Autumn in Cambridge: A Fall Guide to the University City
Last Updated on 25th November 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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With its countless cosy cafés, plethora of beautiful gardens, leafy college campuses, and ease of access as a day trip from London, Cambridge makes for the perfect cosy fall getaway destination. In this travel guide, we’ll showcase the very best of autumn in Cambridge to help you plan the perfect trip!
Contents
What’s the best fall month to visit Cambridge?
An academic year at Cambridge’s prestigious university actually begins on the 1st of October and ends on the 30th of September each year.
This means that October is one of the busiest times to visit the city as new students frantically rush about, getting acquainted with the city.
During this settling in period, it’s not uncommon for lots of other friends and family members to come and visit students, meaning that the city gets almost as busy as peak season (July and August).
I would therefore say that if you want the best fall foliage, fewer visitors, and longer days, then you should plan your visit for mid-November.
Autumn activities in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam
Punting is a year-round activity and involves gliding down the River Cam on a long flat-bottomed boat which is known as a punt. Much like in Venice, the boat is guided by a person steering with a long pole.
Although a more popular pastime during the summer months, as long as you wrap up warm then you’ll get to enjoy mesmerising views of some of Cambridge’s most prestigious colleges, including Kings’, Queens’, Trinity Hall, and Clare College. Book your punting tour here in advance.
Cosy up in a café
Thanks to its significantly large student body, Cambridge has plenty of cafés. My personal favourite is Fitzbillie’s, which has been in operation for well over a hundred years.
Now with several branches across the city, this Cambridge institution is most famous for its Chelsea buns, though they also serve up warming dishes like cheese toasties (including vegan versions) and ‘breakfast stacks’.
Spot the fall foliage
Thanks to its 33 colleges (unlike many universities, Cambridge does not have one centralised campus, but instead is split into separate colleges), there’s no shortage of green space in the city.
You can visit the majority of colleges; some are free while the more popular ones tend to be a paid activity. Just be sure to look up whether the college you intend to visit is open ahead of time as sometimes colleges can close to the public for special events.
Pembroke is one of my favourite colleges to visit as it’s just so picturesque and wandering around the cobbled courtyards feels like stepping back in time. The college is free to visit and is the third oldest college at the university, having been founded in the 14th-century.
Some of the more popular parks in the city include Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece. And if you prefer a bird’s eye view from above? Well, then you can climb the 123 steps to reach the top of St Mary’s Tower, which lies in the very heart of historic Cambridge.
Yet another place which is particularly full of foliage is Cambridge Botanic Garden. This delightful green space was established in 1831 and boasts a plant collection of over 8000 species.
If you fancy going on a long bicycle ride (Cambridge has more bicycle users than anywhere else I’ve seen in the UK) or have access to a car, then you can head to nearby Grantchester.
Head to Christmas in Cambridge
While this might seem like more of a winter event as opposed to an autumnal one, it’s worth noting that Christmas in Cambridge opens its doors to the public on Parker’s Piece in mid-November.
Free to enter, once you get inside you’ll find an array of stalls selling everything from hot mulled wine to traditional Bratwurst. There’s even a big wheel where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city from above, a Christmas tree maze, and an ice-skating rink!
Have a drink in a historic pub
If there’s one pub you’ll want to check out during your time in Cambridge, it’s the Eagle, which was formerly known as the Eagle and Child. This grade II listed establishment has been serving hearty food and drinks to the people of Cambridge since 1667 and was even where Watson and Crick announced their discovery of the structure of DNA.
As you can imagine from such a historic place, it’s always quite packed, though if you wait long enough, you can often squeeze into a spot if your party isn’t too large. It’s also worth checking out the back rooms.
Here you’ll find the RAF bar. which is is so-called because fighter pilots stationed near Cambridge during WWII frequented the place and left graffiti on the walls citing their names and squadron numbers.
Step inside the Fitzwilliam Museum
Free to enter, though donations are always appreciated, the Fitzwilliam Museum is an art and antiquities museum spanning room after room of treasures. From Royal portraits to fine porcelain, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
And, thanks to the presence of a café, the museum is particularly inviting on a rainy or overcast day, which is a pretty common occurrence should you opt to visit Cambridge in the fall!
Scour for seasonal at a farmer’s market
The beating heart of Cambridge’s market scene is Cambridge Market Square, which has seen a near-daily market since Saxon times! Today you can find all sorts of fresh and seasonal local produce.
There’s also stands selling food-to-go and piping hot coffees and other hot drinks. The market now takes place every day with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Peruse a bookshop
Cambridge has the rather unique claim of being home to the oldest bookshop site in England, the Cambridge University Press, which has been supplying students of the nearby university since it was founded by Henry VIII in the 16th-century. Today there’s a wide array of bookshops worth checking out in the city.
Unique bookshops in Cambridge
Take a walking tour
If you’d prefer to get to know Cambridge with the help of a local, then there are several walking tour options:
Ghost tour: This alumni-led tour focuses on the gruesome and lesser-known tales from Cambridge. During the hour-long tour, you’ll be led through some of the most popular attractions in the city by an experienced guide who will delve deep into the dark side of Cambridge, which is reputed to be the most haunted city in the country! Find more details here.
Historical tour: This tour focuses on the history of the city, and more specifically, its university. Throughout the guided walk you’ll learn all about the history of Cambridge University, as well as its rigorous application process, and have the option to add on a visit to King’s College. Find more details here.
Autumn events in Cambridge
Bonfire night: Each year on the 5th of November, the UK celebrates Guy Fawkes night. This event sees bonfires and fireworks to celebrate the foiled plot of Guy Fawkes, who was sentenced to death following a failed plot to blow up parliament and King James I in the 17th Century.
Cambridge Botanic Garden Apple Day: This event takes place within the grounds of the botanical garden and is all about the mighty apple! It’s the biggest event of its kind in the region and sees apple tastings, sales, and showcases rare and unique apple varieties.
Where to stay in Cambridge
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to stay in Cambridge, but the more central, the more it costs. Of course as always when travelling, the accommodation is completely dependent on your needs and budget.
For this purpose, I will suggest a range of hotels with varying prices. Here are a few suggestions (based on web reviews):
Budget-friendly: YHA Cambridge Hostel – Located a 6-minute walk from Cambridge train station and a mile from the Fitzwilliam Museum and King’s College Chapel. Private rooms with en-suites are available. Amenities include free Wifi and a communal room, as well as lockers. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range: The Orlando – Situated 4 minutes walk from Cambridge train station, this quaint hotel is set within a brick townhouse and offers 8 clean and comfortable guest rooms, each with its own en-suite. Amenities include free WiFi, TVs and a mini fridge. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: Graduate Cambridge – With views overlooking the River Cam, this sophisticated hotel is a stone’s throw away from the University of Cambridge campus and boasts elegant refined rooms which offer the feel of luxury. There’s also the option to upgrade your room to a private balcony! The elegant hotel restaurant and bar offer riverfront dining. Check prices and availability here.
A final note
We hope that you enjoyed reading this guide to spending a crisp fall day in Cambridge. For even more inspiration about the city, don’t hesitate to check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Cambridge.
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