One of Cambridge’s top attractions, the University Museum of Zoology showcases thousands of specimens from across the animal kingdom — from elephants, giant sloths, and giraffes to birds, reptiles, and insects. Part of the University’s Department of Zoology, the museum welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year with free admission.

Its collection — among the finest in the world — includes treasures once studied by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. Around two million specimens are held in total, with rotating exhibitions and rare displays, such as the skeleton of the extinct dodo.

Founded in 1728, this is Cambridge’s oldest museum and a true British national treasure. It houses over two million geological specimens, guiding visitors through 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history — from the planet’s formation to the evolution of life.

The museum features the Woodwardian Collection of 10,000 rocks and fossils, plus more than a million palaeontology specimens. It’s both an academic hub for researchers worldwide and an inspiring experience for the public.

Established in 1884, this museum reflects humanity’s shared history through artefacts, art, and archaeological finds. Early collections came from fieldwork by Cambridge scholars and donations from alumni. Today, many exhibits are co-created with local communities, showcasing how cultures wish to represent themselves.

Its growing collection of contemporary and Indigenous art highlights voices often under-represented in British institutions, offering visitors a profound dialogue between past and present.

Founded in 1816 by Richard Fitzwilliam, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, the Fitzwilliam Museum is Cambridge’s most famous art institution. Built in a Neoclassical style, it now houses more than double its original size.

Its world-class collections range from ancient antiquities to Renaissance and modern art. In 1976, the Hamilton Kerr Institute was established here, specialising in art conservation and postgraduate training — making the Fitzwilliam a centre of excellence for both art and science.

The legendary “Flower of Kent” apple tree outside Trinity College is a direct descendant of the one at Newton’s family home, Woolsthorpe Manor, where he first conceived the law of gravity.

Planted in 1954 to honour his connection with Cambridge, this tree symbolises one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history — born from quiet observation beneath its branches.

Dating to 1667, the Eagle is Cambridge’s second-oldest pub and steeped in history. During World War II, Allied airmen etched their names and squadron numbers onto the ceiling of what’s now the “RAF Bar.”

In 1953, scientists Francis Crick and James Watson announced their discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA here — “the secret of life.” Today, visitors can still see the memorial plaques and even order a pint of “Eagle’s DNA.”

Designed by Dr John Taylor and unveiled in 2008, the Corpus Clock outside Corpus Christi College is one of Cambridge’s most striking modern landmarks.

Its centrepiece, the Chronophage or “time-eater,” is a giant mechanical insect that “devours” each passing minute — a brilliant fusion of art and engineering.

The clock face displays time through glowing blue LED ripples instead of hands, symbolising the constant, unstoppable flow of time.

Founded in 1347 by Marie de St Pol, Countess of Pembroke, this is Cambridge’s third-oldest college. A blend of medieval courtyards and peaceful gardens, Pembroke is renowned for its strong academic mentoring and welcoming community.

Its chapel, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1665, was his first completed building and one of England’s earliest classical-style churches. Inside, elegant plaster ceilings and a restored Baroque organ create an atmosphere of serenity and grandeur.

Standing at the heart of Cambridge, Great St Mary’s serves as both the University Church and a parish church. It has long played a central role in academic life — even inspiring the famous Westminster chimes of Big Ben.

Climb its tower for panoramic views of the colleges, or step inside to hear the university organ and attend one of its frequent concerts or debates.

Completed in 1730 and designed by James Gibbs, the Senate House hosts the University’s graduation ceremonies. Once part of the old schools complex, its grand classical design and ornate plaster ceilings symbolise Cambridge’s centuries-old academic prestige.

Officially The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this Norman-style stone church was built around 1130 and is one of only four round churches in England.

Its circular nave, zigzag arches, and carved Norman pillars make it a gem of medieval architecture — and a favourite stop on walking tours of historic Cambridge.

Founded in 1473 by Robert Woodlark, Provost of King’s College, St Catharine’s is known for its elegant three-sided court, one of only six of its kind in Oxbridge.

Though small in its early years, the college flourished in the 17th century thanks to visionary masters and donors, developing into one of Cambridge’s most architecturally distinct and academically vibrant communities.

Founded in 1348 and refounded in 1557 by Dr John Caius, the college is famed for its three symbolic gates — of Humility, Virtue, and Honour — representing the student’s journey through learning.

Now one of Cambridge’s largest colleges, Caius counts 15 Nobel laureates among its alumni, including Francis Crick (DNA), James Chadwick (neutron), and economist Joseph Stiglitz.

Other notable graduates include Stephen Hawking, philosopher Alain de Botton, and comedian Jimmy Carr.

Built in 1749 by James Essex from a design by William Etheridge, this wooden bridge uses an ingenious tangent and radial truss system to form its graceful arch from straight timbers.

Rebuilt several times (most recently in 1905 with durable teak), it remains a symbol of Cambridge’s blend of engineering brilliance and aesthetic elegance.

The Market Square has been Cambridge’s bustling hub since medieval times, once serving as a port of trade for fish, salt, and wine brought by river barges.

Over the centuries, it has been a place of commerce, conversation — and even public justice. Today, it remains the vibrant heart of local life, filled with fresh produce, crafts, and the chatter of visitors and residents alike.