Museums, Parks, and Landmarks on a Road Trip from Cambridge to Harwich

Are you planning a road trip? If the answer is yes, this post is perfect for you! In this post, we will be sharing the top museums, parks, and landmarks to visit on a road trip from Cambridge, England to Harwich, England.

One interesting fact about the route is that the entire journey is 57.3 miles (92.25 km) which can be covered in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The journey takes you through some of the most picturesque towns and villages, making it a perfect opportunity to explore some of England's hidden gems.

At the halfway point in Great Leighs, Essex, you can take a break and indulge in some of the delicious traditional English food or take a walk around the village to experience the local culture.

The trip from Cambridge to Harwich is a leisurely drive that will take you approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. But given the numerous sights you'll see along the way, a stop may be necessary to fully enjoy the journey.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the top five places you should visit on your road trip and a brief description of why:

1. Fitzwilliam Museum – Located in Cambridge, this museum showcases the artistic works of different civilizations throughout history. You'll find interesting pieces such as the Horace Walpole collection, the White Hall and Renaissance sculpture. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different societies through their art artifacts and sculptures.

Point of interest recommendation: take a stroll through the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which is only a five-minute walk from the museum.

2. Audley End House & Gardens – Located in Saffron Walden, this property was once one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion, admire the immaculate gardens, and even enjoy light refreshments.

Point of interest recommendation: the town itself has a rich history, with its old winding streets and Georgian architecture appealing to architecture history buffs.

3. The Beth Chatto Gardens – Located in Colchester, These gardens are a peaceful and beautiful sight that features different plant species growing in their natural habitat. There is also a plant nursery where visitors can purchase interesting plant specimens.

Point of interest recommendation: a visit to the nearby Colchester castle, which blends both the Roman and Norman architecture and is now converted into a museum.

4. Landguard Fort – Located in Felixstowe, this fort has been guarding the entrance to the River Orwell since 1540! It's an excellent opportunity to learn about maritime history and the strategic positioning of the fort.

Point of interest recommendation: take a walk around Felixstowe town to experience the local culture and try out some of the fish and chips served there.

5. Electric Palace Cinema – Located in Harwich, this cinema has been screening movies since 1911 and is the perfect place to catch an indie film or classic movie. It's set in an Art Deco building which has been carefully renovated to maintain its retro charm.

Point of interest recommendation: take a stroll around the old town, which has several historical landmarks, including the Redoubt fort.

In conclusion, this road trip from Cambridge to Harwich offers a wide variety of sights and experiences. With an estimated total of just 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving, you can visit numerous attractions, learn about English history and culture, and grab a bite or two. Make sure to add this road trip to your bucket list and experience everything it has to offer!