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A mini guide to
Museums, Botanic Garden and the South: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check museum sites
The University museums have their own websites. Check each for opening times and any booking before you travel.
Walk to Grantchester
Grantchester Meadows run along the west bank of the Cam between Newnham Croft and Grantchester village, about three kilometres south of the centre.
Combine the Downing Street museums
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Sedgwick Museum and the Museum of Zoology are within a few minutes of one another off Downing Street.
Allow time for the Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden lies between Trumpington Road, Bateman Street and Hills Road. Check its website for opening times and ticket details.
Look for Hobson's Conduit
The hexagonal monument on Lensfield Road marks Hobson's Conduit, a channel built from 1610 to 1614 to bring fresh water into the city.
Events
Cambridge event seasons
Dates come from the organisers: confirm on their sites before booking.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
3.00pm on Thursday 24 December 2026
King's College says tickets for the service in King's College Chapel are allocated by an annual online ballot that closes at 5.00pm on Friday 13 November 2026. There is no public queue.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Museums, Botanic Garden and the South?
Museums, Botanic Garden and the South is in Cambridge, England. The Fitzwilliam, the Downing Street museums, the Botanic Garden and the meadows towards Grantchester. Nearby stops and stations include Cambridge station, Trumpington Park & Ride, On foot.
How long do I need in Museums, Botanic Garden and the South?
Half a day, plus half a day for Grantchester. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Fitzwilliam Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Cambridge station (Great Northern, Greater Anglia, CrossCountry and other operators); Trumpington Park & Ride (Stagecoach East); On foot (Along the Cam). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 23 places to eat and drink in and around Museums, Botanic Garden and the South, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Museums, Botanic Garden and the South accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Museums, Botanic Garden and the South
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
University museum of archaeology and ethnography on the Downing Site, with its public entrance on Downing Street.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Geology museum on the Downing Site; the oldest of the eight University of Cambridge Museums.
Museum of Zoology
University zoology museum in the David Attenborough Building on the New Museums Site.
Cambridge
More areas to explore
Mill Road and the East
Independent shops and restaurants on Mill Road, with the commons and the river to the north-east
Open the mini guide →
Colleges and the Backs
King's, Trinity, St John's and Queens' beside the River Cam, with the Backs, Magdalene Street and Castle Hill
Open the mini guide →
King's Parade and Market Square
King's Parade, Market Square and Trinity Street in the historic heart of the city
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Grantchester: David Purchase, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences: Ruth Sharville, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Museum of Zoology: Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Mill Road and the East: John Sutton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Colleges and the Backs: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- King's Parade and Market Square: John Sutton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cambridge