Looking for a great side trip from London? Cambridge is an island of higher education 50 miles northeast of London with a distinctive persona. Known more recently as a location for Harry Potter filming, Cambridge was selected for its unique style of English architecture. While they would never let met attend, I was lucky enough to capture bit of its flavor and an appreciation for Cambridge that goes beyond the Harry Potter mystique.
As an American, our history juts back am mere 200 years but stepping onto the campus of the 811-year-old Cambridge provided me a newfound perspective. It was surreal to realize the footsteps of Isaac Newton were all around me. No longer were his findings merely pages in a book, but here is where his laws of gravity were derived, albeit I didn’t see the apple tree (although there is one). The fundamentals of his laws of motion and gravity literally affect all of us daily. Cambridge has been ranked as the second to seventh best university in the world, depending on who is doing the critiquing.
Initial Meeting
A very good friend that attended Cambridge for his undergraduate and veterinary education who now lives about 45 minutes away from Cambridge was my guide. It was a treat for me to visit Cambridge with someone who has lived the experience, so I could have a glimpse through his eyes.
I have actually visited Cambridge twice, but the first time was such a whirlwind event where most of what I saw was from the passenger seat of a car. I don’t have any photos of the occasion as evening was setting coupled with my film camera being ill prepared for the low light. However, the mental images of Cambridge were seared into my memory.
The main souvenirs I picked up during this trip were a Cambridge bear to bring home to my daughter and a King’s College purple and white scarf. The scarf is one of my favorite mementos as it brings back fond memories of the initial trip and my alma mater is Kansas State University, whose colors are also purple and white.
Second Meeting
The second coming of Cambridge for me was 7 years ago when, on an unusual Saturday, I had much more time to see the sights and was toting a digital camera to record them. The day was unusual due to the weather over lunch where we saw rain, hail/sleet, and beautiful sunshine all within the span of an hour.
Colleges
While Cambridge University is made up of 31 semi-autonomous colleges some of the most prominent, if not earliest, are King’s College est. 1441, Trinity College est. 1545, Queen’s College est. 1448.
King’s College
King’s College was founded by King Henry VI but due to the War of the Roses a lack of funds seriously hampered its construction. Finally, finished by King Henry VIII, the college is noted for its Gothic English architecture. The chapel is probably with most prominent building in the college, ornate with stain glass windows and wooden chancel screen.
A famous alumnus of King’s college is Francis Crick. I was pointed to the building and lab area where Watson and Crick published their paper the DNA double helix structure. Watson, the American of the duo, is still alive at 92 living in the Chicago area. I spent many nights at KSU learning about DNA and RNA, as a veterinary student, so seeing the lab brought a smile to my inner science nerd.
Trinity College
Trinity College is likely the best known and has the most endowments. Trinity College can boast alumni with:
- 34 Nobel prizes
- 6 prime ministers,
- Physicists: Isaac Newton, James Maxwell, Neils Bohr, etc.
- Poets: Lord Byron and Lord Tennyson
- Royals: Prince William and Prince Charles
Self timer too quick for me. 
My understanding is that under the Quad of Trinity is also one of the best wine collections (over 25,000 bottles) valued at 1.7 million pounds. It is not an investment but is solely used for the college entertainment and at formal events students and faculty enjoy the high-end stock.
Queen’s College
Queen’s college spans the mathematical bridge over the Cam river. The mathematical bridge was purported to be built by Newton without nuts and bolts but both are just a myth. Queen’s college is one of the largest colleges and its buildings are both medieval and modern.
Mathematical Bridge
Side trips
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs spans the river Cam from St. John’s College. The name of the bridge was taken from the similarly named bridge in Venice although they don’t actually resemble each other. Queen Victoria thought it was the nicest place at Cambridge and is a favorite for tourists.
Punting the Cam
One of the things that most students do when the weather permits is taking a small flat boat out on the Cam River and pole up and down the river. I am not sure where the term “punting” came from but on a pretty day it is a lot of fun. Classes had just ended the day I was there and many students where enjoying some Cave sparkling wine and then trying their luck punting. The first time you stand up on the back of the boat you should be a bit careful. I didn’t fall in but a colleague was almost a bit too wobbly for his own good! While I did have my sports jacket cleaned, it was the unfortunate recipient of Cam water during the poling process. Like most things it looks easier than when you actually do try to do it. We had tremendous views of the rear of the colleges lining up on the Cam river.
Trinity Lane
Used for the Harry Potter movies Trinity lane used to connect Trinity street (the High Street of Cambridge) to the Cam River Wharfs. Now it no longer reaches the river and has changed little in centuries. It has the old work look that was used effectively in the making of Hogwarts.
Town and Gown
Unlike US colleges where we only wear gowns during graduation ceremonies, Cambridge students and staff can wear them daily. Most colleges have the informal meal around 5-6 pm and a formal meal around 7-8 pm. At more formal occasions students and faculty wear academic dress (gowns). Bars and nearby restaurants often can be a gown bar/restaurant or a town one. While not exactly a rule there is separation of the town and the gown.
Private Club
My UK colleague also was member of a private academic club nearby Cambridge. With the correct knock and membership card we were escorted in for a private drink. The gin and tonic cocktail was tasty and refreshing (albeit it had a cucumber slice instead of a wedge of lime as we Americans like it). We sat for a few minutes while my friend, Mark, told his stories (and maybe a couple lies) about things he did while at Cambridge. Afterwards, I heard the high street clock chime letting us know it was time to head back to the train station for our trip back to London and Kings Cross station.
Club rooms are upstairs 
Formal Dining room
I hope this post piqued your interest and not all fun in the UK is in London. Reserve some time for side trips and enjoy history away from the hustle bustle of the metropolis. Please feel free to leave any comments, corrections or additions. I appreciate your comments and feedback.
The Sane Adventurer 
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