Things to Do at The Backs

Complete Guide to The Backs in Cambridge

About The Backs

Admission typically ranges from $5-15 USD (local currency varies by location), with discounts available for students, seniors, and children under 12. This historic site features original architecture and artifacts that demonstrate local craftsmanship and cultural traditions spanning several centuries of regional development. The building's materials and construction techniques reflect period-appropriate methods, while interior spaces preserve authentic furnishings and decorative elements that illustrate daily life during the site's most significant historical periods. Visit during weekday mornings when crowds are lighter and natural light from original windows creates optimal conditions for photography and quiet contemplation of the exhibits and architectural details.

What to See & Do

King's College Chapel from across the river

The iconic view that graces countless Cambridge postcards - the chapel's soaring Gothic architecture looks particularly striking when reflected in the Cam

Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College

This wooden footbridge has spawned countless myths about being built without nails (it wasn't), but it's genuinely elegant and worth the walk to see

Bridge of Sighs

St. John's College's covered bridge isn't actually modeled on Venice's famous version, but it's photogenic in its own right and connects the college's older and newer courts

Clare College Bridge

The oldest surviving bridge in Cambridge, with decorative stone balls along its balustrade - local legend says one has a missing segment from a mason's unpaid bill

Punting on the River Cam

drifting along the river gives you the classic Cambridge perspective that you simply can't get from land

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The riverside paths are accessible 24/7, though college grounds have varying hours - typically 9am-5pm for visitors, with some restrictions during exam periods

Tickets & Pricing

Walking along The Backs is free, though individual college visits range from £3-12. Punting costs around £25-30 per hour for self-hire or £15-20 per person for guided tours

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn for weather, though early morning or late afternoon any time of year offers the best light for photos and fewer crowds

Suggested Duration

Allow 2-3 hours for a leisurely walk and some punting, or a full day if you plan to visit college interiors as well

Getting There

The Backs sit just 5 minutes west of King's Parade. Head from Market Square toward the river, and you can't miss them. Train travelers face a 20-minute walk from Cambridge station-or grab a quick bus to the center. Skip city center parking. The limited spots fill fast, and you'll spend more time hunting than exploring. Use the Park & Ride schemes on the outskirts instead. Signs point the way once you reach the historic center. Most visitors find themselves pulled toward the river naturally anyway-the area draws you in without much effort.

Things to Do Nearby

King's College Chapel
Home to the famous Christmas Eve service and some of the finest fan vaulting in England - definitely worth going inside if you can

Trinity College
Cambridge's largest college, with an impressive Great Court and library designed by Christopher Wren - Newton and Byron were both students here

Fitzwilliam Museum
An unexpectedly top-tier collection of art and antiquities, from Egyptian sarcophagi to Impressionist paintings, and admission is free

Cambridge Market Square
The city's bustling market has been trading for over 800 years - good for everything from local produce to vintage finds

Kettle's Yard
A unique house-gallery that feels more like visiting an art-loving friend than a traditional museum, with an excellent modern art collection

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera with a decent zoom lens - you'll get better shots of the college architecture from across the river than you might from the college courtyards themselves

If you're planning to punt, book early in summer or be prepared to wait - it's popular with tourists and students alike

The path can get muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear if the weather's been wet

Consider bringing a picnic - there are plenty of pleasant spots along the river, though obviously respect the college grounds and stick to designated areas