Cambridge

Summary
One of the most famous university towns in the world, Cambridge is also one of the most beautiful – with stunning colleges lying on a wide bend in the River Cam. The architectural marvels of King’s College and Cambridge University Library dominate the skyline, while people punt on the river, stopping for picnics on the banks.

Cambridge is a lovely place to walk or cycle around, popping into some of the colleges and browsing in boutiques en route. Situated on the edge of the Fens, it’s surrounded by countryside and has a distinctly rural feel – though the students ensure there’s a lively nightlife too.

Getting there/getting around Cambridge
The nearest airport is Stansted, 30 miles away, and there’s a regular hourly bus service into the city. Trains run to London’s King’s Cross and Liverpool Street stations – it takes 55 minutes – and there are regular services to other towns like King’s Lynn and Bury St Edmunds. The station is about a mile from the city centre. Coaches run to destinations including London, Bristol, Oxford, Heathrow and Gatwick.

It’s easy to get around Cambridge on foot, but cycling’s a popular way to explore the city and the surrounding fens as the landscape’s particularly flat.

Sightseeing in Cambridge
The colleges are the architectural treasures of Cambridge, designed by some of history’s greatest architects, including Sir Christopher Wren. The gothic King’s College Chapel is among the most stunning. There are guided walking tours of the colleges, but they’re closed at Easter and during the end of year exams.

A spot of punting on the Cam is not to be missed – punts can be hired from Garret Hostel Bridge and the boatyard at Mill Lane. Why not head up to the little village of Grantchester, three miles away, for an idyllic excursion?

Fitzwilliam Museum, an impressive neo-classical building, was one of the first public art museums in England and it’s crammed with paintings and artefacts including work by Rubens and Picasso, as well as ancient Egyptian sarcophagi.

To explore more of the Fens you can cycle along the river for 15 miles to Ely, an unspoilt market town dominated by a wonderful cathedral.

Family attractions in Cambridge
Aside from the many parks and riverside activities on offer in Cambridge, there are several museums and galleries around which should keep the children happy for a few hours. Kids will be entertained and educated at the university’s museums of Archaeology and Anthropology, and that of Zoology. The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science should also provide inquisitive young ones with plenty to do. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which features more than 8,000 species of plant and an extensive collection of trees, is also recommended.

If the kids still have any energy left, a trip to the Funky Fun House should set them up nicely for a good night’s sleep. The city’s first family entertainment centre has many attractions, such as slides, rides and places to climb.

Day trips from Cambridge
If have a spare day or two in Cambridge, it’s worth exploring the Fens – a good place to start is to cycle along the River Cam for 15 miles to Ely, an unspoilt market town dominated by a wonderful cathedral. Elsewhere around Cambridgeshire, places of historical and cultural interest and significance worth visiting include Anglesey Abbey, Ramsey Abbey and Elton Hall.

West of Cambridge, history buffs will love Kimbolton Castle, an impressive building that was the final resting place of Catherine of Aragon. The preserved Nene Valley Railway, between Peterborough Nene Valley and Yarwell Junction, is also worth seeing; aside from the picturesque views on offer, the railway has a full-scale replica of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Shopping in Cambridge
Given its status as a university city, it’s perhaps no surprise that Cambridge has a thriving shopping scene, including many bric-a-brac and charity shops, where students can pick up bargains galore. The city also has its fair share of shopping malls, such as the Grafton Centre and the Lion Yard.

Souvenir hunters will be happy at the numerous art and craft markets and shops, while those searching for a present for younger children should make their way to the English Teddy Bear Company, which is packed with hand-made teddies.

Restaurants in Cambridge
With a wide range of eateries with cuisine from all over the world to choose from, diners are spoilt for choice in Cambridge. La Tasca tapas bar and restaurant has a lively feel to it, as does De Luca Cucina and Bar. Fans of history should head to No 1 Kings Parade Restaurant, which is set in a 500-year-old wine cellar and was founded by Henry VIII.

For some lovely views while you’re eating, try La Mimosa or the Galleria, both of which overlook the river. Also next to the river is the Midsummer House Restaurant, which often receives very good reviews. The Don Pasquale Italian restaurant, on the market square in the city centre, is also usually a popular draw.

Nightlife in Cambridge
As might be expected in a city containing more than 20,000 students, there is much to do of an evening in Cambridge. Bars and pubs are often packed in and around the city centre and university areas, especially in term time.

After all that, if you still have it in you then there are plenty of theatres around, if you fancy taking in a show; the Cambridge Arts Theatre, the Corn Exchange and the Junction are among the more famous. Fans of Shakespeare will love the festival dedicated to the Bard that takes place in the city every July and August.