Cambridge tours and excursions
Cambridge tours
Bus tours
Red, open-topped, double-decker bus tours from City Sightseeing include a hop-on, hop-off service at 20 stops all over the city. However, as much of the city centre is off limits to large vehicles, the bus cannot get close to many of the sights, therefore much reducing its appeal. Tickets for the tour are valid for 24 hours and can be purchased through the tourist office.
Tel: +44 1223 433 250.Website: http://www.city-sightseeing.com
Boat tours
The most iconic way of seeing Cambridge is on a punt on the river Cam. Scudamore's offer chauffeured punting as well as self-hire, taking in sights such as the Mathematical Bridge at Queen's College and the Bridge of Sighs at St John's College. A guided tour is recommended and includes an entertaining commentary. Alternatively, Camboats offers river trips in an open-sided narrowboat.
Tel: +44 1223 359 750; +44 7706 734 763.Website: http://www.scudamores.com; www.camboats.co.uk
Cambridge excursions
The Imperial War Museum
Located in Duxford, 8km (5 miles) south of Cambridge, this is not only Europe's premier aviation museum, but it also boasts one of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits in the UK. It was first used as an airfield in WWI and later played an important role in WWII as an RAF fighter station and American fighter base.
Tel: +44 1223 835 000.Website: http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford
Riverside towns
Cambridge is within easy distance of a number of pretty riverside towns. Ely is steeped in history and is renowned for Ely Cathedral, with its unique Octagon Tower and the River Great Ouse. St Ives features a 15th century bridge and chapel over the river, while St Neots dates back 1,000 years and centres on a 12th-century market square.