Mill Road Cemetery

Cambridge's main Victorian cemetery contains elaborate monuments to 19th-century academics, industrialists, and ordinary residents. The 25-acre site includes separate chapels for Anglican and Nonconformist burials, plus a substantial section for Catholic and Jewish graves from the era when Cambridge had significant religious restrictions. It ranks among Cambridge's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Entry is free and 45 minutes to 1 hour gives you a thorough visit.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour Best for: victorian funeral architecture Skip if: You find cemeteries depressing or prefer indoor attractions Cost: Free

You walk along tree-lined paths between elaborate Victorian headstones and family monuments. The two Gothic Revival chapels anchor opposite ends of the cemetery, showing the religious divisions of 19th-century Cambridge.

Accessibility: Main paths are accessible, some areas have uneven ground, no facilities on-site

Victorian funeral architecture and peaceful walking paths away from tourist crowds. That puts it near the top of any Cambridge visit, and it deserves the spot. Afternoon tends to work best here. Free entry makes the decision easy - walk in, see if it holds your attention, and leave when you have had enough.

Skip if: You find cemeteries depressing or prefer indoor attractions

• Bring a map from the entrance to locate notable graves.
• Paths can be muddy after rain, wear appropriate footwear.
• The two chapels represent Cambridge's religious divisions in the 1800s.

Insider tip: Look for the grave of Mary Paley Marshall, Cambridge's first female economics lecturer, near the eastern wall

Excellent for photography, dramatic shadows in late afternoon, Gothic Revival chapels are particularly photogenic