Cambridge, a city that beautifully blends historic charm with modern vibrancy. Known worldwide for its prestigious university, Cambridge is a treasure trove of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
In this comprehensive travel guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this enchanting city. From accommodation and dining to sightseeing and transportation, this guide covers it all.
Cambridge, located in the heart of England, is renowned for its world-class university, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times and has been a center of education, culture, and innovation for centuries. The River Cam runs through the city, offering scenic views and the famous Cambridge punting experience.
1.Weather and Best Time to Visit
Cambridge enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is pleasant and the city is alive with events and festivals.
2. Where to Stay: Affordable and Luxurious Accommodations
Cambridge offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels and historic inns to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.
Luxury Hotels
1. The Varsity Hotel & Spa
– Location: Thompson’s Lane, Cambridge CB5 8AQ
– Overview: Overlooking the River Cam, The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers luxury rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a full-service spa.
– Rates: Rooms start at £200 per night.
– Highlights: Rooftop bar, luxury spa, proximity to key attractions.
2. Hotel du Vin & Bistro
– Location: Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1QA
– Overview: Housed in a former university building, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with luxurious amenities and a chic bistro.
– Rates: Rooms start at £180 per night.
– Highlights: Historic charm, excellent dining, central location.
Mid-Range Hotels
1. Hilton Cambridge City Centre
– Location: Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DT
– Overview: Modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Ideal for business and leisure travelers.
– Rates: Rooms start at £120 per night.
– Highlights: Central location, modern amenities, great service.
2. Clayton Hotel Cambridge
– Location: 27-29 Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2FB
– Overview: Stylish hotel near Cambridge Railway Station, offering spacious rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar.
– Rates: Rooms start at £130 per night.
– Highlights: Proximity to transport links, modern design, rooftop views.
Budget Accommodations
1. YHA Cambridge
– Location: 97 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DN
– Overview: Affordable and friendly hostel with private and shared rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.
– Rates: Beds start at £20 per night.
– Highlights: Budget-friendly, social atmosphere, close to the railway station.
2. Regency Guest House
– Location: 7 Regent Terrace, Cambridge CB2 1AA
– Overview: Charming guesthouse offering comfortable rooms with shared or private bathrooms, and a continental breakfast.
– Rates: Rooms start at £50 per night.
– Highlights: Central location, cozy ambiance, great value.
3. Top Attractions and Landmarks
King’s College and King’s College Chapel
Location: King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST
How to Get There: Located in the city center, easily accessible by foot, bike, or bus.
Ticket Prices: Adults £10, children £6.
Highlights: The iconic King’s College Chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and fan-vaulted ceiling. Visitors can also explore the college grounds and the River Cam.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Location: Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RB
How to Get There: A short walk from the city center, accessible by bus or bike.
Ticket Prices: Free entry (donations encouraged).
Highlights: Housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities, the Fitzwilliam Museum is a cultural treasure. Highlights include works by Turner, Monet, and Picasso, as well as ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Punting on the River Cam
Location: Various punt stations including Scudamore’s and Cambridge Chauffeur Punts.
How to Get There: Punting stations are located along the River Cam, easily reachable by foot or bike.
Ticket Prices: Prices vary by company and type of tour, typically around £20-£30 per hour for self-hire, £80-£100 for guided tours.
Highlights: Experience Cambridge from the water with a punting tour. Glide past historic colleges, under picturesque bridges, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the river.
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Location: 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
How to Get There: A 15-minute walk from the city center, accessible by bus or bike.
Ticket Prices: Adults £6, children free.
Highlights: Spread over 40 acres, the Botanic Garden is a haven of biodiversity with thousands of plant species. Highlights include the Glasshouses, the Systematic Beds, and seasonal displays.
The Round Church
Location: Bridge St, Cambridge CB2 1UB
How to Get There: Located in the city center, easily accessible by foot, bike, or bus.
Ticket Prices: Adults £3.50, children £1.50.
Highlights: One of only four round churches in England, this unique structure dates back to the 12th century. It features an informative exhibition on the history of Cambridge.
The Wren Library at Trinity College
Location: Trinity College, Cambridge CB2 1TQ
How to Get There: A short walk from the city center, accessible by foot, bike, or bus.
Ticket Prices: Free entry (subject to opening times and restrictions).
Highlights: Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this library is home to a priceless collection of rare books and manuscripts, including works by Newton and Shakespeare.
4. Dining in Cambridge: A Culinary Journey
Fine Dining
1. Midsummer House
– Location: Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB4 1HA
– Overview: A two-Michelin-star restaurant offering contemporary European cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
– Highlights: Exquisite tasting menus, elegant riverside setting, impeccable service.
2. Restaurant Twenty-Two
– Location: 22 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3AX
– Overview: A Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern British cuisine in an intimate, historic setting.
– Highlights: Creative dishes, focus on local produce, exceptional wine list.
Casual Dining
1. The Eagle
– Location: 8 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
– Overview: Historic pub famous for being the place where DNA was first discussed by Watson and Crick. Offers traditional pub food and a wide selection of beers.
– Highlights: Historic ambiance, hearty meals, great beer selection.
2. St John’s Chop House
– Location: 21-24 Northampton St, Cambridge CB3 0AD
– Overview: Traditional British restaurant known for its grilled meats and cozy atmosphere.
– Highlights: Delicious steaks, rustic charm, excellent service.
International Cuisine
1. Aromi
– Location: 1 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
– Overview: Authentic Sicilian cafe offering pizzas, pastries, and gelato.
– Highlights: Flavorful pizzas, delightful pastries, vibrant ambiance.
2. Navadhanya
– Location: 73 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8EG
– Overview
: Michelin-recommended Indian restaurant known for its innovative dishes and refined flavors.
– Highlights: Unique spice combinations, elegant presentation, friendly staff.
5. Travel Tips and Tricks
Traveling to a new city can be overwhelming, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make the most of your visit to Cambridge.
Best Time to Visit
– Spring (April to June): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and fewer tourists.
– Summer (July to September): Warm weather, many events and festivals, but can be crowded.
– Autumn (October to November): Mild weather, beautiful fall foliage, fewer tourists.
– Winter (December to February): Cold weather, festive atmosphere, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates.
What to Pack
– Comfortable Walking Shoes: Cambridge is best explored on foot, so bring comfortable shoes.
– Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers for variable weather, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella.
– Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring the city.
– Camera: To capture the beautiful sights and historic landmarks.
Money-Saving Tips
– Book Accommodations Early: Secure the best rates by booking your stay well in advance.
– Use Public Transport: Buses and bicycles are affordable and convenient.
– Eat at Pubs and Cafes: Enjoy delicious meals at reasonable prices.
– Take Advantage of Free Attractions: Many museums and colleges offer free entry.
6. Car Hire in Cambridge: Tips and Services
If you prefer the convenience of driving, renting a car in Cambridge is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know.
Top Car Rental Services
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
– Location: 3 Elizabeth Way, Cambridge CB4 1DF
– Overview: Offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury models.
– Rates: Prices start at £30 per day.
– Highlights: Reliable service, competitive rates, convenient location.
2. Hertz
– Location: Cambridge Railway Station, Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2JW
– Overview: Provides a variety of rental cars, including compact cars and SUVs.
– Rates: Prices start at £35 per day.
– Highlights: Easy pick-up and drop-off, good customer service, extensive fleet.
3. Avis
– Location: 245 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3BE
– Overview: Offers a diverse selection of rental vehicles, including vans and premium cars.
– Rates: Prices start at £32 per day.
– Highlights: Flexible rental options, quality vehicles, friendly staff.
Driving Tips for Cambridge
– Parking: Use park and ride facilities or public car parks to avoid city center congestion.
– Traffic: Be prepared for narrow streets and heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
– Fuel: Familiarize yourself with local petrol stations and refill policies.
– Navigation: Use GPS or a reliable map app for directions.
7. Flying to Cambridge: Airlines and Airports
Cambridge is easily accessible by air, with several airports serving the region. Here’s what you need to know about flying to Cambridge.
Nearby Airports
1. London Stansted Airport (STN)
– Location: Stansted, Essex CM24 1QW (30 miles south of Cambridge)
– Overview: The closest major airport to Cambridge, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
– Transport to Cambridge: Direct train services to Cambridge, buses, and taxis.
2. London Luton Airport (LTN)
– Location: Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 9LY (40 miles southwest of Cambridge)
– Overview: Another convenient option, with numerous budget flights.
– Transport to Cambridge: Direct trains, buses, and taxis.
3. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
– Location: Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 1EW (70 miles southwest of Cambridge)
– Overview: One of the busiest airports in the world, offering flights from all major airlines.
– Transport to Cambridge: Direct bus services, trains (via London), and taxis.
4. London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
– Location: Crawley, West Sussex RH6 0NP (90 miles south of Cambridge)
– Overview: A major international airport with extensive flight options.
– Transport to Cambridge: Trains (via London), buses, and taxis.
Airlines Serving These Airports
– British Airways
– Ryanair
– EasyJet
– Emirates
– Virgin Atlantic
– Lufthansa
– KLM
– Air France
Finding the Best Flight Deals
– Book in Advance: Secure the best prices by booking your flight well ahead of your travel dates.
– Use Comparison Sites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can help you compare prices and find the best deals.
– Flexible Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of lower fares.
– Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to airline newsletters and fare alert services to stay updated on special offers and discounts.
8. Navigating Public Transport
Cambridge has an efficient public transport system that makes it easy to get around the city and its surroundings.
Buses
– Stagecoach Cambridge: The main bus service provider, offering routes throughout the city and to nearby towns and villages.
– Citi Buses: Frequent services on popular routes, including the Citi 1, 2, 3, and 7.
– Park and Ride: Convenient park and ride facilities on the outskirts of the city, with frequent buses to the city center.
Trains
– Cambridge Railway Station: Located on Station Road, about a mile from the city center.
– Services: Regular trains to London (King’s Cross and Liverpool Street), Stansted Airport, Ely, Norwich, and other destinations.
– Tickets: Purchase tickets online, at the station, or use a contactless card.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
– Taxi Services: Numerous taxi companies operate in Cambridge, including Panther Taxis and CamCab.
– Ride-Sharing: Uber is available in Cambridge, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
Cycling
– Bike Sharing: Services like Ofo and Mobike provide dockless bike-sharing options.
– Cycle Paths: Extensive network of cycle paths and lanes throughout the city.
Walking
– Pedestrian-Friendly: Cambridge is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking an excellent way to explore the city.
– Historic Walks: Join a guided walking tour to learn more about Cambridge’s history and landmarks.
Tips for Using Public Transport
– Plan Ahead: Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper to plan your journeys and check schedules.
– Buy Day Passes: If you plan to use the bus frequently, consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel.
– Off-Peak Travel: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and save money on tickets.
– Contactless Payments: Many buses and trains accept contactless card payments, making it easy to pay your fare.
Cambridge is a city that offers something for everyone, from its rich history and world-renowned university to its vibrant culinary scene and beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring historic colleges, punting on the River Cam, or enjoying a meal at a local pub, Cambridge promises an unforgettable experience.