Trip to Cambridge (Discover the UK) - Saturday 18th July 2026

Looking for the perfect day trip? Join us in beautiful Cambridge for punting, history, and plenty of time to explore!  

About Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the UK’s most historic university towns, with roots going back over 800 years. The city is compact and easy to explore, with a mix of medieval lanes, green open spaces, and striking college buildings. It’s also a lively cultural centre, home to museums, galleries, and independent shops.  

What to expect on the day:

Punting on the River Cam

Enjoy a guided punting tour along the River Cam, where your guide will steer you through the water on traditional flat-bottomed boats using a long pole. This relaxed boat ride will take you past some of the most famous colleges, bridges, and green spaces in Cambridge. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a different angle and enjoy the scenic beauty of the River Cam.

Visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a chance to dive into a mix of history, art, and culture. With everything from ancient Greek sculptures to modern art, it’s a great spot to explore something new or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re into art, history, or just looking for a cool place to wander, this museum has something for everyone.

Free time to explore

With some free time, you can dive into the heart of Cambridge. Walk through the historic streets, pop into quirky shops, or grab a bite at one of the local cafes. Whether you want to learn more about the university or just soak in the atmosphere, it’s a chance to experience the city at your own pace.

Itinerary

Saturday 18th July 2026

08:00 am Meet at Student Centre UCL, outside the building
10:30 am Arrive in Cambridge  
10:40 am Visit Fitzwilliam Museum
12:00 pm Guided Punting on River Cam
12:45 pm Punting ends  
Free time to explore Cambridge’s iconic landmarks, historic colleges, riverside views and charming market squares
5:45 pm Meet for departure in Cambridge, outside Fitzwilliam Museum
8:00 pm Estimated arrival to Student Centre UCL

About the Discover the UK Visits programme

The Students’ Union’s Discover the UK visits programme has been designed to provide you with easy and low-cost opportunities to explore the UK. Our ambition is to enable you to see the best of British heritage and culture, whilst providing you with the opportunity to make new friends, helping you to create lasting memories during your time at UCL.

“I love the uncomfortable tour and found it really insightful. Also thank you for letting us take the UCL teddy bear for this adventure day out!” - student who attended the Oxford trip 

"I was alone on this trip but everyone made me feel welcome and I had a great time!" - student who attended the Bath trip

"All pre-planned visiting spots were amazing and having the free time to explore the town was excellent." - student who attended the Cambridge trip 

FAQ

What is included in my ticket?

• Private UCL coach travel to and from Cambridge 
• Private 45 minute guided punting tour at River Cam

How long will we be in Cambridge for? 10:30 am - 06:00 pm.

Where is the departure and when should I arrive at the departure point? In the morning, we will meet at 8:00 am outside the UCL Student Centre. In the evening, we will meet at 05:45 pm outside the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge to depart for London. 

What should I bring along on the trip? As the weather in the UK can be unpredictable, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing in case of rainy and cold weather, or very hot weather. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as you'll be walking and exploring throughout the day. Food is not provided on the trips, however, you are more than welcome to bring along packed lunches or to purchase refreshments at your destination. You're allowed to bring food and drinks on the coach, but glass bottles and alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Are tickets refundable or transferable? No. 

Please note that money cannot be refunded or transferred if you do not show up on the day of the trip or are late and miss the coach.  

The Union and staff cannot be held responsible for any damage, loss or injury sustained by participants on Discover the UK trips.  

Please note that by signing up for this trip, you are agreeing to follow the code of conduct and are aware of the bullying and harassment policy. 

Student Participation Fund 
If you’re interested in joining the day trip but need some financial assistance, the Participation Fund might be able to help. You can apply for support three weeks before the trip date through this contact form. Please let us know as soon as possible if you apply so we can put a ticket on hold for you.