2 Amazing Days in Cambridge: A Nostalgic Guide to History and Punting
Attending Mehran’s Convocation
If you are looking for the perfect escape from the energetic pulse of London, Cambridge is the ultimate destination. In July 2017, we traveled to England to attend Mehran’s MPhil convocation. While London was incredible, Cambridge offered a scholarly charm and a quiet atmosphere that truly captured our hearts.
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Arriving in Cambridge
- Via Train or Coach: Cambridge is a short trip from London, with direct trains from King’s Cross or Liverpool Street taking under an hour. Frequent coach services are also available. Plan and book your journey via busbud here.
- Via Flight: By Flight The most convenient airport is London Stansted (STN), offering direct links to the city. Luton (LTN) and Heathrow (LHR) are also viable nearby options. Search for the best fares to these hubs here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your Cambridge Trip
- Best Hotels in Cambridge: For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay, book your hotel here.
- Stay Connected with a Travel SIM: Our top eSIM recommendations:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: Nostalgia and the River Cam
We arrived in Cambridge via train from London. After experiencing the crowded nature of the city of London for six days, Cambridge was the perfect place to end our trip. The two days at Cambridge were dedicated to Mehran’s nostalgia. He did his MPhil from Cambridge University and we went there to attend his convocation.
Once we had checked in and left our luggage at the hotel, we went on a walking tour of Cambridge city. Mehran took us to his hangout spots and showed his college.
On the way, we decided to do a punting tour as well. The tour was one hour long and our guide took us through River Cam while showing us different Cambridge colleges and giving history lessons on different colleges and bridges. The experience was romantic and historically enriching for both of us.
⚡ Pro Tip: Book Online for Big Savings!. Punting in Cambridge is very popular and prices are significantly higher if you buy from touts on the street. Use the widget below to book your tickets in advance.
Day 2: Convocation Day
The last day of our England trip was the convocation day. It felt as if the whole city was celebrating its graduates. Some roads were closed due to the convocation. We spent the whole day immersing ourselves in the experience of the convocation and the scholarly atmosphere of the city.
On the evening of the last day, we packed our bags and headed back to Heathrow to take our flight home. Using public transport was straightforward for our return journey.
Halal Food in Cambridge
🍴 Zi’s Piri Piri
- 🥘Cuisine: Piri Piri Chicken & Pizza
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal
- 🌐 Website: zispiripiri.co.uk
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: £10 – £25 per person
We ordered takeaway from Zis Piri Piri while we were in Cambridge and loved it so much that we visited in person to enjoy more the next day. The menu is 100% halal. We ordered their Piri Piri Chicken Rice and Mexican Meat Lovers Pizza. Their food looked mouthwatering and tasted perfectly delicious. The food we had there is something we remember even today. If you are in Cambridge, definitely go and have some food at Zis Piri Piri.
Final Remarks
Our trip to Cambridge was short but absolutely worth it. The quiet environment really resonated with us, and the punting and convocation were both awesome highlights. We also loved how easily available Halal food was throughout the city, making our time there even more memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge easy to visit from London?
Yes, you can easily take a direct train from London stations like King’s Cross or Liverpool Street. The journey typically takes about an hour.
Is Halal food readily available in Cambridge?
Absolutely. There are many Halal options throughout the city, with Zis Piri Piri being a standout choice that we highly recommend.
What should I see in Cambridge if I only have two days?
Focus on a walking tour of the colleges, a punting tour on the River Cam, and enjoying the local food scene.
