Hotels in Cambridge

This historical city in the Fenlands of East England is a prestigious university town. Cambridge has many famous colleges, such as Corpus Christi, Trinity and St. John's. All are known for having magnificent architecture, with some dating back to 1209. Founded by Henry VI in 1445, King's College Chapel in Cambridge is home to one of the world's most famous choirs. Sidney Sussex College, established in 1596, boasts several famous alumnae, including Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) of the Cambridgeshire Parliament of England. His remains are buried beneath the floor of the college's chapel. Still, the city isn't all about intellectual pursuits. It also has many fun festivals, entertaining sports, fashionable shopping centres and tasty restaurants serving international cuisines.

Accommodation in this lively town is varied and plentiful. You can find many exclusive hotels right in the heart of the city's centre. There are also several family-friendly and pet-friendly establishments, including boutique hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast rentals. You can even opt for comfy accommodation along the city outskirts if you prefer a quieter getaway.

Neighbourhoods of Cambridge

• Central: This area has had a market in the city since Anglo-Saxon times. It's currently held every day of the week at the Market Square and offers a wonderful selection of local goods, including fresh produce.
• St. Bene't's Church: Although not a neighbourhood, this place is still very noteworthy. The church is a square tower of Anglo-Saxon construction. The surrounding area offers plenty of exciting attractions, where you could easily spend an entire afternoon.
• Petersfield: To the east of the city is this popular retail area filled with many well-known shops.
• Castle Street: The River Cam's western bank is an interesting area with many museums. It's also the location of Kettle's Yard, a well-known museum and art gallery featuring twentieth-century art and ceramics.

What to see and do in Cambridge

• Punting: A trip on the River Cam is like being in Venice. A punt is similar to a gondola, and you ride on one that follows the river and passes ty many of the local colleges. You'll sail under several bridges with beautiful architecture, including the wooden Mathematical Bridge from 1906 and a perfectly scaled replica of Venice's Bridge of Sighs.
• Grantchester Meadows: This popular picnic area is at the end of the punting tour down the River Cam.
• Museums: The city has many museums devoted to a diverse range of themes. You can browse through classical architecture, ancient civilisations, computers and science. Perhaps the most poignant is the Scott Polar Museum, where you can discover relics recovered from Captain Scott's ill-fated Antarctic adventure.
• Sports: Water polo, rowing, hockey, cricket, and football are trendy sports that still thrive in this city. Cambridge famously established the Association Rule in 1848.
• Performing Arts: You can attend a range of plays, comedy sketches and musical events at the University Footlights Dramatic Club and Corn Exchange venues.

What to eat in Cambridge

You'll find a great selection of takeaways in Cambridge, serving everything from local meals to international cuisine. The local lent pies are a popular delicacy. It's a pastry tartlet similar to mince pie that dates back centuries and filled with boiled eggs, apples and raisins. As rich agricultural land surrounds the city, you can enjoy various dishes in the many local restaurants, often prepared with locally grown produce, such as cauliflower and cabbage.

Typical events and festivals in Cambridge

• Strawberry Fair: The Midsummer Common hosts this free festival on the first Saturday in June. It dates back to 1211, but a modern revival brought it back to life in 1974. It features music, crafts and much more.
• Shakespeare Festival: You can enjoy watching open-air performances of William Shakespeare's plays. The festival takes place over two summer months in local college gardens.
• Beer Festival: Discover some real ales at this annual event hosted by CAMRA. Since 1974, the festival has been taking place near the area of Whitsun.

How to move around in Cambridge

Over 25 per cent of the city's residents travel by bicycle, making this the ideal way to move around in Cambridge and explore its many attractions. There are many bicycle hire shops around the city. Alternatively, you can get around using the local buses, taxis and car hire.

The climate in Cambridge

This holiday destination is reputedly known as the United Kingdom's driest area, making it the most suitable place for hosting outdoor events. The average temperature during the summer is usually around 23º C (74º F). It gets relatively chilly in the winter, dropping to average lows around 7° C (45º F).