns like Ely and Saffron Walden for unique local products.

Weather Preparedness

British weather is changeable. Pack layers and waterproofs for outdoor excursions, even in summer.

Travel Advice:

Consider a multi-day trip to explore London or the Norfolk Broads for a broader UK experience.