tourist shop cambridge

THE 10 BEST Cambridge Gift & Speciality Shops

Gift & speciality shops in cambridge.

• Gift & Speciality Shops
• Art Galleries
• Flea & Street Markets
• Antique Stores
• Farmers Markets
• Shopping Malls
• Shopping Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Fudge Kitchen

2. Cambridge University Press Bookshop

4. Robert Graham Ltd Est 1874

5. Hardy's Original Sweetshop

6. Scotsdales Garden Centre

7. Chocolat Chocolat

8. Primavera

9. Grafton Centre, Cambridge

10. Barrie's Asparagus Farm & Country Market

11. Forbidden Planet

12. RSPCA Bookshop

13. Beehive Centre

14. Jacks on Trinity

15. Cambridge Food & Wine Society

16. Typically British

18. Giles & Co

19. Wilfreds Of Cambridge

20. Primark

21. Catherine Jones of Cambridge

22. Bushcraft Lab

23. allsports, 24. nord design.

25. Fopp Music Cambridge

26. mimona selenites & fossils ltd, what travellers are saying.

• Fudge Kitchen
• Chocolat Chocolat
• Robert Graham Ltd Est 1874
• Scotsdales Garden Centre
• Hardy's Original Sweetshop
• Grafton Centre, Cambridge

BEST SHOPPING LOCATIONS

SCROLL THROUGH THE SELECTIONS BELOW.

VISIT SOME SHOPS

In cambridge

Historic Centre

The streets around the Market Square are generally the best place to start shopping in Cambridge. Sidney Street, Petty Curry, St Andrew’s Street, and Market Street are packed with upmarket stores and cafe’s. There’s generally a busker or two to entertain you along the way and plenty of quirky buildings to admire if you look above street level.

Made in Cambridge

Where to shop for products made in cambridge.

Cambridge is a real shopping paradise, and we’re fortunate that we have fantastic indies that offer unique products. So where to go if you want something ‘typical’ Cambridge? Here is our selection for ‘Made in Cambridge’ shops.

University 

The Cambridge University Press Bookshop on Trinity Street is a unique shop on the country’s oldest bookshop site. Apart from showcasing a vast range of the Cambridge University Press’s publications, they also have a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. 

Right opposite Kings College, you can find the University of Cambridge Museums Shop. The shop sells lovely gifts for all ages, including greeting cards and scientific toys inspired by the diverse and eclectic collections of the eight University museums and the Botanic Garden.

Giles & Co

Giles & Co is one of the oldest independent souvenir shops in Cambridge. They specialise in licensed Cambridge University clothing and gifts. Their sister shop on the other side of the street, Jacks on Trinity, is the place to find all things Cambridge.

Cambridge’s most famous brand. This satchel was born on the founder’s kitchen table to make enough money to send her children to a better school. The Cambridge Satchel was an instant hit with the bags featuring in Italian Vogue in its first year.

Our second famous brand is the Cambridge Gin company was born out of walks with the founders’ Labrador through the meadows surrounding Cambridge. Their award-winning Gins are distilled in their distillery in Grantchester, which is not open to the public, but they do have a bar on site too.

This lovely book shop is tucked away in one of the tiny side streets of Kings Parade. The Haunted book shop specialises in children’s and illustrated books. If you are making a long journey or especially wish to speak to the owner, Sarah Key, in person, we recommend contacting them in advance.

Another lovely souvenir shop in the heart of Cambridge situated on Kings Parade. Indelibly stocks unique, vintage, and stylish products, making it one of the best souvenir shops in Cambridge! They also sell hoodies, jerseys, and t-shirts.

The sister shop of Giles & Co is one of the oldest independent souvenir shops in Cambridge. Jack On Trinity specialises in all things Cambridge. Their shop on the other side of the street, Giles & Co, is the place to find licensed Cambridge clothing.

If you are looking for a teddy bear, then this is the place to go! The Parade opposite Kings College is home to some of the oldest teddy bears in the world. They also sell toys, games, train sets and handmade crafted collectables, including ornaments.

Once a gentleman’s tailoring, now well-known for its manufacturing of the Academic Robes for all Cambridge colleges. Ryder & Amies are one of the largest suppliers of wool Cambridge University college scarves and manufacture to customers own designs.

Talking T’s

This shop will definitely put a smile on your face with their funny and quirky prints on their t-shirts. Talking T’s began life selling their t-shirts at the outdoor craft market in the city centre at All Saints Gardens. Pop in for browsing through the eclectic collection or design your own.

Magical Gifts

One of the top Cambridge tourist attractions. The department of magical gifts is a dedicated shop selling official Harry Potter merchandise. This independent shop looks and feels like Diagon Alley, and we can assure you that you will be transported into a world of nostalgia.

The Gift Shop

This lovely souvenir shop is located next to the Magical Gift Shop, previously located in the Guild Hall. Perfectly located to pick up a memory of Cambridge or to book a historic Cambridge city tour. Have a browse, the selection is pretty extensive!

One of the most unique Cambridge gifts you can buy is Martin Bond’s postcards or prints available from the Cambridge Contemporary gallery on Trinity Street. His photos are not only stunning but a good reflection of daily life in Cambridge.

our tip – visit Mill Road

explore, shop and eat the most vibrant and cosmopolitan road of Cambridge

Get to know the real Cambridge with these can't miss spots

Oct 2, 2021 • 9 min read

Medieval magnificence flows through the streets of Cambridge and many activities are free © Cristian Bortes / EyeEm

Medieval magnificence flows through the streets of Cambridge like the lilting waters of the River Cam, which meanders past the ‘backs’ of such legendary seats of learning such as King’s College, Trinity College and Peterhouse.   

Viewed from a gently gliding punt, or on foot from the tangled lanes that sneak between the colleges, Cambridge is exceptionally beautiful, and arguably more accessible than Oxford, thanks to its manageable scale and lower tourist profile. It’s also great fun, with historic pubs, student-oriented places to eat, picnic-friendly college greens and the ever-nostalgic charm of punting on the river. 

There’s loads to see and many things are free, but it pays to make a plan before you arrive. Here are some tips for the top things to see and do in Cambridge. 

Note: due to Covid, many colleges have restricted entry to pre-booked visitors, or closed to non-students, but you can still view these lavish establishments from outside. Things can change quickly, so check the latest advice before you visit. 

King’s College Chapel 

Flamboyantly finished in carved Gothic flourishes, King’s College dominates the centre of Cambridge. With advance booking, you can experience the full grandeur of the 16th-century college chapel , whose extravagant wood-carving and stained glass is only exceeded by the world’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling towering overhead. 

The chapel was founded by Henry VI, but it took a further five English monarchs to complete this extraordinary monument (look for Henry VIII’s carved initials inside, added during the final stages).The stained glass is original–Oliver Cromwell reputedly ordered it spared during the English Civil War out of nostalgia for his own college days.     

Trinity College 

The largest Cambridge college, Trinity is wrapped around an enormous quadrangle that emerges dramatically as you step through the college’s monumental Tudor gateway (with its stern statue of Henry VIII, holding a table leg rather than sceptre after a student prank). Grand gothic architecture rises on all sides, and the college’s famous Wren Library has original copies of works by Shakespeare, Newton and Swift. 

Check the latest on their opening policy; if the interiors are closed to non-students, you can still view the dramatic frontage and the rear of the college from a punt on the Cam. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitz is a museum to rival anything in London, Edinburgh or Oxford. This was one of the first public art museums in Britain, displaying treasures accumulated by Viscount FitzWilliam in the 18th-century, alongside a treasure trove of more recent acquisitions. Egypt, Roman Britain and ancient Cyprus are particularly well represented, as are ancient and modern ceramics and glassware. Upstairs are paintings by da Vinci, Rubens, Picasso and other big brush-wielders.  

Take a punt along the Cam

Okay, so it’s unashamedly touristy, and fairly costly, but hiring a punt for a gentle glide on the Cam is one of the best ways to admire the medieval city. From the punt stations at Mill Lane and Quayside, you can swoosh past the backs of the colleges and view the genteel reality of student life behind the college’s lavish facades. 

En route, you’ll pass under a string of elegant college bridges, from Christopher Wren’s graceful stone construction at St John’s College to the flimsy-looking Mathematical Bridge at Queen’s College. Take your pick from self-poled punts or chauffeur-driven boats with a waterborne tour; Scudamore’s is the biggest operator. For a change of pace, head upstream to the picture-postcard suburb of Grantchester, a favorite student escape.  

Browse the latest from the University Press 

The University Press bookshop on Trinity St is a monument to knowledge, and a great place to get a feel for the latest high-brow thinking to come out of the Cambridge colleges. University publications cover everything from climate change and genetics to gender identity and social reform; even reading the dust covers of the latest tomes will leave you measurably better informed.

Gonville & Caius College

With the unusual distinction of having been founded twice (hence the double name), Gonville & Caius is one of the best colleges to view from outside. Three magnificent gates–known as Virtue, Humility and Honour–invite students into the college, and usher them onward to graduation at the adjacent Senate House, via the occult-looking Porta Honoris. If you’re totting up famous alumni, this was the alma mater of Crick and Watson and Stephen Hawking. 

Have a pub debate 

Some of the mysteries of the ages were solved over pints in Cambridge’s public houses, and you can still listen in on some serious intellectual discussion today. Favored watering holes include the Eagle , where Crick and Watson talked over the structure of DNA till the wee hours, and the hipster-friendly Cambridge Brew House , with brews on tap from the on-site microbrewery. 

Watch sunset from the Varsity roof terrace 

The boutique Varsity Hotel emerges unexpectedly from the backstreets north of the centre, and its open-air Roof Terrace bar is undisputedly the best spot in the city to watch the sunset. With a cocktail in hand, you can look out over a sea of church spires and college turrets, but book ahead; space is in demand on any warm weekend evening. 

Go to the Footlights

Cambridge’s ADC Theatre is the home stage of Footlights , the university’s student legendary comedy club. The troupe has been putting witty students on stage since 1883, turning out such heavyweights of comedy as Richard Ayoade, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Miriam Margolyes, Emma Thompson and the Monty Pythons. Check the websites for upcoming events.  

Great St Mary’s Church 

Facing off against the opulent chapel of King’s College, Great St Mary’s Church may not win the battle of the chapels, but it does offer dizzying views over the college quarter from the top of its 113ft (38m) tower. A leg-straining climb up a narrow spiral staircase will deliver you to the rooftop, with vertiginous views directly over King’s College, the Senate House and Gonville & Caius College.

Have a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies 

You haven’t been to Cambridge until you’ve stepped in for a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies . Generations of students have gathered here for a carb hit between lectures, and their buns are drowned in sticky syrup and jam-packed with spices and currants. Eat in, or grab some neatly boxed to go and retreat to one of the college greens.  

Pedal the backstreets 

Generations of Cambridge students have navigated the streets by pedal power, and it’s easy to join them by hiring a bike in town or at the train station. To recharge after a scoot around the city, drop into Espresso Library , just east of Parker’s Piece green, which lures in bikers with the aroma of strong coffee and wholesome world food offerings.  

Kettle’s Yard 

Some museums keep the art at arm’s length, but not Kettle’s Yard . Previously the home of a curator from London’s Tate Gallery, this fascinating museum is full of lived-with artworks, from paintings and sculptures to found objects, scattered around lived-in spaces. Big names like Henry Moore and Miro are represented, but it’s the work by less well known artists that sticks in the memory.  

Take a pub and food crawl along Mill Road 

No matter where you are, student life means pub crawls followed by a kebab or curry and Mill Road is where these sessions usually stagger to a halt. Start off in a town pub and drift slowly eastwards as the evening wears on, then browse the inexpensive Asian and Middle Eastern eateries on Mill Road.

Have a packed afternoon tea

It says something about the demographic of the university intake that packed afternoon teas are a thing. For an elegantly boxed selection of buns and sandwiches to munch daintily on a picnic blanket at Jesus Green, head to Harriet’s Cafe Tearooms on Green Street and pretend you’re pausing for a sugar hit before rushing off to a debate.  

Go church hopping

As well as the college chapels, Cambridge is studded with interesting medieval churches, many with famous pedigrees. Little St Mary’s is a popular stop for its familial links to US president George Washington, but the wonderfully arcane-looking Round Church is more atmospheric. One of only four round medieval churches in Britain, it was built by a mysterious order of monks after the First Crusade and it hides one of the clues to the location of the Holy Grail...okay, we can’t back that up, but if it turned out to be true, we wouldn’t be surprised. 

Have a splash at the Jesus Green Lido 

There are far too many punts about for the Cam to be suitable for swimming, but the Jesus Green Lido comes a close second best. This unheated, open-air pool offers a similar jolt-you-awake experience to river swimming, and it’s been welcoming locals and visitors since the 1920s. On sunny days, the sun-bathing spots around the pool are in heavy demand. 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Like Kew Gardens in miniature, Cambridge’s botanic garden is a chlorophyll-filled wonder. Most make a beeline for the tropical greenhouses with their steamy collection of palms and ferns, but it’s the back paths, hidden clearings and secret spaces in between the planted beds that make the gardens so special. With kids in tow, it’s a great spot for a game of hide and seek. 

St John’s College  

Every Cambridge college has a list of famous alumni as long as a punting pole, but the honors list at St John’s is particularly cosmopolitan. William Wordsworth, William Wilberforce, former Indian PM Manmohan Singh and writer Douglas Adams all studied here. As well as a full hand of stately college buildings, the college is famous for its medieval Bridge of Sighs, a masterpiece of stone tracery that often forms the focus for college pranks.  

Cruise the college museums 

Assuming they’re open to non-students (check first), the university’s museums are a fabulous resource for anyone craving an instant education. College museums cover everything from archaeology and anthropology to zoology and the history of science itself, but perhaps the stand out is the Polar Museum , devoted to the likes of Scott of the Antarctic, Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton, with original items from polar expeditions.     

Detour out of town to the Imperial War Museum  

You’ll have to day trip out of Cambridge to reach the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, but it’s worth it for an epic spread of military history, much of it of the aeronautical variety. Britain’s largest aircraft collection covers everything from famous WWI and WWII fighters and bombers (Hurricanes, Spitfires, Lancasters and the like) to a retired Concorde. Check the website for upcoming events; many aircraft here still take to the skies for annual airshows. 

You May Also Like: 

Bards and Roman baths: best places in England The 8 most dramatic hikes in England Top 9 road trips in England  

Explore related stories

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

These 16 cities, parks and other incredible sights encompass the breadth, beauty and vitality of England.

Jan 20, 2023 • 4 min read

Apr 13, 2022 • 7 min read

Apr 27, 2015 • 4 min read

May 10, 2024 • 5 min read

May 10, 2024 • 9 min read

Just added to your cart

In store purchases only while we update our website

Jacks on Trinity and Giles & Co are two very popular destinations for Cambridge clothing and souvenirs. You'll find both shops on Trinity Street in the heart of historical Cambridge, in between Kings and Trinity Colleges.

Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to order something while we update our website.

Official Apparel

Giles & co, british gifts, jacks on trinity.

34 Trinity Street

01223 354403

Mon - Sat, 9:30am - 5:30pm Sunday, 11am - 5pm

Get directions

We have so much more in our shops than shown on the website. And the internet is no match for the real shopping experience!

Do please visit us when you can!

4 Trinity Street

01223 366841

Testimonials

Fantastic shop, with a great selection of goods. Staff are excellent and go above and beyond to offer support and assistance. I would highly recommend this store! Jay McGann

A fantastic shop close to the market square selling lovely gifts of Cambridge and many Harry Potter items, a shop worth visiting and the staff are friendly. Darren Joyce

Small jewel of a store with, among other things, Harry Potter stuff. Andreas Nymo

• choosing a selection results in a full page refresh
• press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection

Cambridge City Council

Tourism in cambridge: information for visitors.

Cambridge is a vibrant, modern city with a colourful history that attracts visitors from around the world.

There are shopping centres and markets, museums, parks and open spaces, and much more. And you’ll be spoilt for choice of places to eat and drink, and places to stay.

Visit Cambridge

Visit Cambridge is the city’s official destination management organisation. The website provides ideas and information about events, tours and experiences you’ll never forget.

We own and manage Visit Cambridge with Cambridge BID and Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises.

Was this page helpful?

Service related queries

For questions about a service  we provide, please use our contact us form . 

Promotional content

Election results

Check the results of the local elections that took place on Thursday 2 May.

Drop-in sessions for private rented tenants

Visit us on Thursdays to ask for advice about your accommodation.

Giraffe sculpture trail in Cambridge

Locate large and small giraffe sculptures in Cambridge city centre until 2 June 2024.

• Allotments and community gardens
• Bereavement services
• Bins, recycling and rubbish
• Boat mooring and punting
• Building control
• Business and economy
• Climate change and sustainability
• Communities and people
• Cost of living help
• Council Tax
• Customer services
• Cycling and walking
• Food safety
• Grants and funding
• Home energy and water use
• Licences and permits
• Parks and playgrounds
• Pest control
• Pollution, noise and nuisance
• Procurement and contracts
• Sport and fitness
• Street and park maintenance
• Transport schemes
• Urban growth
• Vehicle services, MOTs and repairs
• Your council

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cambridge, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Famous the world over for its university, Cambridge lays claim to having one of the highest concentrations of preserved historic buildings anywhere in England.

Most of this architectural splendor is centered around Cambridge University's 31 colleges , each rich in tradition. The first of these "schools" was established in the 12th century by immigrant scholars from Paris, and the first college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284.

Long before the university was founded, Cambridge was already an important Norman fortification. Although its castle was short-lived, Castle Mound can still be seen near Shire Hall and affords great views over the city. The city remains to this day an important market town. Market Hill, originally the center of Cambridge's ancient wool trade, still serves as the location of the city's busy marketplace.

Despite its medieval character, Cambridge is a thoroughly modern town that hosts a variety of top-notch cultural events throughout the year. These include the Midsummer Fair , over 800 years old and held in the same location on Midsummer Common; the famous Cambridge Folk Festival , one of the largest and longest running in Europe; and the world-class Cambridge Film Festival .

It's also popular for its numerous green spaces. These include the 25-acre Parker's Piece , famous as the birthplace of modern football, and the Victorian-era Christ's Pieces , known for its lovely ornamental trees and flowerbeds.

For more sightseeing ideas in one of the most popular places to visit in England, be sure to read our full list of the top tourist attractions in Cambridge.

See also: Where to Stay in Cambridge

1. The Fitzwilliam Museum

2. explore the river cam, 3. king's college and king's college chapel, 4. queens' college and the mathematical bridge, 5. cambridge university botanic garden, 6. great st. mary's church, 7. the round church, 8. trinity college, 9. anglesey abbey, gardens, and lode mill, 10. museum of archaeology and anthropology, 11. peterhouse college, 12. pembroke college, 13. corpus christi college, 14. st. john's college, 15. museums of cambridge, technology, and science, 1`6. the polar museum at the scott polar research institute, 17. the national horse racing museum, where to stay in cambridge for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in cambridge, england.

The most famous museum in Cambridge, The Fitzwilliam should be included on everyone's must-see list of tourist attractions. This masterpiece of architecture contains a magnificent collection of English pottery and china, as well as Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities. It's also known for its rare illuminated manuscripts.

The exceptionally fine art gallery has works by Hogarth, Gainsborough, and Turner, as well as Impressionists and Dutch Masters of the Baroque including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Rubens. There's also a great café on-site, along with a gift shop.

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge

Official site: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

One of the most popular things to do in Cambridge is to spend time exploring the River Cam , which runs through the heart of the city. You can cross the Cam in a number of places that offer great views of the river.

One of the most picturesque spots is the Silver Street Bridge . From here, you'll get some excellent photos of the famous Mathematical Bridge one side and over the docked punting boats, or "punts," toward Landress Green and Sheep's Green .

Follow the riverside path, and you'll also find the Punt Lift Rollers , an interesting spot where you can watch crews and eager tourists portaging their vessels from one body of water to another.

Some of the best views, though, can be had from the water itself, as the Cam passes extremely close to some of the most attractive college buildings. In addition to fun chauffeured tours where a crew member, usually a student, does the punting for you, rentals are also available by the hour for those wanting to go it alone.

Founded in 1441 by Henry VI and the earliest of the royal foundations, King's College is worth visiting for the huge expanse of lawn extending down to the river and King's Bridge . Here, you'll enjoy lovely views of the Backs , the various college grounds along the riverside. Distinguished alumni includes writer Horace Walpole, poet Rupert Brooke, and economist Lord Keynes.

A must-see here is King's College Chapel. Renowned for its 12-bay perpendicular-style interior, as well as its breathtaking fan vaulting by John Wastell (1515), it's a must-see in Cambridge.

Also worth checking out: the lovely tracery on the windows and walls; the spectacular 16th-century stained-glass windows; the lavishly carved 16th-century wooden organ screen and choir stalls; and the altarpiece, Rubens' Adoration of the Magi (1634).

Hot Tip: If visiting during term time, be sure to attend Evensong to hear the world famous King's College Choir in action.

Address: King's Parade, Cambridge

Official site: www.kings.cam.ac.uk

Founded in 1448 by Andrew Dockett under the patronage of Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, Queens' College was refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV. It has the most complete medieval buildings of all Cambridge's colleges, including the magnificent gateway leading to the red brick First Court, dating from the period of foundation.

Other Queens' College sites to visit include the wooden Mathematical Bridge. This 1902 reconstruction leads over the Cam to the lovely college gardens, and is so called because it was built without nails, relying for its strength on meticulous calculation.

Also worth seeing are Cloister Court (1460) with the President's Lodge, a handsome half-timbered building, and Pump Court. Here, you'll find the Erasmus Tower above the rooms, occupied by Erasmus when he taught Greek here (1511-1514).

Walnut Tree Court (1618), Friars Court with the Erasmus Building (1961), and the Victorian chapel (1891) are also worth seeing.

Address: Silver Street, Cambridge

Official site: www.queens.cam.ac.uk

Covering an area of some 40 acres, a visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a must-do for gardening enthusiasts. Established in 1831, the garden showcases an impressive collection of more than 8,000 species of plants from across the globe.

Be sure to spend time wandering through the garden's many glasshouses and trails, something that can be done as part of a guided tour, which are free on Sundays. Afterwards, visit the Garden Café and Botanic Garden Shop.

Be sure to check out their website for news of upcoming events and festivals.

Address: 1 Brookside, Cambridge

Official site: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx

Great St. Mary's Church is both a parish and university church. Built in the 15th century, it has a fine interior, its galleries being added in 1739 at a time when university sermons, given by great scholars, attracted huge congregations. The tower, erected in 1608, is famous for its views over Cambridge.

Also worth a visit is Little St. Mary's. Known as St. Mary the Less , this Anglican parish church is famous for its many fine stained-glass windows.

Another important church, the Gothic Revival Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in Britain, was built in 1885 and houses a rare statue of the Virgin Mary.

Location: Senate House Hill, Cambridge

Better known as the Round Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of only four Norman round churches left in England. Built in 1131, its rectangular chancel was added in the 15th century.

This is one of the prettiest small churches in England. Visitors can get the most from their visit by joining an informative guided walk that includes the church and its surroundings. While best booked in advance, you can also purchase tickets in the Round Church Visitor Centre subject to availability.

Address: Round Church Vestry, Bridge Street, Cambridge

Official site: https://roundchurchcambridge.org

Established in 1546 by Henry VIII, Trinity College was created by the merger of several older colleges, including Michaelhouse and King's Hall. Beyond King Edward's Gate (1418), parts of the old King's Hall buildings are still identifiable.

Trinity Great Court is the largest court in Cambridge and was laid out around 1600. A passage leads into Nevile's Court (1614), with its chapel and statues of distinguished scholars. Wren's Library , designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren and added later, is notable for its old oak bookcases and fine lime woodcarvings.

Trinity has more distinguished former members than any other college. These include statesmen Austen Chamberlain, Stanley Baldwin, and Nehru; poets and writers such as George Herbert and Edward Fitzgerald; philosopher Bertrand Russell; and scientist Isaac Newton. Edward VII and George VI also attended Trinity.

From New Court, or King's Court, take the bridge over the Cam for its beautiful view of the Backs. A magnificent avenue of limes leads to the College Grounds .

Location: Trinity College, Cambridge

Official site: www.trin.cam.ac.uk

Although built in the 12th century, Anglesey Abbey was refurbished in 1926 and came to be known as a house of fine art and furnishings. Now a National Trust property, this spectacular home contains numerous tapestries by the likes of Gobelin, Soho, and Anglesey. There's also an art collection featuring Constable's The Opening of Waterloo Bridge .

Be sure to spend time enjoying the surrounding gardens and 114 acres of parkland. These impressive grounds include the Wildlife Discovery Area , where younger visitors can watch birds and bugs in their natural habitats, and the Lime Tree Lookout .

Afterwards, visit the historic water mill, known as the Lode Mill. Here, you can watch the grindstones do their job. Be sure to check the attraction's website for news of special events.

Address: Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill

Developed by Cambridge University in 1884, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology holds an important collection of prehistoric material and artifacts dealing with social anthropology. Collections have been gathered from around the world and include pieces from Africa and the Orient, with a focus on the visual and classical arts.

Of particular note is the Pacific collection, taken mainly from Cook's explorations, and other research projects made by notable British anthropologists. Regular educational programs for kids and adults are held throughout the year (check their website for details).

You'll also want to visit the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences , too. This fascinating museum houses the university's geology collection, including some two million minerals, rocks, and fossils. Highlights include numerous meteorite specimens, as well as the Beagle Collection consisting of fossils and rocks gathered by Charles Darwin between 1831 and 1836. The museum also offers a wide variety of family activities and kids' programs.

Also of interest is the newly refurbished University Museum of Zoology . Highlights of this recently renovated Cambridge attraction include a large collection of scientifically important zoological material.

Address: Downing Street, Cambridge

Official site: https://maa.cam.ac.uk

The oldest, and also one of the smallest, of Cambridge's colleges, Peterhouse was founded in 1284. Its historic hall and storeroom on the south side of Old Court are the earliest of the original 13th-century buildings. Among those who studied here were Cardinal Beaufort, chemist Henry Cavendish, and poet Thomas Gray.

Check out the Peterhouse Chapel, a focal point of the college for more than 700 years. Worth seeing are the stained-glass windows (imported from Munich in the 1850s) and the 17th-century altar window. For a truly memorable experience, enquire about Peterhouse's summer accommodation rentals.

Official site: www.pet.cam.ac.uk/

Pembroke College was founded in 1347 by the Countess of Pembroke but has been greatly altered since. The chapel (1665) is famous as architect Christopher Wren's first work and was later extended in 1881.

Pembroke has produced many bishops and poets, the most celebrated being Edmund Spenser (1552-99). Reformist bishop Nicholas Ridley, burned at the stake in Oxford, and statesman William Pitt also took their degrees here. A visit usually includes seeing the grounds and the chapel.

Official site: www.pem.cam.ac.uk

Corpus Christi College was founded in 1352 "by the townspeople for the townspeople." Its oldest section, Old Court , dates back to 1377, although it has since been restored.Notable features include the library, which contains many valuable manuscripts collected by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury (1550).

Also worth noting is the adjoining St. Benet's Church , which was the original college chapel and is notable for its late Saxon tower.

Dramatists Christopher Marlowe (1564-93) and John Fletcher (1579-1625)are among the best-known alumni of the college. The college is available for summer accommodations, and has become popular for events such as weddings.

Official site: www.corpus.cam.ac.uk

St. John's College was founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. A richly ornamented gateway opens into First Court, a fine example of Tudor architecture. The dining hall of 1519, known simply as " The Hall ," was enlarged with later buildings in 1826 and has an excellent hammer beam roof, beautiful paneling, and some fine portraits.

The Combination Room has a splendid plaster ceiling with festoons of vines. Second Court, built in 1602, is exceptionally attractive with its mellow brickwork, while Third Court includes the Library (1624).

Among the many notable members of St. John's were dramatist Ben Jonson and poet William Wordsworth, who described his college rooms in his famous Prelude . Also visit the college's exquisite chapel, as well as the famous Bridge of Sighs . Built in 1831, this enclosed bridge leads over the Cam into New Court and the College Grounds.

Location: St. John's Street, Cambridge

Official site: www.joh.cam.ac.uk

One of the most popular museums in Cambridge, the Museum of Cambridge has displays and exhibits focusing on the everyday lives of the local people from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Located in the old White Horse Inn , the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including coinage, costumes, medals, toys, and medicine. It also contains numerous interesting artworks.

Also worth visiting, the Cambridge Museum of Technology focuses on the county's industrial past. Housed in a Victorian pump house, the museum displays a working steam winch once used to haul ashes along a narrow gauge railway, plus a variety of other engines and a collection of antique printing equipment.

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is also worthy of a visit for its fascinating collections of old scientific artifacts, including instruments and prints dating back as far as the 17th century.

Official site: www.museumofcambridge.org.uk

Located in the historic Scott Polar Research Institute ( SPRI ) building on Lensfield Road, the Polar Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the exploration of the Earth's polar regions. In addition to its collections of photos, documents, and artifacts relating to epic polar expeditions by the likes of Captain Robert Scott, you'll also find maps and other display materials that provide interesting facts about the North and South Poles.

One of the top free things to do in Cambridge , the Polar Museum is also home to an impressive collection of art relating to the exploration of the polar regions.

Address: Lensfield Road, Cambridge

Official site: www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/

Just 13 miles east of Cambridge, the market town of Newmarket has been a center of English horse racing since 1174. Horse fans will enjoy visiting the National Horse Racing Museum on the picturesque High Street. Exhibits relate to the history of the "sport of kings," still one of the most popular sports in Britain.

The collection includes paintings of famous horses and jockeys, old saddles, tack, and trophies. There are several stables actually in the town, not to mention the famous racecourse and training "gallops" close by.

Address: 99 High Street, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire

Official site: www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk

With the university's 31 colleges filling the entire center of Cambridge, there isn't much space left for hotels. But you'll find a few amid its historic buildings, with more just outside the ring of streets that encircles the center. Here are some highly-rated hotels in Cambridge:

Luxury Hotels :

• Overlooking a broad park near the River Cam and the colleges, with plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance, the large rooms at The Gonville Hotel are well located for exploring Cambridge.
• Walk along the Cam and to the historic sites from The Varsity Hotel & Spa , a boutique lodging with a rooftop terrace, near Trinity and Magdalene colleges.
• The name Hilton Cambridge City Centre says it all, right in the center surrounded by historic colleges, restaurants, and shops. The modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Regent Hotel rooms overlook a park near the colleges and River Cam or busy Regent Street's shops and restaurants.
• The neighboring boutique-style Lensfield is also about halfway between the train station and the city center.

Budget Hotels:

• You can walk through the park to city center colleges from Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road , or there's a bus stop right in front; underground parking is free.
• There's also a bus stop at Ashley Hotel , or you can walk across the river and over Midsummer Common to the center in about 20 minutes. Rooms here have safes, coffee and tea-making, and free Wi-Fi.
• For lodgings with history, choose a student room with a full English breakfast and Wi-Fi included in Christ's College Cambridge , founded by the mother of Henry VII in 1505 and the college of Charles Darwin.

More on England

10 Beautiful Cambridge Bookshops & Cafes

By: Author Jess Esa

Posted on Last updated: 18th January 2024

There are dozens of reasons to visit Cambridge , one of the UK’s oldest and most historic cities. Home to one of our most famous universities, Cambridge is a marvel of architecture, arts, and literature. And with all of that come a host of must-visit Cambridge bookshops. The bookshops of Cambridge are some of the most beautiful, fun, creative and strange bookshops in the UK.

Touring these Cambridge bookshops is an eccentric day all by itself, and then you have the cafes to nestle into along the way: places to recharge or curl up with your newly-bought tomes and tuck in with a hot coffee on an autumn Cambridge day.

A day of book-shopping and cafe-hopping in Cambridge is a perfect day out, as you pass by the wonderful colleges , churches, and historic buildings along the way.

The Best Bookshops and Cafes in Cambridge

Home to an incredible number of bookshops and independent cafes, historical Cambridge is a perfect day out for bookworms. Here are the best Cambridge bookshops and some cute and cozy cafes to enjoy in the city.

1) Heffers Bookshop

The crowning jewel of bookshops in Cambridge, this three-story menagerie for book lovers has been around since 1876 and has been the focus of book-related events in the city.

Fabulously friendly booksellers are at hand to help you with the latest releases and thousands of other titles to choose from including classics, comics and manga, and every genre of fiction and non-fiction.

Downstairs you’ll also find paper products from the Cambridge Paper Company including wrapping paper, journals, scrapbooks etc. and a floor of travel fiction, cookbooks , and eco-friendly and bookish gifts . Plus, there’s a musical instrument section. It’s really a bookshop that caters for everyone and could easily be called the best bookshop in Cambridge.

2) Sarah Key: The Haunted Bookshop

This charming Cambridge book shop with the greatest name is tucked away on the quiet St Edward’s Passage which absolutely suits the atmosphere of the shop. Is it haunted ? Who knows, but it certainly feels like it could be.

They specialise in children’s and illustrated books but we also found plenty of antiquarian books and old Penguin Classics. This is the kind of shop where you take a deep breath, enjoy the smell of old books, and pick up a gem or two. The shop is closed on Sundays.

3) Fitzbillies Cambridge

Our first cafe stop, a place infamous for their sticky chelsea buns (which they deliver throughout the UK) and delightfully charming in a vintage sort of way.

This Cambridge cafe was recommended to us by so many people and it didn’t disappoint. Open since 1920 and even continuing baking through the war, the cafe has seen some famous faces over the years and has always been a regular stop for Cambridge University Students.

Besides stopping by for a coffee and a bun, you can also enjoy afternoon tea, brunch, and a full food menu making it a perfect spot for lunch while book shopping.

4) Books for Amnesty

One of the best charity shops for secondhand books in Cambridge, Amnesty is a fantastic charity and supporting them is made even easier for book lovers with their stores.

The Cambridge branch has a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, travel, and food books so make sure to see if you’ll find a treasure inside. If you’re walking from the train station to the centre, then it’s on your route and just a few doors from our favourite noodle and dumpling joint Noodles Plus.

Mill Road is a vibrant area that has plenty of independent cafes, restaurants, charity shops, and whole-food places to pop into so make sure to stop by!

5) Cambridge University Press Bookshop

An absolute institution and housed in a stunning period building, the press dates back to 1534 and exists as part of the University of Cambridge. Selling everything from academic and educational texts as well as classics, and Shakespeare over two floors you could spend a day just browsing this one store.

They also sell Cambridge gifts and souvenirs plus gifts suited to book lovers . This is one of the must-visit Cambridge bookshops.

6) Indigo Coffee House

Your next Cambridge coffee shop option can also be found at St Edward’s Passage in central Cambridge overlooking a cemetery. This a quaint place, considered a Cambridge hidden gem and it’s perfect for reading and people watching.

Apart from hot drinks in generous sizes, you can indulge in one of their homemade toasted sandwiches, salads, or cakes which I highly recommend doing.

7) Oxfam Bookshop

Another chain of UK charity book shops that are just a pleasure to shop in, you know what to expect when you go in an Oxfam bookshop and you get that here. The Cambridge branch is smaller than some others but you’ll still find some bargain books and beautiful classics. Support a good cause and expand your tbr pile at the same time.

8) Waterstones

Although not an independent store, Waterstones is a friendly bookish face in most British towns and it’s always a pleasure to go into. My favourites are the ones with the cafes and I’ve spent many an afternoon with some travel guides planning a new adventure in a Waterstones Cafe.

Luckily this one has a cafe! Waterstones also hosts amazing events with domestic and international authors so it’s always worth seeing what’s coming up on their website and whether you can grab a ticket. You’ll also find gifts, board games , and stationary to indulge in if you fancy. This one of the best Cambridge bookshops if you want to meander for hours.

9) Espresso Lane

Our final coffee shop on this list, though we’re nowhere near scratching the surface of fantastic cafes in Cambridge, is Espresso Lane!

Snuggled amongst Cambridge’s beautiful academic buildings, this cute coffee shop is your traditional lovely cafe with southern European roots which you can really see in the food on offer. They serve great coffee and fresh home-cooked meals like mushroom stroganoff, chicken soup, and a huge ciabatta menu. This is not to mention their fantastic cake selection.

10) G. David Bookseller. Est.1896

Another charming antiquarian bookshop on Edward’s Passage with a great selection of secondhand books, prints, and maps. Whether you’re looking for a rare first edition or an out-of-print gem then this is where you’ll find it.

Just down a small path from The Haunted Bookshop with a church separating them, make sure to pay this Cambridge bookshop a visit.

Have a wonderful day getting lost in these Cambridge Bookshops, all unique and wonderful in their own way.

Samuel Smiley

Samuel Smiley is a giftshop in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Situated on Trumpington Street at the end of Kings Parade in the heart of the city’s university quarter. We sell high quality, officially licensed University of Cambridge clothing , a large selection of University of Cambridge gifts , all kinds of Cambridge souvenirs and artworks by local Cambridge artists .

Our shop is open seven days a week and we offer a 10% discount for all members of the University of Cambridge and 20% discount for University departments and colleges.

High quality officially licensed University of Cambridge apparel for adults and children in various styles and colours.

University clothing includes:

• Sweatshirts

University Gifts

High quality officially licensed gifts proudly displaying the University of Cambridge crest.

University gifts include:

Corporate Gifts

Various high quality gifts proudly displaying the University of Cambridge crest. Ideal for those coporate event give-aways and a special souvenir for your delgates to remember you by.

Dont forget we offer a 20% discount for University of Cambridge departments and colleges.

Our corporate gifts include:

• University of Cambridge mugs
• University of Cambridge keyrings
• University of Cambridge ties
• University of Cambridge pens

Cambridge Gifts

Cambridge giftes and souvenirs of all kinds, there's something for everyone at Samuel Smiley.

Cambridge gifts and souvenirs include:

• Bags and backpacks
• Fridge magnets
• Baseball caps
• Cambridge bears

Local Artists

At Samuel Smiley we have always supported local artists by stocking a selection of quality artworks in our Cambridge shop. Visit now to see the artworks on display.

Contact Form

Our opening hours and therefore our response times may vary but we're here to help with any query you might have about our products , prices or directions to the shop .

There are several ways to get in touch with us including using this contact form.  Just so you know, we know your information is private and we do not share this with anyone.

Email Address

We are social

We are social at Samuel Smiley, we won't post often but we may post the odd product update, information on sales or discounts and the occasional video. We will not bombard you with posts on a daily basis. You can soon Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Inspiration

• Unique Cambridge

From making your own gin with one of the world’s most innovative distilleries, to trying the best of the Cambridge food scene – here are some uniquely Cambridge experiences to seek out during your stay

• Art & Exhibitions
• Comedy & Entertainment
• Family Friendly
• List Your Event
• Museums & Galleries
• Universities & Colleges
• Theatres & Cinemas
• Parks & Open Spaces
• Walking & Cycling Routes
• Food & Drink
• Key Sites to Visit
• List Your Business
• Explore Cambridge's Colleges

Accommodation

• Travelling into Cambridge
• Driving into Cambridge
• City Ambassadors
• Venue Finding Service
• Cambridge for Couples
• Dog-friendly Cambridge
• Family Fun in Cambridge

Welcome to our new website! If you are a local business and would like to add an event or business, please follow this link

Plan Your Trip

The surrounding area of Cambridgeshire offers a wonderful range of things to see and do.

Beyond cambridge.

Breathe in a land of lazy waterways, rolling countryside, majestic cathedrals, magnificent stately homes, bustling market towns and quaint villages. Discover a whole new shopping experience in quirky stores and exquisite boutiques tucked away along cobbled streets. Climb grand sweeping staircases in the homes of the aristocracy. Relax as you chug along in a leisure boat, watching the wildlife or get a bit closer to nature at our wonderful nature reserves

Featured articles

From cycling to e-car charging points, here’s the need-to-know info if you’re travelling into Cambridge.

Travelling to Cambridge

Parking in Cambridge

Cycling in Cambridge

Quick links.

Free maps and a welcoming smile

Meet our city ambassadors.

Say hello to our professional & passionate City Ambassadors, who are available within the City Centre every day of the year to help, advise & guide users around Cambridge. The Ambassadors welcome nearly 60,000 visitors to Cambridge every year, answering queries and giving out free maps.

CITY WIDE GIFT CARD

Give the love cambridge gift card & support local businesses.

Take the guesswork out of buying a gift. The Love Cambridge Gift Card is accepted by a huge variety of businesses from shops and restaurants, cafes and bars to hairdressers and beauty salons, plus much more.

DOWNLOAD FREE MAP

Map of the city.

Perfect guide to Cambridge. Download for free or get a free physical copy from our friendly team of City Ambassadors across the city!

Did you know?

Telegenic Cambridge has served as a backdrop for many films and TV series, from the obvious – such as Chariots of Fire, The Theory of Everything and ITV’s Grantchester – to the more unexpected, including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

A Guide to the Best Cambridge Bookshops

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 28th June 2020  - Last updated: 10th January 2024

Categories Bookshops , Cambridge , Literary Travel , Travel , UK

Want to know about Cambridge bookshops? This guide will introduce you to the bookshops of Cambridge including second hand bookshops, independent bookshops and academic bookshops.

Cambridge is a small city that is most known for the historic and world-famous university that calls it home.

Numerous notable authors from the past few centuries have studied at the prestigious Cambridge University so it should come as no surprise then that the city is also home to lots and lots of great bookshops.

Where else would all those scholars get the material to fuel their minds?

Keep scrolling to find out about the Cambridge bookshops you need to add to your Cambridge day trip itinerary.

The Haunted Bookshop / Sarah Key Books

One of the best bookshops in Cambridge has to be The Haunted Bookshop. It’s tucked away in a side street right opposite King’s College, which should definitely be on your Cambridge itinerary, so there’s no excuse for not popping in for a visit. King’s College Cambridge is one of the most famous Cambridge colleges and is, therefore, an important part of any day trip to Cambridge , especially for first-timers.

As you head down St Edward’s Passage, keep your eyes peeled for the bright red exterior which signals you’ve reached Sarah Key Books or The Haunted Bookshop in Cambridge. It is technically now Sarah Key Books but the previous owner requested that she keep the original shopfront, which is why it still says “The Haunted Bookshop”.

This second-hand bookshop is quite small and narrow but it’s positively packed with books. Every nook and cranny from floor to ceiling contains books.

The ground floor contains general fiction including classics, poetry, theatre and more. I particularly loved the section of old Penguin classics in translation, which features the likes of Moliere, Balzac, Dumas, Cervantes, Dostoyevsky and more. There is a mixture of paperbacks as well as beautiful, vintage and antiquarian editions by The Franklin Library.

The first floor pays homage to all the children’s classics that your grandparents grew up reading. As someone who lived for Enid Blyton’s stories, I adored this room.

Now you may be wondering why the shop is called The Haunted Bookshop. Are there any ghosts here? I can certainly imagine a ghost haunting these walls! Both the old owner and Sarah Key have said that they’ve sighted something spectral in the bookshop. And if you go on one of Cambridge’s ghost tours, you’ll undoubtedly be brought here for some ghostly rumours.

Address: 9 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday Website: www.sarahkeybooks.co.uk/

Cambridge University Press Bookshop

Cambridge University Press Bookshop is located in the heart of the city and this bookshop site is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) in the world. Books have been sold at this located since 1581 so it has got a huge amount of history.

As you’d expect, Cambridge University Press is predominantly an academic publisher so they stock textbooks for every subject, English language learning materials, Bibles, journals and more. It’s still well worth it for the average reader to pop their head in to browse these shelves as Cambridge University Press is the oldest publisher in the world and the second-largest university press in the world.

It is by all accounts a lovely bookstore to browse if you’re looking for non-fiction or academic books but it’s not the kind of place to idly browse before making a purchase. Academic literature is always very pricey and it’s no different at the Cambridge University Press store.

The books published here are written by world leaders in their fields and as such these hefty tomes are pretty expensive. This isn’t where you’d come for some new bedtime reading material but if you’re visiting the city as a tourist then I think it’s worth browsing these shelves for interest.

From Monday 6 July 2020 they will be operating a “call and collect” service where you can call to order your book and collect it at the door. See their website for more information.

Address: 1-2 Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1SZ Opening Hours: 9am – 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm Sundays Website: www.cambridge.org/about-us/visit-bookshop

Books at Cambridge Market Square

As a university town, there really are books everywhere, including out in the streets. In the centre of Cambridge, there’s a market that is open daily with a wide range of stalls manned by friendly local sellers. There’s a great atmosphere here so if you’re looking for fresh food, homemade snacks, vintage items, Cambridge University memorabilia or second-hand books and CDs make sure you make a pit stop here.

I was surprised to find that the market book stall was still pretty busy at the weekend despite the wet weather. There are books in crates, on tables, on mini shelves, they’ve really made good use of the space here so it feels like you’re browsing a small bookshop rather than an open-air stall.

The books here are all in pretty good condition and there are popular fiction titles as well as some newer releases on display here. Whether you’re looking for fiction or non-fiction, there are plenty of options here at low prices so take your time to study each row of books.

Address: Market Hill, Cambridge, CB1 0SS Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm every day

G. David Booksellers

If you continue down the passage where Sarah Key Books is located, you’ll come to another quaint bookshop. This one is G. David Booksellers, which sits opposite a little patch of green, and has distinctive dark blue awning. Outside the bookshop are two tall bookcases and several crates full of books. This is exactly the kind of thing that is very inviting to a bookworm.

The backstory of this shop is really quite lovely and exactly why I love shopping at independent bookshops. The original G. David was a Parisian bookseller who began selling books in Cambridge’s market square (mentioned above). Today the bookshop is located in St Edwards passage, a passage that looks like a slice of times gone by.

Inside, you’ll find that David’s is even more inviting. Indeed, it looks a little like you’ve wandered into an Oxbridge professor’s study. Old and antiquarian books line the shelves and there are a number of armchairs dotted around. What’s great is that the books on offer here are really reasonably priced with many books starting at the £2 mark.

Not only is it aesthetically pleasing both inside and out, but it also has bargain offers! Don’t miss out on David’s whilst you’re in Cambridge if you’re the bookish type.

Address: 16 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday Website: www.abebooks.co.uk/g.david-cambridge/

Heffers Bookshop Cambridge

If you’re familiar with bookshops in Oxford then Heffers bookshop in Cambridge may seem a little familiar to you. Heffers have been selling in Cambridge since 1876 but in 1999 this Cambridge bookshop was acquired by none other than Blackwells of Oxford .

This shop doesn’t look all that big from the outside, but like Blackwells, it opens up like Mary Poppin’s magic bag. The shop extends back really far and, in addition to that, there’s a basement below. The gallery level at the back is the best part of the store with floor to ceiling shelves in neat rows, each packed with books.

If you’re a student in Cambridge then you can be sure that Heffers will have the books you need whether you’re studying classics, languages or physics. In addition to your academic books, they also stock most new releases and classics. If you’re after a particular edition of an old book then Heffers is a great place to look as they’ve often got several different editions of each title.

What’s more, if you’re a student then Heffers have a student price match guarantee so the prices are now much more reasonable than they used to be. In addition to books, Heffers also stock a range of stationery items, board games, bookish gifts and more.

Address: 20 Trinity St, Cambridge, CB2 1TY Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm every day (opens 11am on Sundays) Website: heffersbookshop.business.site/

Books For Amnesty, Cambridge

Cambridge’s Books for Amnesty is located just outside of the main city centre but it may be on your way if you’re coming and going from Cambridge via train. Books for Amnesty have always been a great place to find incredibly cheap books whilst also supporting a great cause. Books here are usually in great condition and are priced at as little as £1 so be sure to bring an extra tote bag along with you for all your bookish purchases.

You can find most genres here at this bookshop for both fiction and non-fiction titles as well as children’s books, Greek/Latin texts, foreign language books, sheet music and more. Their general fiction section is the best though with a mix of old and newer releases to be found.

Address: 4 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AD Opening Hours: 10am – 5:30pm Monday to Saturday Website: www.amnesty.org.uk/shopping/

Waterstones Cambridge

Waterstones in Cambridge is a four-floor bookshop in the town’s beautiful historic centre. The bookshop front is particularly lovely as it retains the original wood and stone from times gone by with the simple Waterstones store sign hanging down.

Inside, there’s all that you’d expect from a local Waterstones including tonnes of new titles and themed tables of books dotted around. There are handwritten notes accompanying the books so you have recommendations from the store’s booksellers, which are a lovely extra touch.

There’s also a Cafe W, Waterstones cafe where you can enjoy coffee, tea cake or a spot of lunch.

Address: 22 Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HG Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm Sundays Website: www.waterstones.com/bookshops/cambridge

Oxfam Bookshop Cambridge

Charity shops are often the best place to buy books and Oxfam’s bookshop in Cambridge is no different. This isn’t a particularly large store but you can always pick up a bargain. As this bookshop is located in the student city of Cambridge, there are loads of books donated by students here.

If you’re a new student to Cambridge then it’s worth browsing these shelves for literature and academic books that may have been left by students who have now moved on, especially if you’re studying English literature.

In addition to books, they also sell vinyl for both classical and pop music so if you’re a music aficionado then this shop is for you.

Address: 28 Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HW Website: www.oxfam.org.uk/

Plurabelle Books

Plurabelle Books is located a little way out of the centre of Cambridge so if you want to visit this one then you’ll have to make the trip specifically. It’s well worth the trip though as Plurabelle Books is one of the best second hand bookshops in Cambridge.

They stock a wide range of second hand and antiquarian books of all genres and periods. In terms of fiction they’ve got classics, poetry, crime, folklore, sci-fi, children’s and more. They’ve also got non-fiction books and journals covering gender studies, empire & race, politics, film, there’s even a whole section on Oxbridge-related works. They really do have a bit of everything here and you could spend a whole afternoon browsing the store.

Interestingly, Plurabelle Books operates first and foremost as an internet bookshop. However, it also occupies a warehouse in Cambridge where you can browse their shelves in person. The stock online and in-store are distinct. If they don’t manage to shift stocks online, then the books end up in the warehouse, where you can browse books at knock-down prices.

Address: Unit 8, Restwell House Coldham’s Road CB1 3EW Opening Hours: 10am-4pm Monday to Friday Website: www.plurabellebooks.com

And that’s all for my guide to Cambridge bookshops! As a historic British city, loads of writers and authors have studied at the university here so it’s a great day trip from London for bookish people.

Love this post about Cambridge bookshops? Pin it for later!

For more Cambridge posts, check out these: Stay at the University Arms Hotel A Day Trip to Cambridge

Want more UK bookshops? Bookshops in Oxford Bookshops in Edinburgh Bookshops in York Bookshops in Bath Bookshops in Brighton Bookshops in Hay-on-Wye Bookshops in Norwich Independent Bookshops in London Specialist Bookshops in London Second-Hand Bookshops in London

Want more international bookshops? Booksho ps in Dublin Bookshops in Paris Bookshops in Amsterdam Bookshops in Obidos Bookshops in San Diego

Editor of What’s Hot?

booker talk

Monday 20th of July 2020

Cambridge is on my list of places to visit. It was meant to happen this year but with all the restrictions in place I don't think it will be the best experience. Never mind, I shall keep your list for when I do get there.....

Audrey | Brunch of Books

Friday 3rd of July 2020

omg I visited The Haunted Bookshop and I had a mocha next door <3 I would have so much fun browsing for books at Cambridge Market Square... Looking forward to when things are open again!

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of tourist in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

• I must look like the typical tourist with my shorts and my camera .
• My dad has a cottage which he rents out to tourists.
• The Caribbean is a popular tourist destination .
• Bus-loads of tourists pour into this place in the summer .
• A year after the hurricane , tourists are gradually beginning to come back to the region .
• air corridor
• amenity kit
• high season
• phrase book
• post-holiday
• put something up
• ranger station
• tourist trap
• trailer park
• youth hostel

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

tourist | American Dictionary

Tourist | business english, examples of tourist, translations of tourist.

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

a unit for measuring the loudness of sound

Varied and diverse (Talking about differences, Part 1)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• English    Noun
• American    Noun
• Business    Noun
• Translations
• All translations

To add tourist to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add tourist to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.