Walk down any street in Cambridge and chances are you’ll bump into someone brainy, this being a bastion of academic greatness. University colleges dominate this small city –it’s possible to get round all of them in an afternoon – but the first one to head for has to be King’s College. Its magnificent Kings’ College Chapel is a triumph of Gothic architecture.

Perfectly manicured college lawns, known as the ‘Backs’ sweep down to the River Cam, where a series of quaint historical bridges connect the banks. Get wistful on the Bridge of Sighs, or perplexed on the Mathematical Bridge. Alternatively, wander around Cambridge’s quirky second hand bookshops while trying to avoid the cyclists who continually battle with cars for control of the roads.

Tradition abounds here. Bowler hatted college porters still wait on the university gowned and gifted – an odd throwback to a past age. However there’s also a futuristic side to Cambridge. Since the 90s it’s become a ‘silicon fen’, or choice of location for many high tech firms. Bill Gates has set up a research centre here, and, according to the ultra geek who rarely gets it wrong, Cambridge is to become the new ‘world centre of advanced technology’.

The Rag Carnival Procession, a popular student festival, takes place in February in central Cambridge.

The Cambridge Beer Festival in late May takes place at Jesus Green. More than 120 real ales to sup as well as English wines and plenty of local food stalls. What’s not to like?

The Cambridge Strawberry Fair heralds the arrival of early summer, held at Midsummer Common.

College June Bumps In mid June, watch the Cambridge University boat teams compete on the River Cam.

Singing on the River Enjoy a blissful summer evening in Cambridge at the mid June outdoor concerts on the King’s College River Bank.

If there’s one event to book a trip around, make it this one. The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival starts in early July in the University College Gardens. More than 25,000 came last time.

The Cambridge Film Festival, also held July in venues across the city, is one of the best in the UK.

Pop into the Park and enjoy Pop in the Park. A July event held at Parker’s Piece, Cambridge, for live music, funfairs, film screenings, stalls and fireworks.

Cambridge Firework Celebrations and Funfair General festivities in commemoration of the attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, at Midsummer Common in November

The Cambridge Music Festival takes place in mid November with live musical events and concerts held across the city.

• The climate in Cambridge is typical of English weather and can be unpredictable, although mainly mild. Summer sees many fine sunny days – perfect for a punt on the river. While spring is a great time to come to see the snowdrops and daffodils in Cambridge’s many parks and gardens.

• Winter temperatures are on average around the 4°C mark, however there is always the risk of frost and sub zero temps. The summer sees temps of up to 22°C, but the UK does occasionally have sweltering summers with temps as high as 30°C and above.

• Rainfall is no higher than average for the UK, with spring showers always a high possibility.

• Stansted Airport is the closest airport to Cambridge, and a regular bus service runs from Drummer Street Bus Station at a cost of £9.70.

• Cambridge has good railway connections to the rest of the UK with trains running every 30 minutes from London St Pancras and Liverpool Street stations – a journey of 45 minutes to an hour.

• National Express runs frequent coaches between Cambridge and most other UK cities – and prices start at just a few pounds for those willing to travel during unsociable hours.

Cambridge is home to spectacular architecture, historic landmarks and wonderful festivals. As the home of the University of Cambridge, the small city of 130,000 people, some 80 km north of London, has a worldwide reputation for academic prowess. The university dates back to 1209, when a student faction split from Oxford to form a rival institution. Brilliant and prolific campus landmarks remain the principal tourist draw in Cambridge today, from the Old Court of Peterhouse to Trinity College Chapel, Great Court and St. John's College Chapel.

Great St. Mary's Church is the University Church of the University of Cambridge and dates back to the late 15th century. With a fine interior to explore, the church is one of the pre-eminent symbols of the city. The Backs and Clare College are two other points of interest, as are annual events like the Cambridge Film Festival, Midsummer Fair and Cambridge Folk Festival.

Attractions

Activities

Restaurants

Nightlife

Cambridge has a temperate climate, with mild conditions throughout the year.

• Winter (December to February) 1-8°C
• Spring (March to May) 3-17°C
• Summer (June to September) 10-22°C
• Fall (October to November) 4-15°C