Cambridge
Cambridge needs little introduction. Its name is a synonym worldwide for academic excellence. The 31 colleges of its university have nurtured an influence out of all proportion to its size. Yet Cambridge appeals as much to the heart as to the head. Smaller and more immediately charming than its rival Oxford – ‘the other place’, as it’s known in academic circles – it is a cornucopia of historical nooks, crannies and glorious vistas; soaring Gothic chapels and hushed Tudor courtyards, and narrow cobbled streets full of bicycles. And, of course, it is a town where you can punt gently down the River Cam. Small wonder over four million people visit each year, which puts pressure on Cambridge hotels, though there is in fact a decent mix of places to stay, taking in everything from budget hostels to stylish boutique hotels. Cambridge also boasts some charming B&Bs and Victorian guesthouses, and, if you're looking to truly immerse yourself in the Cambridge student experience, the university colleges offer reasonably priced rooms outside term-time.
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Best Places to Stay in Cambridge
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Things to Do in Cambridge
Where to start?! Most visitors to the city take a punt down the Cam for the quintessential Cambridge experience. Inescapably, Cambridge is a living monument to academia so most sightseers are here for the heritage. But beyond the hallowed hallways and cloisters of Cambridge's intellectual places, there's plenty of cool museums and contemporary arts events to be seen. The city is also one of England's greenest, with Jesus Green, the Botanic Gardens and Grantchester (just outside the city-proper) a must for any sunny day.
Pubs and Restaurants in Cambridge
As you'd expect from a city with a colossal 30,000 students hailing from over 120 countries, Cambridge cuisine reflects its multicultural population. And being student central, prices are commensurate with the life of the impoverished scholar so dining out won't cost you the earth. German cafe Trockel, Ulmann and Freunde is great for a quick snack while Italian institution La Mimosa is great if you're looking to push the punt out a bit.
If libations ye seek, quaint little locals favourite Free Press serves up some decent real ales. The Anchor on Silver Street can be a bit of a tourist trap but its Cam-side location can't be beat on summer's days.
Shopping in Cambridge
Shopping in Cambridge is a joy for the treasure hunter. An amble down any one of its quaint thoroughfares will find you innumerable quirky, independent retailers including one of the city's most renowned second hand bookshops Sarah Key Books. There's a daily market on Market Hill selling everything from organic produce to vintage clothes. The gargantuan Grafton Centre just off East Road leading out of the city should take care of any unsatiated chain store cravings.
