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Cambridge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. It is just 50 miles from London, and is easily accessible by road, rail or air. The city offers a wide range of holiday accommodation for all pockets, and welcomes over four million visitors every year. If you're planning a trip to Cambridge, here are some sights and activities you won't want to miss. One classic pastime in Cambridge punting; Travelling through the city by boat, past the famous 'Backs' of the colleges and beyond, along the placid River Cam. Unlike ordinary boats, punts are long, flat craft, pushed along by a pole (much like the Italian gondola). There are many opportunities for punting in Cambridge, whether you'd like to try it yourself or take one of the many chauffeured punt tours on offer. On a warm summer evening, there are few better things to do than take a punt trip along the river. A number of companies offer punts for hire and tours - The Mill Pond, near the centre of the city, is the best place to go. Cambridge is famous worldwide as a university town. The first college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284, with many more opening in the 1300s and 1400s (including King's Hall, Michaelhouse and Corpus Christi College). The college buildings dominate the city, none more so than the beautiful architecture of King's College (which plays host to the world-renowned annual 'Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' Christmas service, broadcast around the world). It's impossible to visit Cambridge without seeing the many colleges as you explore the city, but if you'd like to know more then many colleges offer guided tours (often conducted by students themselves). These tours give you the chance to see inside the colleges, find out more about their history and hear some fascinating stories. With its rich history of academia, it's no surprise that Cambridge offers a wide range of museums. Whatever your interest, there's bound to be something to capture your imagination. The Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street has everything from coins and medals to Renaissance manuscripts, plus new exhibitions opening all the time. If you're looking for something closer to home, the Cambridge & County Folk Museum on Castle Street has collections including clocks and antique vacuum cleaners! The museum also offers regular activities for children. One of the most diverse and fascinating areas of Cambridge is Mill Road. Here, you can relax with a coffee, try food from around the world and even pick up some antiques. Mill Road boasts a huge range of shops including international supermarkets (Chinese, Korean and more), second-hand bookshops, an Italian delicatessen and restaurants offering everything from Korean to Mediterranean cuisine. If you're visiting in December, the Mill Road Winter Fair is an event not to miss; On the first Saturday of the month, the street is taken over by stalls, a food market, live music, performers and even a Chinese dragon!
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