Cambridge
Cambridgeshire, England

Punting on the River Cam, outside Clare College, Cambridge (University), England.

Oxford and Cambridge universities maintain a long standing academic and sporting rivalry, but both cities offer similar superb old buildings and plenty of history in their respective centres once the visitor has struggled through modern problems of traffic congestion and depressingly dull suburbia to reach the hallowed halls and manicured lawns of world-famous academia.
The main train station is about half an hour's walk from the city centre.

John's College on the left and Round Church on the right.

The greatest difference between Oxford and Cambridge environmentally is Cambridge's 'The Backs', a green and delightful area that is bisected by the Cam river and is to be found at the back side of many of the colleges, as pictured above.

Punting is the activity de rigeur - in the summertime at least - and punts can be easily rented, though not so easily propelled.

Bicycles are an excellent way to travel around the university and town centre and easily rentable.

Both phhots by Socrates

Main attractions

• King's College and especially its stunning chapel with equally well-known choir, performing Tuesday to Saturday at 5.30pm during term time.

• Kin's Parade (a medieval street).

• Clare College bridge (image above) and the wooden Mathematical Bridge.

• Fellow's Garden, a beautiful college garden open to the public.

• Trinity College's Great Gate and the Tudor buildings in the Great Court (as seen in Chariots of Fire).

• The magnificent twin courtyards of Old Court and Cloister Court's in Queen's College.

• The Wren Library (free entry).

• Finally, Cambridge's best museum is the Fitzwilliam (free entry).

Darwin's House. Next, Chester City Pictures.
Photo © Socrates

Charles Darwin studied theology in Christ's College in 1828 and lived in this house, though his passion was Natural Science, particularly beetles at that time. Darwin met many leading naturalists through the university. After Cambridge, he joined the good ship Beagle for the 5 year South America journey that triggered The Theory of Evolution.

Most colleges charge a modest entry fee and open at various times but generally around 10am - 3.30pm/ 5pm, with more limited times on Sundays. Times vary slightly according to whether you visit during term or not, so check before planning your schedule.

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