Top attractions in Cambridge

No visit to Cambridge would be complete without stopping by the university itself. The school is the second oldest English speaking university and was founded in 1209. The grounds are as impressive as the history they contain.

Photo: Historyworks @ Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Art historians will find some treasures from many time periods at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Those who know the Turner prize will be pleased to find many of Turner's works here. Plus, admission is free.

Horticulturalists will be enthusiastic to see the variety of flora and fauna found at the Cambridge University Botanical Garden. As the seasons change, so do the offerings of the garden.

The former priory is now open to the public. You can take a strolls in the garden, admire the 98 acre grounds and estate, and of course, visit the Abbey itself.

A perfect spot for a picnic, the Backs is the name given to the riverbanks east of Queen's Road. The Backs are a scenic spot to stop and contemplate your application to Cambridge University, or life in general.

The Sedgewick Museum of Earth Sciences specializes in geology. Courtesy of doctor John Woodward, visitors can see over 10,000 specimens that he collected over 35 years.

If you're interested in the illustrious history of Cambridge, make sure to visit the Museum of Cambridge. The exhibitions are set in a well preserved 17th century house that frames the collection well.

Photo: Historyworks @ Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

The Kettle's Yard is an art gallery located inside the former home of the Ede family. The works in the space are from the permanent collection amassed by John and Helen Ede while they lived in Cambridge.

The Ely Cathedral is hard to miss due to its prominent placement on an otherwise flat landscape. Make sure to take in the Purbeck marble that decorates the structure.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of St Mary the Great is part of the Church of England and is affiliated with Cambridge University and acts as the official university church. As always when visiting churches, be respectful of ongoing services.