A weekend in Cambridge
To be completely honest: although our time in Cambridge was the main reason for our trip overseas (a dear friend’s nuptials!), I didn’t have super high expectations of our time there beyond being very excited for the wedding festivities. As soon as we arrived, though, I was completely charmed by this university town on the River Cam.
Located a 45-minute train ride north of London, Cambridge is home to the second-oldest English-speaking university in the world. Founded in 1209, it’s made up of 31 individual colleges: colleges that have their own perfectly manicured English gardens, stunning chapels and dining halls that look like they popped right out of the latest Harry Potter film. The town itself basically revolves around the university (although there is a growing tech industry!), but it’s just full of these amazing old buildings and overflowing flower boxes and lots of adorable cafes and bars. If you’re in London, I think it’d be the perfect place for a day trip or quick weekend away!
Our first stop after arriving by train (because our taxi driver recommended it): The Eagle pub! Famously known as the spot where Watson and Crick announced that they had “discovered the secret of life” (aka the structure of DNA), it’s a great place to grab lunch or a beer. Whenever I’m in England, I always get fish and chips and mushy peas for my first meal–keeping the tradition strong! 
Our next stop was punting on the River Cam. You can rent a boat yourself or take a guided tour, and we were warned that punting is actually much harder than it looks (you’re pushing off from the bottom of the river with a long stick–not the same as rowing at all). We opted to go on a guided tour (with Scudamore’s), and I’m glad that we did: it was nice to relax, take in the sights and learn a bit about the town. 
After a go-go-go itinerary in Paris, David opted for a quiet Saturday morning in while I explored the colleges of Cambridge. My one tip: start early! I headed out around 9am and was able to wander around in complete peace, but by the time I headed back to meet up for lunch (around 11:30am), all of the grounds were packed with tour groups. 
There are a lot of colleges that charge entry fees, but I decided to stick to the free ones. The one thing that I wasn’t able to see because of the grounds being closed for a wedding was the Pepys Library at Magdalene College, but I did love the peek of the vibrant English gardens. 
It was especially neat to see Peterhouse College, which is where my friend’s father was a professor. I’d love to go back to see that ivy wall changing color in the fall–and the dining hall felt just like a scene out of Harry Potter. I can’t hardly imagine going to college at a place like this! I loved the American college experience and find the Chico State campus really beautiful, but it’s nothing compared to a place like this.
I think my favorite college was Pembroke, especially because of the chapel. What a gorgeous space for quiet reflection and meditation! 
This is the entrance to Kings College, which is home to the second-largest chapel in the world (right behind the Sistine!) and supposedly the most beautiful structure in Cambridge. That said, I didn’t go in because I needed to pay and I didn’t have any pounds (still not getting better at that carrying cash resolution). Next time!
The reason for the season: a wedding on the lovely grounds of Downing College (we actually got to stay AT the college, which was really cool too!). I was so excited to get to attend a proper English wedding, and this certainly didn’t disappoint. Perhaps the best part was getting an excuse to wear a fascinator: I found mine at Pippa & Pearl, and got SO many compliments on it. Honestly, I think I’ll start wearing a fascinator to all future daytime weddings, whether they’re in the UK or not! (Other outfit details: dress and shoes)
Congratulations to this beautiful bride and her fantastic husband–we hope you’re both having the best time in the Seychelles!
What’s your favorite photo of Cambridge? Have you visited before?
