Newnham College, Cambridge University:
Cultural Activities
3-day London stopover
Depart from the United States and arrive in London, one of the world’s most exciting capitals. Meet your AIFS representative and transfer to your accommodation. At the welcome dinner you will get the chance to meet your fellow students. The next morning, a local guide will show you the splendors of London on a guided tour. See Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. In the evening you will attend a play in London’s famous theater district. On day three, say farewell to London and transfer to Cambridge.
Accommodations, airport transfers, breakfasts, dinners, the sightseeing tour and entrance fees are all included in your program fee.
Welcome Reception in Cambridge
Get to know your fellow students and AIFS staff at a welcome reception. Make new friends and prepare for the summer ahead.
Day trip to Brighton
People have been going to Brighton to enjoy the sea air for centuries since the town was made popular in the 19th century by the infamous Prince Regent, later to become King George IV, whose glamorous residence, The Brighton Pavilion, still dominates the Old Stein area. Brighton is deservedly Britain’s number one beachside town – a fascinating mix of seaside and sophistication. Visit the beach and then stroll through the Lanes, a maze of narrow alleyways crammed with antique, jewelry and fashionable clothes shops. There is so much do to and all in the fabulous setting of a traditional British seaside resort.
Day trip to Stratford
Spend a day in Stratford-upon-Avon where you will visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. This market town which dates back to medieval times is steeped in culture and history. Students have free time for shopping and sightseeing.
Day trip to London
Spend a day in England’s capital city. Students taking Politics and Globalization classes will visit the Houses of Parliament, those studying literature will visit the Globe Theater whilst Art History students will visit a museum or gallery.
Day trip to Ely and the Norfolk Broads
Founded in 673, Ely is one of England’s finest cathedral cities. Oliver Cromwell lived here for many years and you will visit his former home, along with the magnificent cathedral which dates back to the 1300s. You’ll then tour some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside on a visit to the Norfolk Broads an area of nationally protected wetland rich with wildlife.
Punting on the River Cam
Why not try your hand at punting on the famous River Cam? A punt is a flat bottomed boat with a square end and is propelled using a long pole. It takes skill to glide smoothly along the river, but you’ll soon get the hang of it! Dating back to medieval times, punts were originally used for transport and commercial activity, but have been used as pleasure craft on the Cam for almost 100 years.
The Orchard Tea Garden
Join in the great English tradition of afternoon tea and be transported back to a bygone age in this scenic corner of England. Tea was first served in the Orchard in 1897 and many Cambridge luminaries have partaken since, including Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. Join us for tea and let the beautiful setting inspire you as it did them.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Founded in 1861, the Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the oldest and most important museums in Britain. It houses world-class collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilizations and has spectacular Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts.
Soccer Event/Tennis
Take part in one of Britain’s great pastimes! Play a friendly game of soccer—or football as the British call it—with your new friends. Teams will play a five-a-side tournament on the beautiful Newnham playing fields. You can also create your own tennis tournament on Newnham’s courts.
American Military Cemetery
The 30.5 acre American cemetery was established on 7 December 1943 and contains almost 4000 graves of American war dead. You will also see the Wall of the Missing which contains the names of over 5000 American servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, but whose remains could not be identified.
Formal Hall Dinner
Many Cambridge colleges host formal dinners for their staff and students at which all College members must wear traditional University cap and gown. We will host a formal dinner to give you a chance to dine in the splendid formal dining hall and get a taste of Cambridge student life – cap and gown not required!
Visit to King’s College Chapel
Completed in 1547, King’s College Chapel took over a century to build. It is still very much an active place of worship, but visitors come from far and wide to see the splendid architecture and stunning interior. For decades, the Nine Lessons and Carols service on Christmas Eve has been broadcast live around the world by the BBC.
University Walking Tour
Cambridge University has a fascinating history and its alumni have had a huge impact on the world. Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Rupert Brooke, Christopher Marlowe, John Harvard, Germaine Greer, Sylvia Plath and William Wordsworth are just a few of the influential figures who studied here. On this walk you will hear about their time in Cambridge and will also visit some of their haunts.
