Cambridge is a charming and quintessentially British city, just 50 miles north of London. It is an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend away, with plenty to keep you entertained. The best of the city's activities include visiting the colleges of the world-renowned University of Cambridge and taking a leisurely punt ride along the River Cam. To help you make the most of a visit, here are five tips to keep in mind.

Bring some comfortable shoes

One of the best things about this city is that everything is so close together; there's no need for long bus journeys or expensive taxi rides to experience all that the city has to offer. This does mean, however, that there will be a lot of walking. There's nothing worse than having sore, blistered feet after a busy day of sightseeing, especially when it can be avoided so easily by comfortable footwear.

Make sure you have your camera with you

Cambridge is one of the most picture-perfect cities I have ever visited. Round every corner there will be another magnificent college building, gorgeous cobbled street or idyllic view of the river. You will certainly regret it if you do not have your camera to hand at all times, as you never know when you might spot another beautiful scene to capture.

Check the opening times

In a world of twenty-four hour amenities and seven day a week openings, it might surprise you to find some of Cambridge's attractions are closed at certain times. A lot of the museums do not open at all on Sundays and Monday or only open during the morning on certain days of the week, so make sure you double check the opening times of your must-see list before you arrive. On top of this many of the colleges are closed for months at a time during the exam period, so do your homework to avoid disappointment.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

With plenty of college gardens to explore and punting rides on the river to be enjoyed, Cambridge is perfect for a warm, summers days. Unfortunately when the typical British weather kicks in, a lot of the city's charm can be missed if you're stuck peering out from under an umbrella. With the array of free museums across the city, it's still a great place to visit on a rainy day, but if you've got the choice it's better saved for a sunny day.

Do not be afraid to haggle for punting

You might think that haggling is reserved exclusively for bustling marketplaces and trips to Asia, but there's a place for it in Cambridge too! With the large number of punting companies operating in the city, each is vying for their own share of the tourists, and they're often more than happy to knock a few pounds off the asking price to make sure your money ends up in their pocket. If they don't offer a discounted rate, be sure to ask for one!

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