What to do in Cambridge while house and pet sitting

Located on the shores of the River Cam and known first and foremost for its world-renowned university, the stunningly beautiful city of Cambridge in south-eastern England is a sight to behold even if you’re not a student at the local campus. Lush meadows, impressive architecture and a plethora of fascinating museums are just a few things in Cambridge that make a pet sitting trip here so very attractive.

So, don your black and white clothes to fit in with the city’s students, bring your reading glasses, maybe read up on rowing and then let us tell you what to do in Cambridge while you’re there!

Cambridge attractions

Let’s start our tour through the beautiful city by giving you an overview of the most famous places to visit in Cambridge. Here we go:

1. Cambridge University campus: if you’re super smart and studied in England, chances are you’ve already been to Cambridge’s university campus – but just in case you haven’t, you definitely want to take a stroll here as soon as you can to marvel at the scenic grounds and breath-taking buildings. Cambridge University actually consists of several colleges that are spread throughout the entire city centre – the most famous of which being King’s College, followed by Trinity College. The latter two can be found at Cambridge’s very heart, on King’s Parade and Trinity Street, respectively, but be sure to also check out some of the lesser known Colleges as they are no less charming.

2. Cambridge’s churches: churches and Cathedrals can be found a-plenty in pretty much every English town, but if you’re looking for some of the most beautiful in the entire country, Cambridge is your place to be. For some stunning architecture, ranging from Medieval to Gothic, check out places like Great St. Mary's Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre aka the Round Church or the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs. And if you’re in for a day trip out of town, we recommend you also visit Ely Cathedral in the small town of the same name, about 15 miles north of Cambridge.

3. Cambridge’s bridges: a city on the river will naturally come with a few bridges, but Cambridge’s aren’t just any old bridges. Among the town’s water crossways are some truly remarkable specimens, like the dazzling Bridge of Sighs, the fascinating wooden Mathematical Bridge or the gorgeous Clare College Bridge. Bring the doggo when you go to find them!

Free things to do in Cambridge

Is your pet sitting trip to Cambridge really a low-budget trip and your sightseeing mostly restricted to free things to see in Cambridge? Worry not, there’s plenty for you, too! Here are some of the best Cambridge attractions that don’t cost a penny to visit:

1. Castle Hill: originally built in the late 11th century for strategic purposes, the original castle has since been expanded, partly demolished and rebuilt several times. Today, the only remaining parts are the motte and some earth work, while Shire Hall, built in 1932, stands in the old structure’s place. The true reason for visiting Castle Hill, however, lies not in its buildings or history, but in its amazing views over Cambridge’s historic city centre. Be sure to bring your phone or camera for some one-of-a-kind shots!

2. Museums galore: Cambridge is a city of teaching and learning and what would befit a place like this more than lots of free museums to teach you about all kinds of interesting things? From the art pieces and artefacts at the Fitzwilliam Museum to the Museum of Zoology, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and many more you’ll find fascinating free exhibitions in Cambridge on almost any topic that might strike your fancy.

3. Trinity College's Wren Library: are you more the type of scholar who’s seldom found without their nose stuck in a book? Then skip the museums and head to Trinity College’s Wren Library instead. Built in the late 17th century, the library’s already impressive exterior has nothing on the even more impressive books and manuscripts it holds. Among these are works such as a first edition copy of Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, handwritten notes by Oppenheimer on the Trinity atomic bomb test in New Mexico or an eighth-century copy of the Epistles of St Paul.

Fun things to do in Cambridge

Looking for even more things to see in Cambridge? How about a few Cambridge attractions that are purely fun? Take a look here:

1. Punting tours: as you may know, Cambridge is not only famous for its University but also for its University rowing club. Going on punting tours on the River Cam isn’t half as exhausting as rowing yourself but at least twice as much fun. So, should you visit Cambridge during the warmer months, be sure to check out Scudamore's Quayside Punting Station to go on a punting tour yourself and gain a new perspective on the breathtaking city.

2. Cambridge Gin Laboratory: do you like gin and have always wanted to know how to blend your own gin creations? This is your chance to do so! The Cambridge Gin Laboratory & Distillery offers super fun and very affordable 1-2 two-hour classes on the arts of professional gin tasting, making, mixing and molecular science. Intrigued? We can’t blame you!

3. Cambridgeshire Wine School: are you more the wine than the gin person? No problemo – we’ve got a cool school for you, too. At the Cambridgeshire Wine School you can participate in (cheese and) wine tastings as well as Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses for all skill levels, from beginner to near-expert. And did we mention they are held close to the picturesque Cambridge University Botanic Garden, too?

What to do in Cambridge with pets

Are you in the mood for adventures with your new pooch friend and wondering what to do in Cambridge that will be fun for the both of you? Wonder no longer:

1. The Backs: along the River Cam, just east of Queen's Road, lies one of the most beautiful walking areas of Cambridge: the Backs. The lush area offers idyllic river views while also allowing you to peek inside some of the town’s most famous college grounds. And the best thing about the Backs? Dogs are allowed everywhere!

2. Cherry Hinton Hall Park: another lovely green area to visit in Cambridge is Cherry Hinton Hall Park, with its quiet duck pond, diverse fauna and flora, and ample opportunities for a nice, relaxed picnic outside.

3. Antarctic Sledge Dog Memorial: we humans get to visit sites that celebrate our heroic forebears all the time, but in Cambridge dogs actually get to do the same! Bring your new four-legged buddy and go visit the Antarctic Sledge Dog Memorial, a bronze statue erected in honour of the sledge dogs employed by the British Antarctic Survey in Antarctica between 1945 and 1993, whose efforts contributed to the Survey’s achievements no less than those of their human companions.

 Best Restaurants in Cambridge: Food and drink

Are you hungry for Cambridge’s natural, cultural and culinary delights alike? Here are some of the best restaurants in Cambridge:

1. Vanderlyle: serving farm-to-table dishes and offering some of the best food in town – period – Vanderlyle is one of the absolute must-visit eateries in town, especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian.

2. Variety along King’s Parade and Trinity Street: would you rather decide on a restaurant on the spot? Then head over to the college districts along King’s Parade and Trinity Street and have a look around. Here, you’ll find delicious food from all around the world that’s also delightfully affordable.

3. Cambridge Brew House: for a couple beers and yummy pub food enjoyed in the company of the pooch, head over to the Cambridge Brew House. The food’s great, the prices are fair and since the Brew House is one of the few truly dog-friendly eateries in town, the pupper will enjoy the stay as much as you. Want more where that came from? Here's 10 dog friendly pubs in Cambridge.

Ready to get rowing, learning, strolling, gin mixing and more yourself? Fabulous, then take a look right here to browse all our currently available sits in Cambridge and you’re almost good to go! And should you still have questions regarding Cambridge or pet sitting trips with TrustedHousesitters in general, feel free to ask in our friendly Community Forum. The other members there will surely love to provide you with some cool and/or helpful insider tips!

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