Planning a trip to Cambridge? Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Cambridge, hoping to discover hidden gems in Cambridge, or simply want to experience a little of Cambridge’s history and charm, this one-day Cambridge itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.
Begin your day with a trip to Fitzbillies to try one of their famous Chelsea buns. These sticky, sweet treats are freshly baked at 4am every single morning, and they remain the bakery’s best-selling product since 1920. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before a day of sightseeing and exploring the best things to do in Cambridge.
Fitzbillies Cambridge Locations
Just 3 doors down from the Home County Co. Cambridge shop at 18 King’s Parade, we can never resist popping in for a coffee and a pastry at our most local Fitzbillies branch!
Just across the road from the wonderful Fitzwilliam Museum, it’s the perfect place for a pitstop after a mooch around the museum
Right on the river, this one leads perfectly onto our second favourite thing to do in Cambridge…
No visit to Cambridge is complete without punting along the River Cam. Enjoy a 45-minute boat ride as an experienced guide will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from King’s College to the Bridge of Sighs. A guided punt is a relaxed way to start your day and learn more about the city’s history as you go.
What will I see on a punting tour of Cambridge?
A punting tour of Cambridge will take you along the River Cam, offering views of the historic Cambridge University colleges and bridges, including the "Backs" of the colleges, the Bridge of Sighs, and Mathematical Bridge. You'll also see King's College Chapel (we never get tired of this view from our shop window!), Trinity College, and other iconic landmarks from a unique perspective.
Next, make your way to King’s Parade and pop into our Home County Co. shop to mark your trip with a Cambridgeshire candle. Each one is hand-poured here in England and inspired by the landscapes and memories that make this place so special. Alongside our candles, you’ll find diffusers and soap bars, all available in 41 beautiful fragrances celebrating different counties and regions across the UK. It’s the perfect spot to choose a thoughtful souvenir to gift or a little keepsake to remember your day in Cambridge. We might be biased, but our products really do make the perfect Cambridge souvenir!
After choosing your county candle, walk towards Trinity Street to see Issac Newton’s tree, then spend some time exploring the independent shops tucked along Rose Crescent and Green Street. From bookshops to boutiques, this part of Cambridge is full of hidden treasures waiting to be found. Our personal favourite Green Street haunt is Knoops for the most delicious hot chocolate in the winter or chocolate milkshake in the hotter months - don’t miss it!
After a day of exploring, you’ll be ready to relax. Follow in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein and enjoy a pint at The Pickerel Inn, the oldest licensed pub in Cambridge. It’s long been a favourite with university alumni and is the perfect place to reflect on your day in this remarkable city.
This one-day Cambridge itinerary includes punting, local shopping, and historic pubs, ideal for a first visit.
Stop by our Home County Co. shop at 18 King’s Parade to discover candles and home fragrances inspired by over 40 of your favourite counties across the UK.
Whether you’re here for just a few hours or staying a little longer, Cambridge has something special to offer at every turn. We hope you leave with happy memories, and perhaps a scent to remind you of your visit long after you’ve returned home.
Visit us at 18 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SP, or explore our collections online.
