Cambridge Landmarks and Monuments

(Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK)

Whilst many of the city's most significant landmarks are actually part of the university, such as Hughes Hall, Peterhouse and the Senate House, there are many further historical buildings of note within central Cambridge and beyond. More of a suburb than an adjacent cathedral city, neighbouring Ely lies roughly 30 minutes to the north-east and is called home by some very interesting sights, such as Oliver Cromwell's House and the Stretham Old Engine.

If you are prepared for a 30-minute drive or thereabouts, then you may like to consider paying a visit to the neighbouring market towns of Saffron Walden and Huntingdon, where you will find the Audley End House and the Hemingford Grey Manor House, respectively. Further landmarks within driving distance of Cambridge include the Wimpole Hall Estate and Chilford Hall, the latter of which is home to an established vineyard.

Audley End House and Gardens

Address: Audley Road, Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, CB11 4JF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1799 522842
Situated in southern Cambridgeshire, the Audley End House is a stunning Jacobean mansion that was originally built for Thomas Howard, the admiral who commanded the British fleet against the Armada. Later owned by King Charles II in 1669, this grand country house is full of period features and is now owned by English Heritage, being some 20 miles / 32 km to the south of Cambridge. Attractions here include numerous paintings, antique furniture, landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown, large ponds, a picturesque stretch of the River Cam, a historic bridge, a Palladian teahouse, a formal parterre garden, a gift shop, a café and a site for picnics.
Open hours: April to September, Wednesday to Monday - gardens 10:00 to 18:00, house 12:00 to 17:00
October, Thursday to Monday - gardens 10:00 to 17:00, house 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children five years old and under are free

Castle Hill

Address: Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 322640
Castle Hill is located in central Cambridge, close to Magdalene College and the River Cam. Once one of the most important Norman defensive outlooks in the city and central to the Roman town of Duroliponte, this hill offers spectacular panoramic views of both the cityscape and the surrounding area. Interestingly, archaeological excavations have revealed evidence that a pre-Roman settlement was once based here.
Open hours: daily

Hemingford Grey Manor House

Address: 20 Chapel Street, Alconbury, Huntingdon, PE28 4DY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1480 463134
Located in the neighbouring market town of Huntingdon and roughly 22 miles / 35 km to the north-west of central Cambridge, the Hemingford Grey Manor House was built in the middle of the 12th century and ranks amongst England's most historic continuously inhabited residences. This important landmark has an intriguing history and was lovingly restored during the early 20th century. Guided tours are available and reveal an interesting story, since this was actually once the home of renowned children's author Lucy M. Boston, who named the house Green Knowe and wrote tales about it, starting off with 'The Children of Green Knowe' in 1954.
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, guided tours should be booked in advance

Hughes Hall

Address: Mortimer Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 334898
Hughes Hall is a historic building in the city centre and is one of the oldest university graduate colleges. Founded in 1885, the college is named after its very first principal, Miss Hughes, and boasts impressive architecture. Of interest, this is actually just one of four colleges in the city that chooses to only admit mature students. The resident boat club is known for its impressive sporting achievements.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Peterhouse

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 338200
Peterhouse is situated in central Cambridge and was founded in the late 13th century, which makes it the oldest of all the university colleges. Standing close to Pembroke College, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Loch Fyne Restaurant, Peterhouse was formerly named St. Peter's College and features detailed architecture, period details and pleasant gardens.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Oliver Cromwell's House

Address: 29 St. Mary's Street, Ely, CB7 4HF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1353 662062
An acclaimed political leader and military commander, Oliver Cromwell is one of the most famous historic people to have lived in the Cambridge area and he made his home in the neighbouring city of Ely, on the outskirts. This former residence of the Cromwell family dates back to the 16th century and features lavishly decorated rooms, filled with period features. Over the years, this important and impressive residence has also been a brewery and a vicarage, and in 1988 it was purchased by the local council, restored and opened to the public. The kitchen is a particular feature and dates from the early 13th century.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Senate House

Address: Senate House Hill, Cambridge, CB2 1TS, England
Built in the early 18th century, the stunning Senate House features baroque-style architecture, manicured lawns, paved areas and frequent university degree ceremonies. Originally used by the Council of the Senate, this building stands next to the King's College Chapel and is best viewed from the tower of the nearby Church of St. Mary on King's Parade.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Sidgwick Site

Address: Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 322640
Sidgwick Site is situated next to Newnham College and Selwyn College, and comprises a series of imposing, modern buildings. Particularly notable is the Seeley Historical Library, the Faculty of Divinity and the Faculty of Law, the latter of which was built in 1996 and designed by Norman Foster, who was the architect of the nearby London Stansted Airport.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Trinity Hall

Address: Trinity Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1TJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 332500
Founded in the mid-14th century and standing alongside Clare College, stunning Trinity Hall remains an important landmark next to the River Cam. With wonderful, detailed architecture and landscaped gardens, the hall has been home to many famous alumni over the years and this constituent college was established all the way back in the middle of the 14th century, shortly after the Black Plague epidemic.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cambridge University Library

Address: West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 333030
The University Library on West Road, complete with its outstanding tower, has become one of the major landmarks in the city centre. Built in the 1930s, the library is now called home by numerous historic city documents and artefacts, an enormous collection of books and various temporary exhibits. The tower certainly stands out and measures in at just under 50 metres / 164 feet in height.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 12:30
Admission: free

Wimpole Hall Estate

Address: Arrington, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 207257
Located just outside the market town of Saffron Walden, this historic estate is around 30 minutes to the south-west and was constructed in the early part of the 17th century. Wimpole Hall is a fine Jacobean house with landscaped Dutch gardens, established woodlands, summer concerts and fireworks displays, and some sizeable lakes. Spring is a popular time to visit, when the daffodils are blooming in their thousand.
Open hours: hall, March, Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00, April to October, Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00, November - Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Park and gardens - daily, dawn to dusk
Admission: charge, discounts available children, park - free

Chilford Hall Vineyard

Address: Balsham Road, Linton, CB1 6LE, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 895 600
Chilford Hall is located on the south-eastern side of Cambridge, in a particularly scenic setting within the Linton area. Producing many top wines, the renowned onsite vineyard features guided tours, wine tasting, a gift shop, a café and a number of wine-related events.
Admission: free, guided tours - charge
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 17:30

Fen Rivers Way

Address: River Cam, Cambridge, CB3 9AH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 322640
The Fen Rivers Way is a wonderful pathway that follows the River Cam to the Ely area. Stretching for around 80 km / 50 miles, this riverside trail passes through many scenic areas, with a number of popular public houses being found along the way.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Stretham Old Engine

Address: Stretham, Ely, CB7 4HL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1353 649210
Featuring a tall chimney, this Victorian steam pumping engine was built in the mid-19th century and was used to drain the fenlands. The Stretham Old Engine is located on the northern outskirts of the city, being based in nearby Ely.
Open hours: Sunday and Monday - 11:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors