Cambridge is without doubt one of the most charming cities in England and is famed for its historic college and faculties. 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 probably the most out of your journey. From the good areas to the very best nightlife, finances choices, and extra.
I’ve been visiting this laid-back metropolis (it feels extra like a city) since childhood and have stayed in most of the Cambridge neighborhoods through the years. Whether or not you wish to be near the picturesque River Cam, town’s foremost sights, nightlife, or the very 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 irrespective 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 considered one 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 positioned between the River Cam and among the metropolis’s most well-known faculties reminiscent of Trinity and St Johns. All the most important Cambridge attractions from the Market Sq. to the “Backs” are inside a brief stroll, as are among the greatest 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 the very best space to remain in Cambridge if you need all of it.
There are additionally some beautiful parks reminiscent of 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 among the greatest locations to remain in Cambridge round Spherical Church Road and beneath are three of my high picks:
1. West Court Jesus College: The rooms at Jesus School 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 lavatory and there’s the choice of a continental-style breakfast.
2. Two-Bedroom Townhouse: When you’re in search of a spot to remain in Cambridge with parking then look no additional than this two-bedroom townhouse. This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to remain in Cambridge for teams of associates or households and comes with two loos and a completely geared up kitchen.
3. Varsity Hotel and Spa: When you’re in search of somewhat little bit of luxurious then the four-star Varsity Lodge 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 friends to expertise.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Spherical Church Road
As this space is simply north of town middle there’s a lot to do from strolling alongside or having a punt on the river to exploring the celebrated faculties reminiscent of Trinity and St James.
1. Visit The Round Church: The Spherical Church, from which this space is known as, is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most historic buildings and dates again to the twelfth Century. Inside, you’ll discover a customer middle and exhibition corridor with completely 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 right solution to discover probably the most picturesque a part of town and is considered one of my favourite Cambridge actions.
3. Explore Trinity College: Trinity School was based by King Henry VIII in 1546 and is without doubt one of the largest faculties in Cambridge. Trinity can depend 34 Nobel prizewinners, 6 Prime Ministers, and luminaries reminiscent of 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 with regards to consuming and ingesting choices round Spherical Church Road. and the realm is residence to a few my favourite pubs within the metropolis.
1. The Baron of Beef: When you’re in search of a standard pub just a few steps from Spherical Church then had alongside to The Baron of Beef. With a location near the river, a nice beer backyard, and occasional dwell sport and music, it is a excellent place to seize a pint and a chew of homely pub grub. A fantastic choice for Sunday lunch.
2. The Pickerel: The Pickerel is considered one of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs and is considered the oldest within the metropolis. The menu consists of traditional British dishes reminiscent of fish and chips and pie and mash, in addition to a choice of succulent meat and meat-free burgers. Completely positioned overlooking the river.
3. Cote Cambridge: Cote is a brasserie positioned only a quick stroll from the Spherical Church that gives up traditional French dishes from coq au vin to beef bourguignon (two of my favorites) alongside a superb wine listing. It’s an important place for {couples} to spend a romantic night.
Central Cambridge: Finest Space in Cambridge for Nightlife
When you’re in search of the place to remain in Cambridge for nightlife then town middle is definitely the very best place to be. With so many glorious eating places, bars, and golf equipment across the middle, in addition to the highest vacationer sights, this is without doubt one of the greatest areas to remain in Cambridge.
This can be a energetic space with a lot to maintain you occupied day and night time and is considered one of my favourite elements of town. A number of the in style nightspots embody the Bar-OH cocktail bar and the Brewdog Taproom which is my go-to as I 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 at all times a lot happening within the middle of city. That is positively the very best place to remain in Cambridge for nightlife and for these in search of a energetic expertise.
Finest Locations to Keep in Central Cambridge
Uncover the place to remain in Cambridge metropolis middle with the beneath lodge choices:
1. Gonville Hotel: This four-star lodge is without doubt one of the greatest locations to remain in Cambridge middle and has comfy and fashionable rooms with free WiFi, flatscreen TV, and an en-suite lavatory with toiletries. The onsite Terrace restaurant serves continental and cooked breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
2. University Arms Hotel: The College Arms is an upmarket lodge overlooking a courtyard and the historic Regent Road. Rooms include free WiFi, and en-suite loos, and a few rooms characteristic a balcony. There’s additionally an onsite gymnasium.
3. Hilton Cambridge City Center: The Hilton is without doubt one of the high Cambridge lodges close to nightlife and is positioned within the coronary heart of town a brief stroll from all the highest pubs, bars, and golf equipment. The trendy and modern 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 among the high museums within the nation to the charming market sq. and metropolis faculties.
1. Take a City and University Tour: Among the finest methods to get oriented and see the very 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 School, 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 good place for purchasing, consuming, and ingesting. I like searching 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 among the most picturesque elements of Cambridge together with the universities and the well-known “Backs” then taking a mixed strolling and punting tour is a good 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 without doubt one of the highlights of any journey to Cambridge for me and homes top-of-the-line collections within the nation. With displays from pre-history to antiquity and the trendy day, this is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing locations for lovers of historical past. Make sure to take a look at the Egyptian and Roman flooring.
5. Take in a Show at the Corn Exchange: The Corn Trade is considered one of Cambridge’s most historic music and humanities venues and I’ve watched many bands play right here through the years. Verify the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to. The Trade hosts every part from comedy nights to performs, operas, dwell acts from world wide, and extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in Central Cambridge
You’re actually spoiled for selection with regards to consuming and ingesting within the city middle which is why it’s the very best place to remain in Cambridge if you wish to expertise the very best eating places, bars, and pubs.
1. Honest Burgers: When you’re in search of the very best burger in Cambridge then give Trustworthy Burgers a attempt. The oldsters right here have been perfecting their craft for over 10 years and the burgers are created from 100% British components. They’re among 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 considered one of my high locations to go in Cambridge because it serves considered one of my favourite beers, Punk IPA, on faucet. BrewDog has some nice gives on meals reminiscent of 2-4-1 burgers from Monday to Wednesday and a bottomless brunch at weekends.
3. The Anchor: A comfortable riverside venue with a terrace overlooking the banks. Good for a romantic night or afternoon sat by the river with a pint and ebook. The menu options contemporary, seasonal home-cooked meals, pub classics, and a very good Sunday roast. It’s positively a spot with top-of-the-line views within the metropolis.
Romsey City: Coolest Place to Keep in Cambridge
Romsey City, which facilities across the Mill Street space, is the very best neighborhood in Cambridge for foodies, hipsters, and people in search of a change from the extra up-market elements of city. The realm is probably the most multicultural in Cambridge and as such, you’ll be able to look forward to finding cuisines from across the globe.
There’s a plethora of quirky cafes, (take a look at Related File Cafe in the event you’re into vinyl), thrift shops, craft beer spots, and many dwell music to be discovered within the evenings. Bohmian Romsey is considered one of my favourite locations in Cambridge to have a nostril round.
It’s a few miles south of town middle however there are many public transport hyperlinks into city (bus route 2).
Finest Locations to Keep in Romsey City
You’ll discover a cool choice of locations to remain right here within the metropolis’s most hip suburbs and top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Cambridge.
1. Citystay Dove House: This one-bedroom house in Romsey is without doubt one of the greatest locations to remain in Cambridge for {couples}. It has a non-public lavatory, kitchen with oven, free toiletries, and WiFi all through the property. It additionally gives some nice views of town.
2. Parkview Guest House: This three-star B&B is a good place to remain in Romsey and rooms include free WiFI, tea and coffee-making amenities, and en-suite loos. Champagne could be served on request and friends profit from a 15% low cost on the native Indian restaurant, the Raj within the metropolis middle.
3. Citystay Eagle Yard: This one-bedroom house with a front room and absolutely geared up kitchen advantages from a espresso maker, free toiletries, towels, and mattress linen. It gives metropolis views, free WiFi, and a washer. It’s inside strolling distance of retailers, eating places, and the station.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Romsey City
That is the place to return for second-hand garments, information, and meals from world wide in addition to dwell music. Try these high issues to do in Romsey City:
1. Browse the Second Hand (thrift) Shops: There are many second-hand retailers alongside Mill Street the place you’ll find all types of bargains. Whether or not you’re in search of a classic leather-based jacket or that outdated Pink Floyd document you’ve been looking down, you’re positive to seek out one thing of curiosity.
2. Mix Espresso and Vinyl at Related Data: What might presumably be extra hipster than a restaurant and document retailer mixed? At Relevant Records, you’ll be able to browse their large choice of vinyl whereas sipping espresso (don’t spill any although!). Open day by day from 10:00 am to five:00 pm.
3. Verify Out the Sculptures at Romsey R Sculpture: This community display and humanities middle on Cavendish Street 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 Street and Romsey City is without doubt one of the greatest areas in Cambridge for foodies and there’s a plethora of eating places to select from; from British, Indian, Chinese language (my favourite), and extra. Beneath are among the greatest locations to eat:
1. Tradizioni: When you’re in search of the very best pizza on the town served in a comfy setting with indoor and outside eating then you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with Tradizioni. In addition to pizzas, the menu additionally consists of freshly made pasta dishes, salads, and an in depth wine listing. Additionally they provide a takeaway service.
2. Spring Restaurant: Who doesn’t love Chinese language buffet? Particularly with among the most cost-effective costs on the town… This can be a conventional Chinese language restaurant serving an important choice of Sichuan (spicy) and Cantonese (yummy) dishes. The traditional candy and bitter pork is great and the very best I’ve tasted outdoors of China itself.
3. Samaan: For a style of the orient head alongside to Samaan on Mill Street for the very best kebabs, falafel, and shawarma on the town. The menu additionally consists of conventional quick meals objects 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; excellent for households. This protected neighborhood in Cambridge is characterised by leafy streets, a number of open parkland, and riverside walks.
The wonderful thing about this space is that it’s nonetheless inside a brief strolling distance from town middle.
Finest Locations to Keep in Newnham
There are many glorious lodging choices round Newnham. Beneath, you’ll discover some glorious decisions of locations to remain close to Cambridge metropolis middle:
1. Graduate Cambridge: The Graduate gives giant, household rooms, and a restaurant, bar, outdoors 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 School gives guests giant rooms with personal loos set inside beautiful gardens only a quick stroll from town middle. Rooms include seating and a desk for many who want to work whereas away, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making amenities.
3. Pass the Keys: This cozy studio house 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 positioned simply a few miles from town middle.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Newnham
Though town middle 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 faculties.
1. Museum of Classical Archaeology: I studied archaeology at night time faculty a few years in the past and as such at all times seek out the very best collections, excavations, and museums. The Cambridge Museum of Classical Archaeology is without doubt one of the greatest 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 convey the children for some contemporary air outdoors of town.
3. Take in a Show at the Leys: The Leys efficiency arts theater is a superb place for the entire household to take pleasure in a present. With music and dance performances, theater, pantomime, and comedy nights, there’s positive to be one thing of curiosity happening 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: When you’re in search of modern British delicacies in an exquisite 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 components, it is a excellent place to return for a relaxed meal.
2. The Red Bull Newnham: The Purple Bull is a family-friendly pub that serves a choice of burgers and pizzas. Are available on a Monday and get any two pizzas for a cut price £15 (booking is advised as unsurprisingly this fab deal tends to promote out shortly). The Purple Bull additionally hosts dwell sporting occasions all year long.
3. Sala Thong: I like Thai inexperienced (or crimson) curry and Sala Thong within the coronary heart of Newnham is the very best place in Cambridge to savor this traditional Asian dish (or select from a choice 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 Price range
The realm across the station is without doubt one of the most cost-effective locations to remain in Cambridge and right here you’ll discover a choice of hostels and finances 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 in the event you don’t fancy the stroll, nevertheless.
Finest Locations to Keep across the Station
Beneath, are among the greatest locations to remain across the station for vacationers on a finances:
1. YHA Youth Hostel: For Price range vacationers, the YHA (Youth Hostel Affiliation) hostel has dorms and personal rooms for excellent costs. It’s inside strolling distance of the station and below one mile from town middle so has a main location. The hostel has a restaurant/bar and video games room excellent for attending to know different vacationers.
2. A and B Guest House: This glorious visitor home has rooms at very cheap charges excellent for these on a finances. All rooms are fashionable and cozy and include a non-public en-suite lavatory, TV, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making amenities.
3. Centennial Hotel: This moderately priced three-star lodge is simply 5 minutes from the station and comes with free parking. All rooms have WiFi, a non-public lavatory, 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 reminiscent of taking a stroll across the botanical or group gardens. It’s additionally based mostly within the excellent location in the event you’re trying to take some day journeys from Cambridge by prepare (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 a wide range of completely different plant species from world wide. This can be a excellent place to flee the hustle and bustle of town and a cool place for households to return.
2. Catch the Newest Blockbuster on the Gentle: The Light is a multiplex cinema and a part of the Cambridge Leisure Heart. It exhibits the newest 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: Reap the benefits of being so near the prepare station and think about 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’d think about there are many glorious eating choices across the station. Try 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 selfmade bar snacks are a pleasant contact, with scotch eggs and sausage rolls (vegetarian choices obtainable) and there’s a full menu of pub classics obtainable from 10 am every day.
2. Slingers Smokeworks: Craving some smoked meats, ribs, or different American classics? Then remember to take a look at Slingers Smokeworks on Station Street. Situated inside an outdated manufacturing unit with quirky, industrial settings, that is considered one 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 traditional Italian dishes from lasagna and pizza to paninis that is the place to return for a style of the Mediterranean. The costs are nice worth with pizzas and mains below £10.
FAQs In regards to the Finest Areas to Keep in Cambridge
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on the place to remain in Cambridge:
Town middle is the very best space in Cambridge for vacationers as that is the place all the most important sights, landmarks, and eating choices are positioned. Newnham is a brief stroll from the middle and is a good choice for households.
There isn’t wherever 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 truth, it’s one of the safest in the country. Though town middle sees the best charges of crime, that is relative. North and south Cambridge (so areas like Spherical Church and Newnham) have considerably lower charges of crime.
Town middle is the very best place to remain in Cambridge for purchasing. 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 probably the most picturesque and charming. With magnificent views of the universities, huge open areas, and river views, that is my favourite a part of town.
Cambridge is a small metropolis so a weekend (or higher but, a protracted weekend) is the right period of time to get probably the most out of your keep. I often goal to remain for 2 or three days.
Cambridge is a fairly posh metropolis total (with so many Prime Ministers, Scientists, and Philosophers passing via it’s not arduous to see why). The poshest space of Cambridge is definitely the college itself (King’s School, Trinity School, and the like).
Cambridge is a really walkable metropolis and virtually all the high sights from Trinity School to the River Cam, museums, pubs, and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another.
In Conclusion
Now you realize the place to remain in Cambridge. Whether or not you’re trying to be within the coronary heart of the motion, in search of finances choices, or curious as to the place to stick with household, and every part in between. Town middle is the very best all-around choice as you’ll have all the highest sights, eating places, and pubs inside straightforward attain.
I can’t await my subsequent journey to Cambridge, (I’m planning it already), and assume I’ll give one of many college rooms a attempt like those at Jesus School close to the Spherical church. One factor’s for positive, with so many choices, these glorious locations to remain in Cambridge will assist you get probably the most out of your journey.
