City Centre (South) Attractions and Things to Do

Officially re-opened in 2018 by Sir David Attenborough, the museum houses an extensive collection of scientifically important zoological material designated as being of outstanding national and international significance by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

The Fitzwilliam Museum has been described as 'one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance'. Collections include the Ancient World, Applied Arts (including pottery, porcelain, glass, textiles, furniture, clocks and watches), Paintings, Manuscripts, Books and Coins.

Pembroke College, founded in 1347 by Marie de St Pol, Countess of Pembroke, is proud of its traditions. The third oldest of the Cambridge colleges, it was the first to have its own Chapel, and in the stained glass windows there and in the recently renovated Library is evidence of the way they make light of that history.

The Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute holds a unique collection of artefacts, journals, paintings, photographs, clothing equipment, maps and other materials illustrating polar exploration, history and science.

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge has one of the most important collections of its kind in the UK. Originally founded in 1884, it has been in its present location on Downing Street since 1913.

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is the oldest of the University of Cambridge museums, having been established in 1728 as the Woodwardian Museum. Since then the collection has grown from about 10,000 fossils, minerals and rocks, to at least 2 million.

Peterhouse is the oldest of the Cambridge colleges, founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely in 1284 and granted its charter by King Edward I. It remains the smallest college within the University in terms of number of Fellows and students.

The Whipple Museum holds an internationally important collection of scientific instruments and models, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum's collection includes scientific instruments, apparatus, models, pictures, prints, photographs, books and other material related to the history of science.

St Botolph's is the parish church of an ancient parish, which extends from the centre of Cambridge to the suburb of Newnham. They are a traditional Anglican church and use the Book of Common Prayer for most services.

Downing is a College of the University of Cambridge which was founded in 1800 through a bequest made by Sir George Downing. The College’s beautiful neo-classical buildings are set in spacious and peaceful gardens in the centre of Cambridge, close to many university departments.

Parker's Piece is one of the best known open spaces in Cambridge. Located in the centre of the city it is bordered by Park Terrace, Regent Terrace, Parkside and Gonville Place. Its origin is derived from an Edward Parker, a cook, who held the original lease to the land, which at the time was used as grazing land.