Little Trot

It was rainy and a little bit cold, but nevertheless an exciting day out in East Anglia. Cambridge is a breathtaking city well known because of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1209. As soon as you step your foot on to the ground of Cambridge, you are instantly surrounded by history and power of the past.

Streets of Cambridge

We started our tour in Benet’s street where we had a glance at St Benet’s church, the oldest building in Cambridge, dating back to 1025. This ancient Anglo-Saxon church has been a place of Christian worship for nearly a thousand years.

St Benet’s Church

On the way we saw this stunning £1 million, mechanical Corpus Clock, where sits a blinking and magnificent chronophage, so called ‘time eater’ in perpetual motion. I borrowed the picture from Google as this new tourist attraction is behind the glass and the picture I made is not that great.

Time Eater @ http://shenews.projo.com/2008/09/time-eater-cloc.html#.T64oDOv2aQk

The best example of medieval college court in Cambridge is Corpus Christi College. This was the moment when I fell in love with the city. The buildings are dating from 1352.

Corpus Christi College

Another college, dating back to the second half of the 14th century is Pembroke College. William Pit was a student here in 1773 and became Britain’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 25.

Pembroke College

Old Court Pembroke College

Pembroke College

Peterhouse, is the city’s oldest college

Peterhouse, Cambridge

We continued on towards Little St Mary’s Lane. Don’t miss the Church! Just inside the glass inner door is a memorial to a former vicar, the Reverend Godfrey Washington, Great Uncle of George Washington.

Little Mary’s Lane

It’s a lovely walk down Little Mary’s Lane to the river. We didn’t hire a punt, but you go for it, you can hire even a ‘chauffeur driven’ one to see the beautiful views of the famous College backyard.

River Cam

I found this (Charlie showed me) old sign in Laundress Lane, forbidding ‘horses and carriages’ along the passage way.

Old sign in Laundress Lane

A must – see old ‘mathematical bridge of Queen’s College

‘Mathematical’ bridge at Queen’s College

It’s said that Queen’s College, is one of the City’s most beautiful College and I absolutely agree with the statement. When we walked in through the massive gate I was amazed with the magnificent 15th century surroundings. It’s like going back in time!

Queen’s College

Walnut Tree Court

As we walked through these wonderfully crafted door in Walnut Tree Court, we could hear loud and powerful organ music.

College Chapel

I guessed it was a student rehearsing in his spear time.

Student rehearsing at Queen’s College Chapel

The Cloisters were built in the 1590s

The Cloisters

The Cloister Court contains a magnificent timbered President’s lodge. The lodge is the only substantial half - timber building remaining in Cambridge.

President’s Lodge

Another magnificent building, St Catherine’s College was founded in 1473 and rebuilt in 17th Century.

St Catherine’s College

Claire’s College was completed in 1719 after the fire destroyed the original building, founded in 1338.

Clare’s College

As we were approaching Trinity College, Charlie was telling a funny story about the Henry VIII statue which can be seen just above the gate. Apparently, in his hand he holds a chair leg, just because, many years ago, a bunch of students thought it will be a fun thing to do.

Trinity College and Henry VIII holding a chair leg

Trinity College is the largest in Cambridge, founded in 1546 by Henry VIII (my favourite King, before he became old, cruel and grumpy). Trinity Great Court is the largest university court in the world.

Trinity Great Court

On the right hand side, in a Gothic chapel you can find statues of many famous people including Issac Newton, a former student of the college.

Trinity Great Court

Trinity College Great Court

Trinity College

You just can’t miss these beautiful white buildings – Fitzwilliam Museum

One of the famous colleges in Cambridge King’s College is known worldwide and it is truly impressive. Unfortunately it was closed (visiting Cambridge on Sunday wasn’t the best idea), but I could definitely appreciate its spectacular facade.

King’s College

While walking around Cambridge, little things caught my eye. I really loved this funky wall…

funky wall

…and a lovely old style cake shop…

old style cake shop

…and a little detail…

lovely window detail

We finished our tour at this Norman building – The Round Church. There are only four such buildings in the country. The design is believed to reflect the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The Round Church

I really enjoyed the day out in Cambridge and I bet I missed out lot’s of little things, but these were my favourite moments.

The first time I visited Camden Town was back in 2006 when I still lived up North in the UK. When my friend took me to Camden for a little stroll, I was so amazed with the atmosphere, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this before.

Now, that I live in London, it’s one of my favourite places to go. It’s a fun, quirky and entertaining space to be in. When we feel that we are missing something in our lives, my friend and I always make our way to Camden Market and never even once we were disappointed.

Since 1974 a small market and an ideal place for craftsmen has developed into a large set of temporary stalls operating seven days a week.

You can find a variety of lovely arts and hand made treats in the indoors market. Those little soap cupcakes smelled and looked gorgeous!

We love a little vegan café near the river, although I saw them making my coffee with cows milk, so not sure how vegan the place is… but, since I am not a vegan, I am fine with it, the hazelnut cream latte was smoothly delicious.

While drinking our coffee we decided to have a little bit more fun and make our way to the trendy Cuban place. I love this bar, love the music, the ambience and their cocktails.