Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ies, with ornately decorated facades that try to one-up each other. While students' lives
revolve around their independent colleges, the university organizes lectures, presents de-
grees, and promotes research.
The university schedule has three terms: Lent term from mid-January to mid-March,
Easter term from mid-April to mid-June, and Michaelmas term from early October to
early December. During exam time (roughly the month of May), the colleges are closed
to visitors, which can impede access to all the picturesque little corners of the town. But
the main sights—King's College Chapel and Trinity Library—stay open, and Cambridge
is never sleepy.
PLANNING YOUR TIME
Cambridge is worth most of a day. Start by taking the TI's walking tour, which includes a
visit to the town's only must-see sight, the King's College Chapel (first tour at 11:00, later
on Sun, call ahead to confirm and reserve—see “Tours in Cambridge,” later). Spend the
afternoon touring the Fitzwilliam Museum (closed Mon), or simply enjoying the ambience
of this stately old college town.
GETTING TO CAMBRIDGE
By Train: It's an easy trip from London and less than an hour away. Catch the train
from London's King's Cross Station (2/hour, trains leave King's Cross at :15 and :44 past
the hour, 45 minutes, £ 22.60 one-way standard class, £ 23.70 same-day return after 9:30,
operated by First Capital Connect, tel. 0845-748-4950, www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk or
www.nationalrail.co.uk ). Direct trains also run from London's Liverpool Street Station,
but take longer (2/hour, 1.25 hours).
By Bus: National Express coaches run from London's Victoria Coach Station to the
Parkside stop in Cambridge (every 60-90 minutes, 2-2.5 hours, £ 11.90, £ 6 advance fares
sometimes available online, tel. 0871-781-8178, www.nationalexpress.co.uk ).
Orientation to Cambridge
Cambridge is congested but small. Everything is within a pleasant walk. There are two
main streets, separated from the Cam River by the most interesting colleges. The town
center, brimming with tearooms, has a TI and a colorful open-air market square. The train
station is about a mile to the southeast.
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