Delayed start while we waited for the rain to stop and when we headed out it was with raincoats and an umbrella.
We had decided to use the Park and Ride into the city as parking costs at £25+ prohibitive. We discovered later that the area round the main, Grand Parade carpark was gridlocked with queues of cars entering and leaving so a great decision. Instead we drove a couple of miles to the Park and Ride into the city and left Smart Arse in the carpark there. Did hesitate to take the bus as after all we have been avoiding close contact with people for last 18 months but most passengers on the bus were wearing masks. Lets hope the lady sitting across from Bob who was not was not wearing Covid instead !
The bus was a great decision. £3 each return and it took us right into the city and dropped us by the Grand Parade shopping centre. First shopping arcade we have been in for 18 months. From there we headed towards the River Cam as the colleges all back onto it.
map. Had hoped to pick one up from somewhere but didnt see any.. only those offered by tourist guides wanting us to pay them to guide us round. No thanks. So we are not absolutely sure where we wandered, what we saw but it was all pretty delightful. Even better when the irritating rain decided to take a break and the sky turned a pretty blue. The camera had a wonderful day. Likes nothing better than beautiful buildings and blue sky.
We headed first for Kings College Chapel. Top of the list for places to visit and we were not disappointed. Absolutely stunning. The ornately vaulted ceilings, the almost floor to wall stained glass windows exceptional. Camera nearly had a fit it was clicking so fast.
From the Chapel, down to the river with Clare College on our right (I can identify some places we saw) where we watched the punts going under the bridge. Had hoped to wall along the river but we couldnt so found our way back across near the Mathematical Bridge where we declined several offers of punting trips along the river.
buildings are marked private but it was interesting to see what we could of such a famous set of buildings.
Then lunch. The city was really busy by the this point. Full of tourists like ourselves but we did find a cafe with a free table where could have a drink and food.
We had intended to also visit the Botanic Garden but too late to do that so we headed back in the general direction of the bus though we did go round in circles a couple of times on the way.
Then back on the bus to the Park and Ride carpark where Smart Arse was waiting for us and drove us back to the campsite with the roof down and glorious sunshine on our heads. Back at the motorhome, loungers out, for five minutes only and then the peevish heavens opened up on us again.
