Perched on the river Cam, Cambridge is a city break destination that ticks all the boxes. With all the perks of a city, yet still managing to encapsulate a village vibe, it’s somewhere that will welcome you in and you won’t want to leave. Here is our travel guide to Cambridge…

Cambridge is a city known for its universities and rich history, yet when you dig a little deeper into the steeples and brick facades you’ll see recent additions that are moving the story on. One of the UK’s most visited cities, it’s a destination where you can revel in the buzz of somewhere that is far more charming than its metropolis rivals. The city is a short 50 minutes journey by train from Kings Cross station and is brimming with historic universities, sites and attractions as well as the must-visit River Cam that flows through the centre. It’s somewhere you can spend an afternoon with the sun on your face as you bob through the river on a punting boat, where you can enjoy a glass of crisp white wine and farm-to-table food in one of the many local gourmet spots and where you can get your culture fix. 

If you are planning on visiting Cambridge, we would recommend staying for at least a couple of nights as you will want to give yourself some time to relax as well as sightseeing. Here is our guide to Cambridge and the many reasons you should visit this beautiful city. 

To Stay

Gonville Hotel

Whether you are looking to stay in Cambridge for one night, two nights, a week or two, we recommend you make the Gonville Hotel your base. Situated in the heart of Cambridge, this hotel exudes a charm that captivates you from the moment you arrive. Recently refurbished, it retains its classical edge while also offering high-level luxury. Two classic Bentleys reside in Gonville’s private entrance, a nod to its grandeur and rich heritage. During your stay be sure to book a private tour in one of these as the best way to put down your roots in the city. Attentive staff are on hand to meet you at the entrance where the reception is located, relieving you of your luggage and making you feel welcome.  A quick glance up from the reception corridor and you can see the breakfast room – the ideal spot to grab a bite and start your day. Here, the hotel’s neutral decor is splashed with shades of blue, orange and mustard yellow. Next to this is the atrium bar that leads onto their terrace restaurant which services seasonal British cuisine and offers a menu of mouthwatering offerings.

Gonville hotel’s rooms were all updated during the refurbishment, offering a stylish and comfortable place to relax when taking a break from exploring the city of Cambridge. The feature bedrooms such as the one we stayed in, are opulent, tasteful and cosy. They feature large king-size beds and state-of-the-art amenities, including smart TVs, Bose speakers, and an iPad concierge for any requests.

The bathroom is a calming space, featuring a walk-in shower and a bathtub. Siting flush above the bath is a pretty picture of (confirm flowers) whilst directly opposite are two gold his and her sinks, perfect for when you are both getting ready to go out. Bose speakers that can be accessed in the main room are also attached to the ceiling of your bathroom, allowing you to control the music you are listening to whilst relaxing. 

To Do

Punt tour from Quayside with Scudamore

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punt tour along the River Cam. The River Cam runs through the heart of the city, giving you a real insight into the city from all angles. From the water you can see Cambridge from a completely different perspective, offering many beautiful photo opportunities. Scudamore’s punting Cambridge offers one of the most iconic tours of the city and has been punting in the same spot since the early 20th century. Choose either a private or group tour and enjoy an hour with one of their experts sailing you along the river, sharing their in-depth knowledge of your surroundings. Some of the famous sights that you will see on your tour are The Wren Library at Trinity College, the Bridge of Sighs and King’s College Chapel. 

A Class At Cambridge Gin Laboratory

If you love gin, booking a class at Cambridge Gin Laboratory should be high on your agenda. Cambridge Gin has been operating since 2012 and quickly became a popular gin within the industry, winning several awards. At their gin laboratory in the heart of Cambridge, they operate several different classes, including a tasting session, mix your own cocktail gin class and a make it class where you leave the session having made your very own gin. You don’t need to have any experience to attend these classes as their expert tutor will guide you along the way. 

A Bentley Tour with The Gonville Hotel

Another unique way to see Cambridge is through a private tour in one of Gonville Hotel’s classic Bentleys. The hotel’s head Concierge, Elliot will drive you through the city, sharing his wealth of knowledge as you go, stopping at key points to allow you to get out and take photos or have a better view. This offers a real insight into the surrounding area, showcasing all the best historic sites, things to do and restaurants and bars to visit. 

Visit Kettles Yard contemporary art gallery

During your visit to Cambridge, a trip to Kettle’s Yard contemporary art gallery is a must. Here you can explore the different exhibitions and the house of H.S (Jim) Ede and his wife Helen. You will get to explore the different rooms within their home, touching on the different types of decor, furniture and various pieces of artwork too. 

To Eat 

Lunch at Old Bicycle Shop

Formally known to be the oldest bicycle shop in the country, The Old Bicycle Shop is now a delicious eatery, serving food and drink throughout the day and evening. Enjoy a delicious meal, whilst taking in the unique interior of saddles and bikes, designed to pay respect to the original shop. Whether you fancy a coffee and catch up with friends or something a bit more substantial to eat, The Old Bicycle shop won’t let you down. Enjoy one of their pan-fried chicken supremes or sumac & yoghurt slow-roasted lamb shoulder before opting for a glass of their homemade lemonade, a cocktail or a nice cold beer from their craft beer menu. 

Lunch at Cambridge Chop House

If you’re looking for something in the city centre to enjoy for lunch or dinner, Cambridge Chop House should be on your radar. They specialise in interesting cuts & chops of meat with all their steaks coming at least 28 day aged and sourced from within the UK. Each dish on their menu is carefully thought out and deliciously put together, from the seared scallops and beef brisket crumpet for starters to their 14oz butler steak or 10oz ribeye steak for mains. If you really want to try something special, opt for their beef tomahawk for £95 to share – be sure to bring some stretchy trousers as this is very filling! Monday to Thursday, 11:30am – 6:30pm, The Cambridge Chophouse has a 2-course set menu (£17.50) or a three-course set menu (£22.50) to take advantage of. 

Dinner at Parker’s Tavern 

Parker’s Tavern is a quintessential all-day British brasserie serving an array of meals produced using only locally sourced ingredients. When looking for something special, dinner at Parker’s Tavern is sure to impress and leave you feeling full, satisfied and already planning a return visit. To accompany your food, Parkers Tavern has an enviable collection of stunning wines in their wine cellar to choose from. Simply speak to your sommelier to see what they can recommend. Finish your evening with an aperitif in their stylish cocktail bar taking in the atmosphere and stylish setting around you.

Dinner at The Gonville Hotel

There are a whole plethora of restaurants for you to try in Cambridge and one that you must try is the Terrace Restaurant at The Gonville Hotel. Added as an extension to the hotel in 2016, The Terrace Restaurant lays host to two different types of dining with different menus depending on the day. Sunday to Wednesday is their upscale casual dining days, whereas Thursday to Sunday is their fine dining days. While both menus are slightly different, they are both well-thought-out with care and precision going into every dish.

The Garden House Restaurant

When looking for delicious dishes and breathtaking views while you dine, Garden House restaurant in Cambridge’s Graduate Hotel is an effortless choice. Named after the site’s original hotel it celebrates the best of East Anglian and British products with Executive Chef Adam Wood at the helm. Enjoy an array of small plates designed to be shared and change depending on the season, accompanied by their range of wines and craft beers.

To Know

Cambridge is a city that is impossible to visit just once. No matter what corner you turn, you’ll be impressed with the history that presents itself. Enjoy a stroll through the town centre and explore the shops or visit the many galleries with their impressive collections. Take in the history of Cambridge and appreciate the architecture or satiate your appetite with a meal in an award-winning restaurant and a drink at a celebrated bar. Cambridge has so many places to stay whether you want to enjoy a single night away or enjoy a longer week break forgetting about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take on the city at your own leisure and don’t forget to bring a camera as there is a photo opportunity for every step you take. Find out more about Cambridge at Visit Cambridge – what are you waiting for?

Find out more information at: www.visitcambridge.org