St Andrew the Great Church

St Andrew the Great Church sits on St Andrew's Street in Cambridge, a Grade I listed medieval building that most visitors walking past actually miss entirely. The church dates back to the 14th century, though it's been substantially rebuilt and restored over the centuries - the tower is particularly impressive from street level, and the interior, if you manage to find it open, contains some genuinely interesting monuments and woodwork.

The reality: it's not a major draw on its own. You won't spend more than half an hour inside, and the opening hours seem somewhat erratic. But if you're already in Cambridge exploring the colleges and the Backs - and you absolutely should be - ducking into St Andrew the Great takes minimal effort and gives you a proper sense of how Cambridge layers medieval history under its more famous university architecture.

Families with young kids might find it a bit dull unless they're interested in old churches specifically. Walkers and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate it far more. The church is free to enter when it's open, though donations are welcome.

Its real value comes as part of a broader Cambridge exploration. You're less than a mile from the Backs and King's College Chapel, so combine it with a wander through the colleges and a punt on the river. If you're staying at one of the caravan sites nearby - Cherry Hinton or the Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both within easy cycling distance - St Andrew the Great slots perfectly into a day wandering central Cambridge without feeling like a separate trip.