Cambridge is among the most charming cities in England and is famed for its historic college and faculties. There are many enjoyable issues 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, finances 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 through the years. Whether or not you wish to be near the picturesque River Cam, the town’s fundamental sights, 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 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 one among my favourite locations for a weekend break.
Finest Areas to Keep in Cambridge
Fast Look: Finest Areas to Keep in Cambridge
Spherical Church Avenue: Finest Place To Keep in Cambridge for Your First Time
The realm round Spherical Church Avenue is positioned between the River Cam and among the metropolis’s most well-known faculties resembling Trinity and St Johns. All the key Cambridge sights from the Market Sq. to the “Backs” are inside a brief stroll, as are among the finest eating places and pubs the town has to supply.
This space is ideal for first-time guests as all the pieces is so shut by, making it one of the best space to remain in Cambridge in order for you all of it.
There are additionally some pretty parks resembling Jesus Inexperienced and Midsummer Frequent 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 Avenue
You’ll discover among the finest locations to remain in Cambridge round Spherical Church Avenue and under are three of my high picks:
1. West Court docket Jesus School: The rooms at Jesus School are a part of the College making this probably the most distinctive locations to remain in Cambridge. Single and double rooms can be found with both a personal or shared lavatory and there’s the choice of a continental-style breakfast.
2. Two-Bed room Townhouse: For those who’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 loos and a completely outfitted kitchen.
3. Varsity Lodge and Spa: For those who’re on the lookout for a bit 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 wonderful views of the town for friends to expertise.
3 High Issues To Do in Spherical Church Avenue
As this space is simply north of the town heart there’s loads to do from strolling alongside or having a punt on the river to exploring the celebrated faculties resembling Trinity and St James.
1. Go to The Spherical 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 completely different occasions all year long. You possibly can take a 120-minute guided strolling 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 faculty backs. This 50-minute punting tour is the right strategy to discover essentially the most picturesque a part of the town and is one among my favourite Cambridge actions.
3. Discover Trinity School: Trinity School was based by King Henry VIII in 1546 and is among the largest faculties in Cambridge. Trinity can rely 34 Nobel prizewinners, 6 Prime Ministers, and luminaries resembling 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 Avenue
There are some nice locations to select from relating to consuming and ingesting choices round Spherical Church Avenue. and the realm is residence to a few my favourite pubs within the metropolis.
1. The Baron of Beef: For those who’re on the lookout for a conventional 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 reside sport and music, this can be a good spot to seize a pint and a chew of homely pub grub. A fantastic choice for Sunday lunch.
2. The Pickerel: The Pickerel is one among Cambridge’s most iconic pubs and is regarded as the oldest within the metropolis. The menu consists of basic British dishes resembling fish and chips and pie and mash, in addition to a collection 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 provides up basic French dishes from coq au vin to beef bourguignon (two of my favorites) alongside a wonderful wine checklist. It’s an incredible place for {couples} to spend a romantic night.
Central Cambridge: Finest Space in Cambridge for Nightlife
For those who’re on the lookout for the place to remain in Cambridge for nightlife then the town heart is definitely one of the best place to be. With so many wonderful 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.
It is a vigorous space with loads to maintain you occupied day and night time and is one among my favourite elements of the town. Among the widespread 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 certain, you gained’t be bored for a second as there’s at all times loads happening 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 vigorous expertise.
Finest Locations to Keep in Central Cambridge
Uncover the place to remain in Cambridge metropolis heart with the under lodge choices:
1. Gonville Lodge: This four-star lodge is among the finest locations to remain in Cambridge heart and has snug and trendy 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. College Arms Lodge: The College Arms is an upmarket lodge overlooking a courtyard and the historic Regent Avenue. Rooms include free WiFi, and en-suite loos, and a few rooms characteristic a balcony. There’s additionally an onsite fitness center.
3. Hilton Cambridge Metropolis Middle: The Hilton is among the high Cambridge accommodations close to nightlife and is positioned within the coronary heart of the 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 High Issues To Do in Central Cambridge
The middle is filled with enjoyable and fascinating issues to do from among the high museums within the nation to the charming market sq. and metropolis faculties.
1. Take a Metropolis and College Tour: Top-of-the-line methods to get oriented and see one of the best the town has to supply is to take a tour of the 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. Go to Market Sq.: The Market Sq. is the central level of Cambridge and is a good place for buying, consuming, and ingesting. 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 all the pieces from burgers, halloumi, and gyros to Belgian waffles.
3. Strolling 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. Study in regards to the metropolis’s fascinating historical past with Cambridge alumni who step in as tour guides.
4. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: This wonderful 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 fashionable day, this is among the most fascinating locations for lovers of historical past. Be sure you take a look at the Egyptian and Roman flooring.
5. Absorb a Present on the Corn Trade: The Corn Trade is one among Cambridge’s most historic music and humanities venues and I’ve watched many bands play right here through the years. Examine the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to. The Trade hosts all the pieces from comedy nights to performs, operas, reside acts from world wide, and extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in Central Cambridge
You’re actually spoiled for alternative relating to consuming and ingesting 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. Sincere Burgers: For those who’re on the lookout for one of the best burger in Cambridge then give Sincere Burgers a strive. The oldsters right here have been perfecting their craft for over 10 years and the burgers are comprised of 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 one among my high locations to go in Cambridge because it serves one among my favourite beers, Punk IPA, on faucet. BrewDog has some nice provides on meals resembling 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 an excellent guide. 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 Street 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 elements 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 File Cafe if you happen to’re into vinyl), thrift shops, craft beer spots, and plenty of reside music to be discovered within the evenings. Bohmian Romsey is one among my favourite locations in Cambridge to have a nostril round.
It’s a few miles south of the 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 Home: This one-bedroom condo in Romsey is among the finest locations to remain in Cambridge for {couples}. It has a personal lavatory, kitchen with oven, free toiletries, and WiFi all through the property. It additionally provides some nice views of the town.
2. Parkview Visitor Home: This three-star B&B is a good place to remain in Romsey and rooms include free WiFI, tea and coffee-making services, and en-suite loos. Champagne may be served on request and friends profit from a 15% low cost on the native Indian restaurant, the Raj within the metropolis heart.
3. Citystay Eagle Yard: This one-bedroom condo with a lounge 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 retailers, eating places, and the station.
3 High Issues To Do in Romsey City
That is the place to come back for second-hand garments, information, and meals from world wide in addition to reside 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 could find all types of bargains. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a classic leather-based jacket or that previous Pink Floyd report you’ve been searching down, you’re certain to seek out one thing of curiosity.
2. Mix Espresso and Vinyl at Related Information: What might presumably be extra hipster than a restaurant and report retailer mixed? At Related Information, you’ll be able to browse their huge collection of vinyl whereas sipping espresso (don’t spill any although!). Open each day from 10:00 am to five:00 pm.
3. Examine Out the Sculptures at Romsey R Sculpture: This group show and humanities heart on Cavendish Street commemorates the city’s historic ties to the railway and is an fascinating cease.
The place to Eat and Drink in Romsey City
Mill Street and Romsey City is among the finest 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. Under are among the finest locations to eat:
1. Tradizioni: For those who’re on the lookout for one of the best pizza on the town served in a comfortable setting with indoor and out of doors eating then you’ll be able to’t go flawed with Tradizioni. In addition to pizzas, the menu additionally consists of freshly made pasta dishes, salads, and an intensive wine checklist. Additionally they supply a takeaway service.
2. Spring Restaurant: Who doesn’t love an excellent Chinese language buffet? Particularly with among the most cost-effective costs on the town… It is a conventional Chinese language restaurant serving an incredible collection of Sichuan (spicy) and Cantonese (yummy) dishes. The basic candy and bitter pork is superb and one of the best I’ve tasted outdoors of China itself.
3. Samaan: For a style of the orient head alongside to Samaan on Mill Street for one of the 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 beauty of this space is that it’s nonetheless inside a brief strolling distance from the town heart.
Finest Locations to Keep in Newnham
There are many wonderful lodging choices round Newnham. Under, you’ll discover some wonderful selections of locations to remain close to Cambridge metropolis heart:
1. Graduate Cambridge: The Graduate provides massive, 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 School: Newnham School provides guests massive rooms with personal loos set inside beautiful gardens only a quick stroll from the town heart. Rooms include seating and a desk for individuals who want to work whereas away, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making services.
3. Go the Keys: This cozy studio condo comes with a backyard, terrace, and free parking. There’s a kitchen with a fridge, oven, and microwave, and a bathe with free toiletries. It is a nice choice for solo vacationers and is positioned simply a few miles from the town heart.
3 High Issues To Do in Newnham
Though the town heart is inside strolling distance, there are some wonderful 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 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 incredible place to carry the youngsters for some contemporary air outdoors of the town.
3. Absorb a Present on the Leys: The Leys efficiency arts theater is a superb place for the entire household to take pleasure in a present. With tune and dance performances, theater, pantomime, and comedy nights, there’s certain to be one thing of curiosity happening throughout your go to. See the field workplace web site for tickets.
The place to Eat and Drink in Newnham
There are many wonderful eating choices round Newnham all inside straightforward strolling distance. Under are three of the highest eateries within the neighborhood:
1. The Millworks Brasserie: For those who’re on the lookout for modern British delicacies in a gorgeous riverside location then the Millworks is a must-try. With casual lunches, brunches, and dinners in a stunning setting, and a menu using the freshest of components, this can be a good spot to come back for a relaxed meal.
2. The Purple Bull Newnham: The Purple 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 (reserving is suggested as unsurprisingly this fab deal tends to promote out shortly). The Purple Bull additionally hosts reside sporting occasions all year long.
3. Sala Thong: I really like an excellent Thai inexperienced (or pink) 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 Finances
The realm across the station is among the most cost-effective locations to remain in Cambridge and right here you’ll discover a collection of hostels and finances accommodations. It’s simply over a mile (1.6km) from the middle so is walkable in round half-hour.
There are many buses and taxis if you happen to don’t fancy the stroll, nonetheless.
Finest Locations to Keep across the Station
Under, are among the finest locations to remain across the station for vacationers on a finances:
1. YHA Youth Hostel: For Finances vacationers, the YHA (Youth Hostel Affiliation) hostel has dorms and personal rooms for excellent costs. It’s inside strolling distance of the station and beneath one mile from the town heart so has a first-rate location. The hostel has a restaurant/bar and video games room excellent for attending to know different vacationers.
2. A and B Visitor Home: This wonderful visitor home has rooms at very affordable charges excellent for these on a finances. All rooms are trendy and cozy and include a personal en-suite lavatory, TV, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making services.
3. Centennial Lodge: This fairly priced three-star lodge is simply 5 minutes from the station and comes with free parking. All rooms have WiFi, a personal lavatory, and free toiletries. The Centennial Restaurant serves full-English breakfasts, lunches, and dinners utilizing contemporary, seasonal produce.
5 High 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 resembling taking a stroll across the botanical or group gardens. It’s additionally based mostly within the excellent location if you happen to’re seeking to take some day journeys from Cambridge by practice (Norwich, Colchester, and London are all inside straightforward attain from right here).
1. Stroll Across the Cambridge College Botanic Backyard: The college botanic gardens are effectively price a glance and are residence to a wide range of completely different plant species from world wide. It is a good spot to flee the hustle and bustle of the town and a cool place for households to come back.
2. Catch the Newest Blockbuster on the Gentle: The Gentle is a multiplex cinema and a part of the Cambridge Leisure Middle. It reveals 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: Make the most of 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’d think about there are many wonderful eating choices across the station. Try these wonderful eateries close by:
1. The Previous Ticket Workplace: Head alongside to this station-themed pub for a beer, cocktail or chew to eat. The do-it-yourself 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 you’ll want to take a look at Slingers Smokeworks on Station Street. Situated inside an previous manufacturing unit with quirky, industrial settings, that is one among 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 beneath £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 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 positioned. Newnham is a brief stroll from the middle and is a good choice for households.
There isn’t anyplace I’d advise avoiding in Cambridge. It’s a small, nice, and protected metropolis with low ranges of crime in comparison with different cities across the UK.
Cambridge is a really protected metropolis, in actual fact, it’s one of many most secure within the nation. Though the town heart sees the best charges of crime, that is relative. North and south Cambridge (so areas like Spherical Church and Newnham) have significantly decrease charges of crime.
Town heart is one of the best place to remain in Cambridge for buying. 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, large open areas, and river views, that is my favourite a part of the town.
Cambridge is a small metropolis so a weekend (or higher but, an extended weekend) is the right period of time to get essentially the most out of your keep. I often intention to remain for 2 or three days.
Cambridge is a fairly posh metropolis general (with so many Prime Ministers, Scientists, and Philosophers passing by means of it’s not laborious 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 nearly 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 the place to remain in Cambridge. Whether or not you’re seeking to be within the coronary heart of the motion, looking for finances choices, or curious as to the place to stick with household, and all the pieces in between. 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 forward 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 School close to the Spherical church. One factor’s for certain, with so many choices, these wonderful locations to remain in Cambridge will allow you to get essentially the most out of your journey.