Cambridge (UK) Hotels

Cambridge Rundown

Cambridge is not known as a bastion of academic greatness for nothing and its’ University colleges are the dominant force in this small Cambridge shire city. In fact, Cambridge is so small you could get round all the colleges in one afternoon, but if there’s just one you should see, head for King’s College and King’s College Chapel - resplendent in Gothic architecture.

Pristine college lawns sweep majestically down to the River Cam, which are over-reached by a set of charming bridges including the Bridge of Sighs – where many a college student no doubt felt wistful - or the Mathematical Bridge, perhaps sought out for algebraic inspiration. Once you’ve done a spot of sightseeing, a wander around Cambridge’s second hand book stores will fill an afternoon pleasantly, or even a punt on the River Cam – stripy boater not compulsory.

During a trip to Cambridge you may well be amused to find bowler hatted college porters still waiting on their gowned and privileged superiors. But along with a strong sense of tradition, Cambridge has its feet firmly stuck in not only the present, but the future, with the city touted as becoming a ‘world center of advanced technology’, by Bill Gates, no less.

Cambridge’s Top 10

Cambridge History

• Great St Mary's – A fine example of 15th-century architecture.
• St Benet's – A beautiful 11th-century church found hidden away along a Cambridge lane.
• King's College and King's College Chapel – One of Cambridge’s most-visited attractions.
• All Saints – Located on Jesus Lane, this 19th-century church features a highly ornate interior.
• St Andrew's – An impressive church with medieval paintings around the chancel arch.

Cambridge Art & Culture

• Fitzwilliam Museum – This art museum is home to five departments.
• Kettle's Yard – This house features a fine collection of art. It also presents contemporary music concerts.
• Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences – This old museum is packed with fossils.
• University Museum of Zoology – This museum displays the structural diversity and evolutionary of the animal kingdom.
• Whipple Museum of the History of Science – This popular museum displays a preeminent collection of scientific instruments and models.

Cambridge Shopping

• King's Parade – Home to numerous souvenir and gift shops.
• Burleigh Street – Countless charity shops are to be found here.
• Grafton Centre – All the expected high-street shops are to be found in this shopping centre.
• Lion Yard – This shopping centre is home to some of the most well-known retail stores.
• Primavera – This store is home to high-quality modern arts and crafts.

Gay & Lesbian Cambridge

• Five Bells – Located on Newmarket Road, this popular gay pub serves up a variety of delicious drinks.
• Man on the Moon – This alternative music venue is the place to enjoy live bands and DJs.
• Dot Cotton Club – This popular lesbian and gay nightclub attracts thousands of clubbers each month.
• Kite Club – A support group/social club for young gay and lesbian Cambridge tourists and residents.
• Sister Act – A group for lesbian and bisexual women in Cambridge to come together and enjoy social activities.

Cambridge Outdoor

• The Backs – The gardens of Clare, Trinity and St John's Colleges are the perfect location to take a walk on a pleasant day.
• Botanic Garden of Cambridge University – A relaxing way in which to whittle away a few hours. The garden is home to 10,000 plant species.
• Jesus Green – An extensive piece of parkland located adjacent to Midsummer Common. The green is home to tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool.
• Parker's Piece – One of the most well-known open spaces Cambridge has to offer.
• Christ's Pieces – Located in the city centre, this Victorian-style park features ornamental shrub beds.

Cambridge Sport

• Watch the Cambridge United F.C. play football at the Abbey Stadium.
• Catch the Cambridge City F.C. at the City Ground.
• Enjoy watching the University of Cambridge's cricket club at their home ground, Fenner's.
• Check out the skills of the Cambridge R.U.F.C. at their home ground, West Renault Park.
• Watch the Cambridge University Real Tennis club at their Real Tennis court and check out the future stars of the tennis world.

Cambridge Events

Prepare to sup up to 120 real ales at the popular Cambridge Beer Festival in May, all to be downed with some fine food from the many stalls.

The Rag Carnival Procession takes place in central Cambridge in February. Colorful student high jinks.

Get your cream and sugar at the ready for the Cambridge Strawberry Fair in June on Midsummer Common.

The College June Bumps takes place in mid June. Cambridge University boat teams take to the River Cam to compete – and bump into each other presumably.

The Cambridge Film Festival is a July event – the city is taken over by film fanatics at a number of venues across the city.

Pop in the Park is held at Parker’s Piece, Cambridge. A fun event with a funfair, stalls, and live music.

The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is a ‘must do’ one, but buy tickets early for this July event because it gets sold out quickly.

Singing on the River Who doesn’t enjoy a sing song? Listen to some beautiful music during the summer evenings in June on the King’s College River Bank.

Cambridge Music Festival is an annual November event featuring live music and concerts at a number of city venues.

Cambridge Firework Celebrations and Funfair in November gives folk the chance to commemorate the doomed attempt to blow up Parliament all those years ago.

When to Go

Cambridge’s climate is in line with the English climate in general, with generally moderate temperatures throughout the year and four seasons to experience. There are likely to be many sunny days in the summer months, perfect for sightseeing.

During the summer months of July and August temperatures are likely to peak around 22°C, and in winter temps drop to an average of 4°C or so. Snow is rare, but Cambridge does see plenty of frosts.

Cambridge has its fair share of rain, in common with the rest of the UK, so come prepared with waterproofs aplenty.

How to Get There

Cambridge is close to Stansted Airport and benefits from a regular bus service from the airport into Drummer Street Bus Station.

There are good railway connections between Cambridge and the rest of the country. Trains run every 30 minutes into London St Pancras and Liverpool Street stations, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.

National Express operates a frequent intercity service with prices starting very low for those who don’t mind traveling at off peak times.

Cambridge Rundown

Cambridge’s Top 10

Cambridge Events

When to Go

Getting There

Attractions & Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

Climate

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