Things to do in Saffron Walden

2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has 31 colleges, almost blending into the city of Cambridge. Newton, Darwin, and Hawking once studied here, with over a hundred Nobel laureates associated with the university. Xu Zhimo attended a study tour at King's College in his early years, and his poem "Saying goodbye to Cambridge again" made the city memorable for many Chinese readers. In his later years, Jin Yong also returned here to pursue his doctoral degree. The colleges were built in different periods, each with its own architectural style, but most retain their medieval charm. The porches and walls of the school buildings are still adorned with simple yet solemn statues and seals, making the visit truly delightful. Some of the colleges popular among travelers includeKing's College, Trinity College, St. John's College, Queen's College, Peterhouse, Christ's College, Clare College, etc. Travelers can choose several colleges of interest to visit in sequence, but they need to check their opening hours in advance. To enjoy the scenery along both banks of the River Cam, punting is a classic activity. You can find boarding spots near Silver Street or Bridge Street. The small boats pass beneath bridges like the Mathematical Bridge at Queen's College with its wooden slats and the covered Bridge of Sighs at St John's College, gliding past the back gardens of King's College, Trinity College, and St John's College. The spires of King's College Chapel and the lawns reflect on the river, evoking the poetic imagery of "Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again." By the riverside in King's College's back garden stands a stone tablet inscribed with Xu Zhimo's verses. You can either try punting yourself or board a boat guided by a punter who will share stories about the architecture and bridges along the way.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Cambridge

Cambridge Punting

Coming to the historic Cambridge, Cambridge punting is a classic way to explore the city from the water. For most travelers, visiting Cambridge is a rare experience, and it would be a pity not to personally try Cambridge punting, a classic local tour activity. During the cruise, guests can enjoy about three-quarters of the River Cam's scenery, experiencing a complete journey through history, culture, and nature. The cruise passes by seven colleges, the Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and the iconic buildings of Cambridge University—King's CollegeThe church. The cruise usually accommodates 6 travelers per boat, but can be adjusted to a larger boat for a group size of 12 upon request. Each boat is staffed with an experienced local guide. The delightful scenery along the way, combined with the professional guide's narration, will make the travelers' Cambridge trip an unforgettable experience.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Cambridge

King's College Chapel

King's College ChapelKing's College Chapel is a religious building at the University of Cambridge's King's College and a prominent example of Cambridge architecture as well as a significant late medieval English architectural masterpiece. This chapel served not only as a mass chapel for the college's founder but also stands as a monument of the church, opposing the Lollards and other heretics of that time. It represents the pinnacle of English Perpendicular Gothic style, with influence extending far beyond Cambridge, being the last great ecclesiastical building constructed under royal patronage before the Reformation.King's College ChapelA landmark building of Cambridge University and a cultural heritage that local residents take pride in, it attracts countless visitors to admire its unique architectural style and profound cultural significance.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Cambridge

Trinity College

Trinity College is located on Trinity Street in the center of Cambridge, United Kingdom, and is one of the larger colleges of the University of Cambridge. The complex consists of multiple courtyards, a chapel, a dining hall, a library, and teaching and living facilities. Classical stone buildings and green courtyards are intertwined, presenting the typical style of a British university college. The Great Court is a representative space, with historical buildings and a clock tower distributed around it. The college chapel is famous for its exquisite interior decoration and choral tradition. The Wren Library is an important building, housing precious manuscripts, early printed books, and historical documents. It is located near the River Cam, and the riverside green space at the back is suitable for enjoying the campus architecture and natural scenery. It is not only an academic institution for teaching and research but also a representative cultural and architectural attraction in Cambridge.

IWM Duxford

The Imperial War Museum, located in Cambridge, is a museum dedicated to military history and the impact of war. Through rich exhibits and interactive displays, the museum provides visitors with a deep understanding of the profound impact of war on society, culture, and personal life. The museum houses a large collection of precious historical artifacts, including military equipment, personal belongings, artwork, and film, covering a wide range of historical periods from the First World War to modern conflicts. The museum's exhibitions are designed to provide an immersive experience, helping visitors to more intuitively understand the complexity of war and human resilience. Through multimedia displays and interactive activities, visitors can explore personal stories and collective memories of war and experience the realities of historical events. In addition, the Imperial War Museum hosts special lectures, educational programs, and temporary exhibitions to promote public understanding and reflection on history. Whether you are a history enthusiast, student, or ordinary tourist, this museum provides an opportunity to delve into the history of war and its impact. The Imperial War Museum is not only a place to showcase history, but also a cultural platform that inspires thinking and discussion.

Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End House and Gardens is the place to discover how grand country houses operated in Britain. You can visit the magnificent hall, state rooms and intimate private apartments, all decorated with exquisite furniture and artworks. In the 1830s nursery, children would enjoy trying on costumes and playing with replica antique toys. The coal exhibition upstairs showcases how servants supplied the house with coal and hot water. The service wing offers a glimpse into the "downstairs" life of the 1880s. Once the domain of Mrs. Avis Crocombe, a Victorian-era cook (and 21st-century YouTube star!), this wing is filled with Victorian-era furnishings and features lifelike visual and auditory installations. Don't miss the magnificent horses living in the grand stables at the estate. The grounds of Audley End were designed by the renowned architect Capability Brown, offering acres of beautiful and award-winning parkland to explore.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is located on Trumpington Street in the center of Cambridge, United Kingdom, and is an important part of the University of Cambridge's museum system, as well as one of the area's main art and cultural venues. The building features an imposing exterior, characterized by a classical stone facade, a grand entrance, and well-structured exhibition spaces. The collection includes over 500,000 items, ranging from ancient artifacts, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, furniture, jewelry, coins, and manuscripts to rare printed books. Spanning from ancient times to the modern era, the collection encompasses art and culture from Europe, Asia, Egypt, and other regions. The museum features galleries dedicated to ancient Egypt, ancient Greek and Roman art, European paintings, Asian art, and decorative arts, with exhibits including paintings by Monet, Renaissance artworks, and ancient sarcophagi. It also hosts special exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about different civilizations and art forms.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The British Museum

The British Museum's collection spans artifacts from civilizations across the world, with a total of approx. 8 million items, covering regions including ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. The museum has approx. 60 permanent galleries, and the items on display represent only a very small fraction of the total collection, with its ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, and Asian collections being particularly renowned. The south facade of the main building features an Ionic colonnade, and the main entrance is topped by a sculpted pediment. Entering through the main entrance leads into the Great Court, a public space designed by Norman Foster with a white color scheme, where the massive semi-transparent glass roof ensures ample natural light even on London's overcast days. The Great Court was originally part of the British Library; after the library relocated, it was converted into a covered plaza, and the court displays authentic sculptures including a stone statue from Easter Island. The Rosetta Stone bears a decree of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh inscribed in three scripts, serving as the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization and ranking among the museum's most notable exhibits. The Elgin Marbles are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, dating back over two thousand years, and are now displayed in Room 18. The Portland Vase is renowned for its dark blue glass and white cameo relief decoration, displayed in Room 70. The Tang dynasty copy of Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies survives with nine scenes and holds significant artistic and historical value, though it is not on permanent display. The Chinese collection is concentrated in Rooms 33, 33b, and 95, arranged chronologically by dynasty with artifacts ranging from Shang and Zhou bronzes to Ming and Qing porcelain, among which the Song dynasty Cizhou ware "circus pillow" and the Yuan dynasty blue-and-white dish with fish and aquatic plant design are particularly worth a closer look. The ancient Egyptian galleries are famous for their mummy exhibits and are among the most visited areas in the museum.

Duxford Airfield

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

London Eye

Take a ride on the incredible 135-metre London Eye and enjoy a panoramic view of London's stunning skyline, packed with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and more. Ride during the day, at night, at sunset, or at dusk—which will you choose? The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned, fully enclosed cabins, each of which can accommodate approximately 25 people. It takes about half an hour to complete a full rotation. The cabins are equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which play when they rotate to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive information panels are also available.