London & Cambridge in 5 Days: A Cultural and Historical Journey

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by Andrew

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

London Cambridge 5 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 5-day adventure through the historical and cultural heart of England with our London and Cambridge itinerary. Begin your journey at The British Museum in London, where a full day is dedicated to exploring ancient artifacts and world history. Next, indulge in the artistic masterpieces at The National Gallery for a couple of hours. Day 2 invites you to the lush greenery of Hyde Park for a leisurely hour before diving into the wonders of the Natural History Museum for the rest of the day. The third day is a royal treat, starting with the majestic Buckingham Palace, followed by the spiritual serenity of Westminster Abbey, the iconic Big Ben, and a breathtaking view from the London Eye, each offering an hour of awe and excitement. Day 4 takes you to the divine St. Paul's Cathedral, the historic Tower of London for three hours, and a stroll across the famous Tower Bridge. Conclude your trip on Day 5 at the prestigious University of Cambridge, immersing yourself in academia before a brief visit to the picturesque Bridge of Sighs. This itinerary is designed to give you a blend of nature, art, history, and education, ensuring a memorable trip with Trip.com.

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Day 1: Diving into History and Art in London

1

The British Museum

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Kick off your London adventure with a day at The British Museum, a treasure trove of world history and culture. Nestled on Great Russell Street, this iconic institution is a must-visit for anyone keen to witness human history unfold through its remarkable collection. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, spend your day wandering through ages past, exploring artifacts from across the globe that tell the story of our shared heritage.

Attraction Info

  • Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 01/01-12/23,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/23,Fri,10:00am-8:30pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open 10:00am-8:30pm on 12/27,Fri;Open from 12/28-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Closed during Christmas Eve,Christmas

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Continue your journey through the arts with a visit to The National Gallery, located in the vibrant heart of Trafalgar Square. This art lover's paradise offers a two-hour visual feast, showcasing an impressive array of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Immerse yourself in the works of masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner, and let the beauty of these timeless pieces inspire the rest of your London exploration.

Attraction Info

  • Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 01/01-12/31,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/31,Fri,10:00am-9:00pm,Closed 24–26 December and 1 January。
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Day 2: London's Green Escape and a Journey Through Natural Wonders

1

Hyde Park

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Begin your second day with a refreshing stroll through Hyde Park, London's grandest city park. As the morning sun glistens on the Serpentine Lake, enjoy the tranquil paths and vibrant greenery that offer a peaceful retreat from the city bustle. This iconic park is not just a feast for the eyes but also a historical canvas, where speeches at Speaker's Corner echo the voices of the past.

Attraction Info

  • London, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 5:00am-11:59pm,A number of pedestrian paths around the Parade Ground are temporarily closed while Winter Wonderland is taken down, and the grass is re-turfed for the new year. Please see local signs for closure dates and times.

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2

Natural History Museum

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After embracing nature's serenity, delve into the fascinating world of the Natural History Museum. Spend your day surrounded by the marvels of our planet, from the age of dinosaurs to the wonders of the human genome. The museum's grand architecture houses a treasure trove of exhibits that will captivate your curiosity for hours. It's a place where history and science converge, offering an educational experience that's as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Attraction Info

  • Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 10:00am-5:50pm
3.7/515 Reviews
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Day 3: Royal Splendor and Iconic Landmarks

1

Buckingham Palace

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Kicking off Day 3 with regal elegance, Buckingham Palace awaits as our first stop. Spend an hour immersed in the grandeur of the official residence of the British monarch. With its stately rooms and the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, this palace is a living piece of British history nestled in the heart of London at SW1A 1AA.

Attraction Info

  • London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 07/11-08/31,9:30am-7:30pm;Open from 09/01-09/29,9:30am-6:30pm;Closed from 09/30-07/10,Opening hours may be subject to change, please refer to the official website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace#book_tickets

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2

Westminster Abbey

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A short stroll from the palace, the Gothic splendor of Westminster Abbey is our second destination. Dedicate an hour to explore this coronation church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a testament to British tradition. Located at Dean's Yard, it's not just a religious building but also a burial ground for some of the nation's greatest luminaries.

Attraction Info

  • Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 01/01-04/24,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open from 01/01-04/24,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed from 01/01-04/24,Sun;Closed all day on 04/25;Open 1:00pm-3:30pm on 05/08;Open 9:30am-12:00pm on 05/15;Open 9:30am-1:00pm on 06/18;Closed from 04/26-05/07,Sun;Open from 04/26-05/07,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open from 04/26-05/07,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed from 05/09-05/14,Sun;Open from 05/09-05/14,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 05/09-05/14,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Closed from 05/16-06/17,Sun;Open from 05/16-06/17,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 05/16-06/17,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Closed from 06/19-12/31,Sun;Open from 06/19-12/31,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 06/19-12/31,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm,As Westminster Abbey is a working church, it may sometimes be necessary to close certain areas to the public and reduce opening hours.
4 min,0.33 km
3

Big Ben

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Continuing our journey through London's historic core, Big Ben is the third landmark on today's itinerary. Set aside an hour to admire this emblematic clock tower at SW1A 0AA, which stands as a symbol of time and resilience, having survived both world wars and witnessed countless historical events.

Attraction Info

  • London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-1.5 hour
  • Open on Mon;Open on Tue-Sun,8:00am-8:00pm,Outside viewing is admitted for whole day.
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4

London Eye

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Concluding Day 3's adventures, the London Eye offers a serene escape with a 30-minute rotation to enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline. As the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, located at Riverside Building, County Hall, it provides a unique perspective of London's majestic architecture and bustling streets.

Attraction Info

  • Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Closed all day on 12/25;Open from 12/26-12/30,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Open from 01/01-01/07,Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 01/01-01/07,Wed-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 01/08-02/04;Open from 02/05-02/09,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/24-02/25,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/22,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/01-03/24,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/25-03/28,Mon-Thu,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/29-05/26,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/01-05/26,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/27-09/01,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 10/28-11/03,10:00am-8:45pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,Mon, Fri-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-5:30pm on 12/24
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Day 4: Historic Marvels of London

1

St. Paul's Cathedral

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Kicking off Day 4 with spiritual splendor, St. Paul's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and history in the heart of London. Dedicate an hour to explore this architectural masterpiece, with its iconic dome that has dominated the skyline for centuries. Inside, the awe-inspiring interior, whispering gallery, and the panoramic views of the city from the Golden Gallery await to elevate your spirit and your sightseeing experience.

Attraction Info

  • St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open on Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat,8:30am-4:30pm;Open on Wed,10:00am-4:30pm;Closed on Sun,Opening and closing times are subject to change, so it is recommended to visit the official website to check the dates you will be attending.

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2

Tower of London

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Next, step back in time with a three-hour visit to the formidable Tower of London. This historic castle on the banks of the River Thames is a treasure trove of British history. Once a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo, the Tower now houses the Crown Jewels and boasts captivating stories of intrigue, power, and betrayal. Be sure to join one of the famous Yeoman Warder tours to hear the tales that echo through the ancient stones.

Attraction Info

  • St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 01/06-02/09,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 01/06-02/09,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open 9:00am-5:30pm on 05/06;Open from 05/07-05/24,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/07-05/24,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/25-06/02,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 07/20-09/01,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm
7 min,0.56 km
3

Tower Bridge

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Conclude your day's journey with a stroll to the nearby Tower Bridge, an emblem of London's enduring legacy. Spend an hour marveling at this Victorian engineering marvel that has stood over the Thames since 1894. Don't miss the chance to walk across its high-level walkways, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and witness the magic of the bridge's famous bascules rising for river traffic.

Attraction Info

  • Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:30am-6:00pm,The scenic area is closed during Christmas from December 24 to 26 each year.
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Day 5: Academic Ambiance and Iconic Architecture

1

University of Cambridge

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Begin your final day with a visit to the prestigious University of Cambridge, a historic institution that has shaped the minds of many brilliant scholars. Nestled in the heart of the city, the university offers a day's worth of exploration through its ancient colleges, lush gardens, and inspiring architecture. As you stroll through the grounds, absorb the academic atmosphere that has fostered innovation for centuries, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of student life in this venerable seat of learning.

Attraction Info

  • The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day

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2

Bridge of Sighs

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Just a short walk from the hallowed halls of academia, find yourself at the picturesque Bridge of Sighs. Named after its Venetian counterpart, this Cambridge landmark is a must-see for its stunning architectural design and the romantic views it offers of the River Cam. A brief 15-minute stop here allows you to capture the essence of Cambridge's beauty and the perfect photo opportunity to conclude your 5-day journey through London and Cambridge.

Attraction Info

  • St John's College, St John's St, Cambridge CB2 1TP, United Kingdom
  • Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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London Cambridge 5 Days Itinerary