Cambridge in Six Hours

By Joe Rodriguez

After months of being cloistered inside my apartment, I finally ventured out to Cambridge. It was my first time visiting the ancient town known for its prestigious university. My journey began at 0900. I took the Great Northern to Cambridge Railway Station from King’s Cross.

Upon arriving in Cambridge, I immediately set out for Great St. Mary’s, The University Church, where my tour guide and group were waiting for me. Our tour guide presented us with a highlights tour of Cambridge. She even pointed out one infamous legend about a group of students from Caius College who disassembled an Austin Seven to get it up to the roof of the Senate House as a prank in 1958.

After the tour, I strolled to King’s College. The Chapel was open for tourists and included an exhibition of the history of the College. You can also marvel at what’s apparently the largest fan vaulted ceiling in the world. I was then able to walk down to the river from the Chapel where you can spot people punting and take lots of charming photos from King’s College Bridge.

I went to the second oldest pub in Cambridge, The Eagle, for lunch. It’s famous for the announcement of the discovery of DNA in 1953 by Francis Crick. Also, it was the place where service members from the Royal Air Force and other allied services inscribed their names and squadron numbers on the ceiling at the back of the bar during World War Two.

Visiting Cambridge could have easily been a long weekend trip, but I only had six hours. Before returning to London, I rushed back to Great St. Mary’s, The University Church, where my visit began. I climbed the 123 steps of the tower for a panoramic view of the town from above.