What has Cambridge got to offer me?

So many good suggestions already - there is also a botanical garden opposite the Fitzwilliam - not the best season perhaps, but worth a visit in any season. Go to the Round Church too and ask them to put on the history of Cambridge video for you, and of course, do visit a few of the colleges. If you decide to go on a punt, make sure your organise a group and be prepared to haggle - I always do and get the rate down a lot. Enjoy- I love Cambridge. If you have time, how about a visit to Ely Cathedral too?

Evensong in Kings College chapel is an uplifting experience even if you're
not a Christian.
You could walk to Granchester -and have tea!
Don't forget to take your bike -or borrow one.-preferred mode of transport.
Lived in Cambridge for 2 years in early 60s. Even rode my bike to antenatal check-up two weeks before DD2 was born.

It's a good place for people watching as well - lots of tourists obviously but it can get very busy and November could be a bit Christmas shoppingy which wouldn't sit well with your retreat. It's kind of fun trying to work out who is a student or don or whatever and who is merely trying to look like that. And watch out for the cyclists - one false move and you'll be knocked over! Lively though.

Kings College chapel is beautiful.

What I loved most about the Fitzwilliam Museum was the collection of illuminated manuscripts. As I used to go to Cambridge often when I live in East Anglia I would park the car close by so that I had a good excuse to go in for a quick visit. There was also a collection of miniature carriage clocks which I must confess I coveted. Apart from that it's a lovely town to wander round and enjoy the architecture. The botanic garden is good too, but perhaps better in the spring and summer.

I think you need more than one week.

If you love history, music, architecture Daman you will love Cambridge.Warning though- definitely nippy in November, take your thermals!Just had a thought-how far is Kings Lynn from Cambridge? you could meet the Grans

The colleges, although access will be restricted as term time, Fitzwilliam museum, walking by the Cam, walking tours. The centre is just a nice place to wander around or find a pleasant spot to watch the world go by. Wimpole Hall (National Trust), Ely and, of course, Newmarket and the National Stud museum and iin easy reach.

Isn't it quite close to Newmarket ; but no racing there in November .

I have only once visited Cambridge, but I spent my time walking around looking up and ended with a crick in my neck, enjoy your retreat