Cambridge is among the most charming cities in England and is famed for its historic college and schools. There are many fun things to do in and across the metropolis and inside this information, you’ll discover out the place to remain in Cambridge to get essentially the most out of your journey. From the good areas to one of the best nightlife, price range choices, and extra.
I’ve been visiting this laid-back metropolis (it feels extra like a city) since childhood and have stayed in lots of the Cambridge neighborhoods over time. Whether or not you wish to be near the picturesque River Cam, town’s fundamental points of interest, nightlife, or one of the best foodie choices, this information has you coated.
Cambridge is a comparatively small metropolis by world requirements with a inhabitants of fewer than 150,000 folks, so regardless of which space you select, most locations of curiosity are simply reachable on foot. The small dimension and easy-going nature of the place are what makes Cambridge one in every of my favourite locations for a weekend break.
Finest Areas to Keep in Cambridge
Fast Look: Finest Areas to Keep in Cambridge
Spherical Church Road: Finest Place To Keep in Cambridge for Your First Time
The realm round Spherical Church Road is situated between the River Cam and a number of the metropolis’s most well-known schools similar to Trinity and St Johns. All the key Cambridge attractions from the Market Sq. to the “Backs” are inside a brief stroll, as are a number of the finest eating places and pubs town has to supply.
This space is ideal for first-time guests as every part is so shut by, making it one of the best space to remain in Cambridge if you would like all of it.
There are additionally some beautiful parks similar to Jesus Green and Midsummer Common a couple of minutes away that again onto the river and function nice locations for a stroll or a picnic.
Finest Locations to Keep in Spherical Church Road
You’ll discover a number of the finest locations to remain in Cambridge round Spherical Church Road and under are three of my prime picks:
1. West Court Jesus College: The rooms at Jesus Faculty are a part of the College making this one of the crucial distinctive locations to remain in Cambridge. Single and double rooms can be found with both a non-public or shared toilet and there’s the choice of a continental-style breakfast.
2. Two-Bedroom Townhouse: In the event you’re on the lookout for a spot to remain in Cambridge with parking then look no additional than this two-bedroom townhouse. This is among the finest locations to remain in Cambridge for teams of buddies or households and comes with two bogs and a completely outfitted kitchen.
3. Varsity Hotel and Spa: In the event you’re on the lookout for a little bit little bit of luxurious then the four-star Varsity Resort and Spa is the place to go. Rooms include an LCD TV and a library of DVDs, a monsoon bathe, and underfloor heating. There’s additionally a rooftop terrace with superb views of town for visitors to expertise.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Spherical Church Road
As this space is simply north of town heart there’s loads to do from strolling alongside or having a punt on the river to exploring the celebrated schools similar to Trinity and St James.
1. Visit The Round Church: The Spherical Church, from which this space is known as, is among the metropolis’s most historic buildings and dates again to the twelfth Century. Inside, you’ll discover a customer heart and exhibition corridor with totally different occasions all year long. You’ll be able to take a 120-minute guided walking tour of Cambridge from the church for £12.
2. Take a Bridge of Sighs Punting Tour: The well-known Bridge of Sighs is a brief stroll from Spherical Church and the place to begin for boating excursions of the college backs. This 50-minute punting tour is the proper method to discover essentially the most picturesque a part of town and is one in every of my favourite Cambridge actions.
3. Explore Trinity College: Trinity Faculty was based by King Henry VIII in 1546 and is among the largest schools in Cambridge. Trinity can depend 34 Nobel prizewinners, 6 Prime Ministers, and luminaries similar to Lord Byron, A.A Milne (creator of Winnie the Pooh), and Sir Isaac Newton amongst its Cantabrigians.
The place to Eat and Drink round Spherical Church Road
There are some nice locations to select from in relation to consuming and consuming choices round Spherical Church Road. and the realm is residence to a few my favourite pubs within the metropolis.
1. The Baron of Beef: In the event you’re on the lookout for a standard pub a couple of steps from Spherical Church then had alongside to The Baron of Beef. With a location near the river, a nice beer backyard, and occasional stay sport and music, this can be a excellent place to seize a pint and a chew of homely pub grub. An important choice for Sunday lunch.
2. The Pickerel: The Pickerel is one in every of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs and is considered the oldest within the metropolis. The menu consists of basic British dishes similar to fish and chips and pie and mash, in addition to a collection of succulent meat and meat-free burgers. Completely situated overlooking the river.
3. Cote Cambridge: Cote is a brasserie situated only a quick stroll from the Spherical Church that provides up basic French dishes from coq au vin to beef bourguignon (two of my favorites) alongside a wonderful wine record. It’s an important place for {couples} to spend a romantic night.
Central Cambridge: Finest Space in Cambridge for Nightlife
In the event you’re on the lookout for the place to remain in Cambridge for nightlife then town heart is actually one of the best place to be. With so many glorious eating places, bars, and golf equipment across the heart, in addition to the highest vacationer sights, this is among the finest areas to remain in Cambridge.
This can be a energetic space with loads to maintain you occupied day and night time and is one in every of my favourite components of town. Among the well-liked nightspots embrace the Bar-OH cocktail bar and the Brewdog Taproom which is my go-to as I really like a pint of Punk IPA or two (or three…).
One factor’s for positive, you gained’t be bored for a second as there’s all the time loads occurring within the heart of city. That is positively one of the best place to remain in Cambridge for nightlife and for these on the lookout for a energetic expertise.
Finest Locations to Keep in Central Cambridge
Uncover the place to remain in Cambridge metropolis heart with the under resort choices:
1. Gonville Hotel: This four-star resort is among the finest locations to remain in Cambridge heart and has comfy and trendy rooms with free WiFi, flatscreen TV, and an en-suite toilet with toiletries. The onsite Terrace restaurant serves continental and cooked breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
2. University Arms Hotel: The College Arms is an upmarket resort overlooking a courtyard and the historic Regent Road. Rooms include free WiFi, and en-suite bogs, and a few rooms characteristic a balcony. There’s additionally an onsite fitness center.
3. Hilton Cambridge City Center: The Hilton is among the prime Cambridge lodges close to nightlife and is situated within the coronary heart of town a brief stroll from all the highest pubs, bars, and golf equipment. The trendy and up to date rooms include Sattelite TV, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries.
5 Prime Issues To Do in Central Cambridge
The middle is filled with enjoyable and attention-grabbing issues to do from a number of the prime museums within the nation to the charming market sq. and metropolis schools.
1. Take a City and University Tour: Among the best methods to get oriented and see one of the best town has to supply is to take a tour of town and College. Go to iconic landmarks such because the cathedral, the oldest church within the metropolis, the historic King’s Faculty, and the laboratory that’s produced a number of Nobel winners.
2. Visit Market Square: The Market Sq. is the central level of Cambridge and is a superb place for procuring, consuming, and consuming. I really like shopping the market stalls right here for garments, curios, souvenirs, and native produce. There are many nice cafes and eating places across the sq. serving every part from burgers, halloumi, and gyros to Belgian waffles.
3. Walking and Punting Tour: If you wish to see a number of the most picturesque components of Cambridge together with the universities and the well-known “Backs” then taking a mixed strolling and punting tour is a superb choice. Be taught concerning the metropolis’s fascinating historical past with Cambridge alumni who step in as tour guides.
4. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: This glorious museum is among the highlights of any journey to Cambridge for me and homes the most effective collections within the nation. With reveals from pre-history to antiquity and the trendy day, this is among the most attention-grabbing locations for lovers of historical past. Make sure you take a look at the Egyptian and Roman flooring.
5. Take in a Show at the Corn Exchange: The Corn Change is one in every of Cambridge’s most historic music and humanities venues and I’ve watched many bands play right here over time. Examine the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to. The Change hosts every part from comedy nights to performs, operas, stay acts from around the globe, and extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in Central Cambridge
You’re actually spoiled for alternative in relation to consuming and consuming within the city heart which is why it’s one of the best place to remain in Cambridge if you wish to expertise one of the best eating places, bars, and pubs.
1. Honest Burgers: In the event you’re on the lookout for one of the best burger in Cambridge then give Trustworthy Burgers a strive. The oldsters right here have been perfecting their craft for over 10 years and the burgers are made out of 100% British substances. They’re a number of the tastiest I’ve ever tried (and I’m probably not a burger man in order that’s an enormous praise). Situated in Market Sq. within the coronary heart of Cambridge.
2. BrewDog Cambridge: The BrewDog craft beer bar and restaurant is one in every of my prime locations to go in Cambridge because it serves one in every of my favourite beers, Punk IPA, on faucet. BrewDog has some nice provides on meals similar to 2-4-1 burgers from Monday to Wednesday and a bottomless brunch at weekends.
3. The Anchor: A comfy riverside venue with a terrace overlooking the banks. Good for a romantic night or afternoon sat by the river with a pint and a superb e-book. The menu options contemporary, seasonal home-cooked meals, pub classics, and a very good Sunday roast. It’s positively a spot with the most effective views within the metropolis.
Romsey City: Coolest Place to Keep in Cambridge
Romsey City, which facilities across the Mill Highway space, is one of the best neighborhood in Cambridge for foodies, hipsters, and people on the lookout for a change from the extra up-market components of city. The realm is essentially the most multicultural in Cambridge and as such, you’ll be able to anticipate finding cuisines from across the globe.
There’s a plethora of quirky cafes, (take a look at Related Document Cafe when you’re into vinyl), thrift shops, craft beer spots, and plenty of stay music to be discovered within the evenings. Bohmian Romsey is one in every of my favourite locations in Cambridge to have a nostril round.
It’s a few miles south of town heart however there are many public transport hyperlinks into city (bus route 2).
Finest Locations to Keep in Romsey City
You’ll discover a cool collection of locations to remain right here within the metropolis’s most hip suburbs and the most effective neighborhoods in Cambridge.
1. Citystay Dove House: This one-bedroom condominium in Romsey is among the finest locations to remain in Cambridge for {couples}. It has a non-public toilet, kitchen with oven, free toiletries, and WiFi all through the property. It additionally provides some nice views of town.
2. Parkview Guest House: This three-star B&B is a superb place to remain in Romsey and rooms include free WiFI, tea and coffee-making services, and en-suite bogs. Champagne could be served on request and visitors profit from a 15% low cost on the native Indian restaurant, the Raj within the metropolis heart.
3. Citystay Eagle Yard: This one-bedroom condominium with a front room and totally outfitted kitchen advantages from a espresso maker, free toiletries, towels, and mattress linen. It provides metropolis views, free WiFi, and a washer. It’s inside strolling distance of outlets, eating places, and the station.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Romsey City
That is the place to come back for second-hand garments, information, and meals from around the globe in addition to stay music. Take a look at these prime issues to do in Romsey City:
1. Browse the Second Hand (thrift) Shops: There are many second-hand outlets alongside Mill Highway the place you’ll find all kinds of bargains. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a classic leather-based jacket or that outdated Pink Floyd file you’ve been looking down, you’re positive to search out one thing of curiosity.
2. Mix Espresso and Vinyl at Related Data: What may probably be extra hipster than a restaurant and file retailer mixed? At Relevant Records, you’ll be able to browse their large collection of vinyl whereas sipping espresso (don’t spill any although!). Open every single day from 10:00 am to five:00 pm.
3. Examine Out the Sculptures at Romsey R Sculpture: This community display and humanities heart on Cavendish Highway commemorates the city’s historic ties to the railway and is an attention-grabbing cease.
The place to Eat and Drink in Romsey City
Mill Highway and Romsey City is among the finest areas in Cambridge for foodies and there’s a plethora of eating places to choose from; from British, Indian, Chinese language (my favourite), and extra. Beneath are a number of the finest locations to eat:
1. Tradizioni: In the event you’re on the lookout for one of the best pizza on the town served in a comfy setting with indoor and out of doors eating then you’ll be able to’t go improper with Tradizioni. In addition to pizzas, the menu additionally consists of freshly made pasta dishes, salads, and an intensive wine record. Additionally they provide a takeaway service.
2. Spring Restaurant: Who doesn’t love a superb Chinese language buffet? Particularly with a number of the least expensive costs on the town… This can be a conventional Chinese language restaurant serving an important collection of Sichuan (spicy) and Cantonese (yummy) dishes. The basic candy and bitter pork is superb and one of the best I’ve tasted exterior of China itself.
3. Samaan: For a style of the orient head alongside to Samaan on Mill Highway for one of the best kebabs, falafel, and shawarma on the town. The menu additionally consists of conventional quick meals gadgets from burgers to milkshakes.
Newnham: Finest for Households
Newnham is a quiet suburb west of the River Cam and one of many posher areas of Cambridge; good for households. This protected neighborhood in Cambridge is characterised by leafy streets, a number of open parkland, and riverside walks.
The beauty of this space is that it’s nonetheless inside a brief strolling distance from town heart.
Finest Locations to Keep in Newnham
There are many glorious lodging choices round Newnham. Beneath, you’ll discover some glorious selections of locations to remain close to Cambridge metropolis heart:
1. Graduate Cambridge: The Graduate provides giant, household rooms, and a restaurant, bar, exterior terrace, and a shared lounge. Rooms include a flat-screen TV and cable, room service, and the choice of a full-English or full-Irish breakfast (Irish comes with black and white pudding).
2. Newnham College: Newnham Faculty provides guests giant rooms with personal bogs set inside gorgeous gardens only a quick stroll from town heart. Rooms include seating and a desk for many who want to work whereas away, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making services.
3. Pass the Keys: This cozy studio condominium comes with a backyard, terrace, and free parking. There’s a kitchen with a fridge, oven, and microwave, and a bathe with free toiletries. This can be a nice choice for solo vacationers and is situated simply a few miles from town heart.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Newnham
Though town heart is inside strolling distance, there are some glorious issues to do in Newnham from picnicking within the park and strolling alongside the river to exploring close by schools.
1. Museum of Classical Archaeology: I studied archaeology at night time faculty a few years in the past and as such all the time seek out one of the best collections, excavations, and museums. The Cambridge Museum of Classical Archaeology is among the finest within the nation, which might be unsurprising on condition that it’s a part of the college.
2. Stroll Alongside the River Cam: The realm across the river in Newnham is ideal for strolling with a number of parks, woodland, and open grassland. There’s a playground and even an open-air swimming pool right here so it’s an important place to deliver the youngsters for some contemporary air exterior of town.
3. Take in a Show at the Leys: The Leys efficiency arts theater is a wonderful place for the entire household to get pleasure from a present. With track and dance performances, theater, pantomime, and comedy nights, there’s positive to be one thing of curiosity occurring throughout your go to. See the box office web site for tickets.
The place to Eat and Drink in Newnham
There are many glorious eating choices round Newnham all inside straightforward strolling distance. Beneath are three of the highest eateries within the neighborhood:
1. The Millworks Brasserie: In the event you’re on the lookout for up to date British delicacies in a wonderful riverside location then the Millworks is a must-try. With casual lunches, brunches, and dinners in a beautiful setting, and a menu using the freshest of substances, this can be a excellent place to come back for a relaxed meal.
2. The Red Bull Newnham: The Crimson Bull is a family-friendly pub that serves a collection of burgers and pizzas. Are available on a Monday and get any two pizzas for a discount £15 (booking is advised as unsurprisingly this fab deal tends to promote out rapidly). The Crimson Bull additionally hosts stay sporting occasions all year long.
3. Sala Thong: I really like a superb Thai inexperienced (or purple) curry and Sala Thong within the coronary heart of Newnham is one of the best place in Cambridge to savor this basic Asian dish (or select from a collection of grilled and stir-fried choices). A laid-back restaurant with pleasant service in charming settings near the river.
Station: Finest Place in Cambridge on a Funds
The realm across the station is among the least expensive locations to remain in Cambridge and right here you’ll discover a collection of hostels and price range lodges. It’s simply over a mile (1.6km) from the middle so is walkable in round half-hour.
There are many buses and taxis when you don’t fancy the stroll, nevertheless.
Finest Locations to Keep across the Station
Beneath, are a number of the finest locations to remain across the station for vacationers on a price range:
1. YHA Youth Hostel: For Funds vacationers, the YHA (Youth Hostel Affiliation) hostel has dorms and personal rooms for nice costs. It’s inside strolling distance of the station and underneath one mile from town heart so has a main location. The hostel has a restaurant/bar and video games room good for attending to know different vacationers.
2. A and B Guest House: This glorious visitor home has rooms at very cheap charges good for these on a price range. All rooms are trendy and comfy and include a non-public en-suite toilet, TV, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making services.
3. Centennial Hotel: This fairly priced three-star resort is simply 5 minutes from the station and comes with free parking. All rooms have WiFi, a non-public toilet, and free toiletries. The Centennial Restaurant serves full-English breakfasts, lunches, and dinners utilizing contemporary, seasonal produce.
5 Prime Issues To Do across the Station
The station is a 30-minute stroll into the middle of city, however there are some issues to do close by similar to taking a stroll across the botanical or group gardens. It’s additionally based mostly within the good location when you’re trying to take some day journeys from Cambridge by practice (Norwich, Colchester, and London are all inside straightforward attain from right here).
1. Stroll Around the Cambridge University Botanic Garden: The college botanic gardens are nicely price a glance and are residence to quite a lot of totally different plant species from around the globe. This can be a excellent place to flee the hustle and bustle of town and a cool place for households to come back.
2. Catch the Newest Blockbuster on the Mild: The Light is a multiplex cinema and a part of the Cambridge Leisure Middle. It exhibits the most recent releases in addition to classics and themed film nights. There’s an onsite bar and cafe, loads of snacks, (can’t beat popcorn with a film), and there are particular offers for households.
3. Hop on a Practice: Benefit from being so near the practice station and take into account a day journey to London, Norwich, Colchester, or to the coast (Frinton-on-Sea is an effective choice). There are a number of trains an hour to many locations across the southeast of England.
The place to Eat and Drink across the Station
As you’ll think about there are many glorious eating choices across the station. Take a look at these glorious eateries close by:
1. The Old Ticket Office: Head alongside to this station-themed pub for a beer, cocktail or chew to eat. The home made bar snacks are a pleasant contact, with scotch eggs and sausage rolls (vegetarian choices out there) and there’s a full menu of pub classics out there from 10 am every day.
2. Slingers Smokeworks: Craving some smoked meats, ribs, or different American classics? Then be sure you take a look at Slingers Smokeworks on Station Highway. Situated inside an outdated manufacturing facility with quirky, industrial settings, that is one in every of my favourite locations in Cambridge for a meal.
3. The Venetian: The Venetian is an Italian bistro, cafe, bakery, delicatessen, and wine store multi functional (so heaven mainly!). With a menu of basic Italian dishes from lasagna and pizza to paninis that is the place to come back for a style of the Mediterranean. The costs are nice worth with pizzas and mains underneath £10.
FAQs In regards to the Finest Areas to Keep in Cambridge
Listed below are solutions to some generally requested questions on the place to remain in Cambridge:
The town heart is one of the best space in Cambridge for vacationers as that is the place all the key sights, landmarks, and eating choices are situated. Newnham is a brief stroll from the middle and is a superb choice for households.
There isn’t anyplace I’d advise avoiding in Cambridge. It’s a small, nice, and protected metropolis with low levels of crime in comparison with different cities across the UK.
Cambridge is a really protected metropolis, in actual fact, it’s one of the safest in the country. Though town heart sees the very best charges of crime, that is relative. North and south Cambridge (so areas like Spherical Church and Newnham) have considerably lower charges of crime.
The town heart is one of the best place to remain in Cambridge for procuring. The realm round Market Sq. is an effective choice.
There aren’t any areas of Cambridge that aren’t good, however the space across the Backs is essentially the most picturesque and charming. With magnificent views of the universities, extensive open areas, and river views, that is my favourite a part of town.
Cambridge is a small metropolis so a weekend (or higher but, an extended weekend) is the proper period of time to get essentially the most out of your keep. I normally intention to remain for 2 or three days.
Cambridge is a reasonably posh metropolis total (with so many Prime Ministers, Scientists, and Philosophers passing via it’s not exhausting to see why). The poshest space of Cambridge is actually the college itself (King’s Faculty, Trinity Faculty, and the like).
Cambridge is a really walkable metropolis and nearly the entire prime points of interest from Trinity Faculty to the River Cam, museums, pubs, and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another.
In Conclusion
Now the place to remain in Cambridge. Whether or not you’re trying to be within the coronary heart of the motion, searching for price range choices, or curious as to the place to stick with household, and every part in between. The town heart is one of the best all-around choice as you’ll have all the highest sights, eating places, and pubs inside straightforward attain.
I can’t look ahead to my subsequent journey to Cambridge, (I’m planning it already), and assume I’ll give one of many college rooms a strive like those at Jesus Faculty close to the Spherical church. One factor’s for positive, with so many choices, these glorious locations to remain in Cambridge will enable you to get essentially the most out of your journey.
