The ultimate guide to Cambridge!

It’s been almost two months since I started posting on this blog, and I’m only just now getting round to writing about the wonderful city I grew up in. Home to one of the best universities in the world, Cambridge is among the most visited tourist destinations in the UK, and quite unsurprisingly! It’s got everything from stunning architecture to huge green spaces, and I feel very grateful to have spent my childhood there, and got to know the ins and outs of the place. Today, I’m going to be telling you everything you need to know if you’re planning on visiting Cambridge any time soon.

When to go

If you’ve been to Britain before, you’ll know that the weather can never be trusted, so there isn’t really particular time of year during which it’s best to visit Cambridge. Besides, this city is glorious, whether bathed in sunlight or snow. However, I think September is probably the best month to come: it’s usually still warm, but there are fewer tourists about.

Where to stay

Cambridge has great transport services, but I’d recommend staying as close to the centre as you can. Most buildings in the very middle of town are owned by the university, so you won’t be able to stay there, but if you can find accommodation either near the station, or in one of the suburbs (Chesterton, for example), you’ll be within easy walking or cycling distance of all the main sights.

What to do

Visit the university

Cambridge is renowned for its prestigious university, so it would be silly to visit the city without seeing some of its world-famous colleges. Must-sees include: King’s College Chapel, Trinity College’s Great Court (the largest enclosed court in Europe), St John’s College’s Bridge of Sighs, Queen’s College’s Mathematical Bridge, and Corpus Christi College’s Grasshopper Clock.

Top tip: Colleges are sometimes closed to the public, so if this is the case for any of the places you want to visit, tell the porters you’re a prospective student. You should be allowed in!

Go punting

Another classic thing to do in Cambridge is to go punting! This sport essentially involves propelling a long boat by pushing a pole down onto the river bed. (It’s difficult to explain: look up a video online! ) Spend a couple of hours on a punting tour, or, if you’re feeling extra brave, rent a boat and try it out for yourself. It’s not the easiest skill to pick up, but it’s certainly a fun thing to do badly. Just try not to crash into any other people, or – worse – fall into the water!

Walk along the Backs

Want to see the River Cam without the risk of ending up in it? Take a walk along the backs of the central colleges (imaginatively nicknamed the Backs)! Not only will you get to see some extraordinary architecture; you may also be treated to the sight of thousands of flowers. In spring, most of the grass by the river is covered in daffodils and crocuses! One of my favourite spots on this route is Trinity College’s Scholars Lawn. You can get there by heading down Garret Hostel Lane, and taking a right through a gate just before the bridge.

Relax in a park

One of the best things about Cambridge is that, despite being a city, it’s full of pleasant green spaces. The most popular of these are Parker’s Piece, Jesus Green, and Midsummer Common. All of these are lovely places to sit and relax in, and, if you’re there in the summer, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of cheerful picnickers. Look out also for slackliners performing tricks on Jesus Green!

If you want somewhere less crowded, Stourbridge Common is another gorgeous green space, located on the river but is still a bit of a hidden secret. It takes about half an hour to walk from the centre of town, but you’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous views along the way, and will have a huge patch of land all to yourself once you’ve arrived. Make sure to visit the quaint village of Fen Ditton while you’re in the area.

Go the University Botanical Gardens

Want to spend time in a green space that’s also packed with interesting plants? Pay a trip to the University Botanical Gardens! Here, you’ll find everything from steamy greenhouses, to small ponds with stepping stones. And, if you get hungry during your visit, there’s a café on site, where you can stop and have a bite to eat.

Visit a museum

Cambridge is full of great museums, many of which are free to enter. The biggest of these is the Fitzwilliam Museum, whose magnificent exterior alone is worth going to see. Head inside to see artefacts dating back thousands of years, and make sure to look upwards and admire the beautiful ceilings there! Other great institutions include: the Scott Polar Museum, the Cambridge Archaeological Museum, and Kettle’s Yard.

See the city from above

If you’ve read some of my other ‘ultimate guides’, you’ll know that I’m a sucker for a good view, and luckily Cambridge has some great observation spots. The photos below were taken from the roof of King’s College Chapel (my brother was an organ scholar there, so we got special access), but if you want somewhere a little more tourist-friendly, head across the road and climb the tower of Great St Mary’s Church. Other places to see the city from above include Castle Hill, and, rather surprisingly, the top floor of the Grafton Centre car park!

Go shopping

If you feel like engaging in a bit of retail therapy, make sure to check out Cambridge’s two main shopping centres: the Grand Arcade and the Grafton Centre. In both, you’ll find all the classic high-street brands, as well as a number of places to stop and enjoy some refreshments. Just outside the latter, you’ll also find Burleigh Street, a pedestrianised area lined with great charity shops and restaurants.

Want to browse some independent stores? Head to Mill Road, where you’ll find everything from vegan grocery shops, to antique shops, to second-hand bookstores. Alternatively, check out some of the stalls at Cambridge's central market.

Go swimming

When I was a child, one of my favourite things to do in Cambridge was to go on a trip to Parkside Pools. This swimming pool has three different areas to splash about in – one for toddlers, one for children, and one for adults – as well as two exhilarating flumes. It’s also right next door to the Kelsey Kerridge gym, so if you fancy relaxing in a roof-top hot tub, make sure to head there afterwards!

Alternatively, if it’s warm outside, take a dip in the Jesus Green Lido. The water here is absolutely freezing, but that’s just what you’ll want after a day of sightseeing under the beating sun.

Check out Cambridge’s nightlife

Cambridge is, rather hilariously, famous for having one of the worst nightlifes in the country, but in my experience, you can have a fantastic time if you know the right places to go. A classic night out for me involves getting drinks in the Regal pub (a branch of the popular Wetherspoons company) before dancing till dawn in Lola Lo. Other popular clubs, though, include Fez, Ballare, and Vinyl.

Explore the surrounding area

You won’t be short of things to do in Cambridge, but if you are prepared to travel a bit outside the centre, there are plenty of things to see in the surrounding villages. Saffron Walden and Hemingford Grey are two particularly gorgeous places. In the latter, you can visit the beautiful house and garden of writer, Lucy Boston.

If, rather than seeing pretty architecture, you’d prefer to spend a bit of time in nature, there are also loads of great places near Cambridge to go on walks in. My three favourites are Wandlebury Country Park, Milton Country Park, and the lesser-known Brampton Wood, nicknamed ‘the Bluebell Wood’ in my family. Head there in the spring to see the flowers in full bloom!

Go on a day trip further afield

Up for travelling even further afield? Hop on a coach or train, and go on a day trip to a nearby city. My favourite nearby cities are Norwich (see my article on this cathedral town here), London, and Oxford.

Where to eat

Aromi

My favourite place to eat out in Cambridge has got to be the Sicilian restaurant, Aromi. Here, you can find all sort of delicious delicacies, from warm arancini, to freezing cold gelato. My go-to order there is a capricciosa focaccia, washed down with San Pellegrino lemonade.

Top tip: Aromi now has three branches in Cambridge, so if the two in the historical centre are packed (this is pretty common), head to the one just outside the Grafton Centre.

Yim Wah House

Craving Chinese food? Book a table at Yim Wah House, a fantastic restaurant that offers countless authentic Asian dishes. I’d recommend getting dim sum: that way you can try a whole array of foods. I particularly like their prawn dumplings. See if you can get through the whole thing using just chopsticks!

Heads up: if you’re learning Mandarin, the waiters in this restaurant will be very happy to help you practise, and correct any pronunciation errors.

Curry Queen

Another place I’ve been to countless times and never been disappointed by is the Curry Queen. Located very close to the station, this is the best restaurant to go to if you’re looking for Indian food. I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to spicy things, so I always tend to go for the milder curries, but even these are full of flavour and simply delicious. After your meal, enjoy washing your face with one of their free heated flannels.

Stir

Another place slightly further from the centre, but well worth the trek, is Stir. This hipster café is just round the corner from my mother’s house, so I go there all the time when I’m home, either to work or just to treat myself. Their hot chocolate is amazing (look how generous they are with the whipped cream), but I’d also recommend their chocolate milkshake, if it’s a sunnier day. Feeling peckish? Be sure to try their fantastic smashed avocado toast!

Thirsty

Just down the road from Stir, another great wining and dining spot is Thirsty. Pop in here for evening drinks – they offer loads of fantastic beers and wines – and, if you feel hungry, get a takeaway meal from the food van outside.

Top tip: Every day, a different company takes charge of this vehicle, so check on the Thirsty Facebook page to see which evening of the week appeals most to you.

The Eagle

Looking for traditional pub food in a place full of history? Enjoy a meal at The Eagle. Not only are the food and drinks here very affordable here; this is also the place where Watson and Crick are said to have come up with the concept of the DNA helix structure.

Fun fact: This pub is said to have ghosts floating around in it – one window is always kept open, just in case…

Indigo Café

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a quick bite for lunch, Indigo Café is just the place to go. Located in a little alleyway just off the central King’s Parade, this dining spot is a lovely place to sit and relax mid-sightseeing, and offers a whole array of scrumptious sandwiches and toasties. Make sure to get there on the early side: tables fill up quickly!

Warning: Indigo Café has a card limit of £10, so make sure to visit an ATM before you go – that is, unless you’re planning on having a proper feast!

The Orchard Tea Garden

One of my favourite places to eat when the weather is good is the Orchard Tea Garden. Located in Grantchester, this outdoor café has hundreds of wooden deck chairs where you can sit and tuck into tasty lunches or afternoon teas. Whether you fancy a stuffed jacket potato or a full-on cream tea, get down here, and do so early to bag the best seats!

A piece of advice: The Orchard is right next to Grantchester Meadows, a beautiful area of grassland that runs along the River Cam. Make sure to take a stroll there, either before your meal, to work up an appetite, or afterwards, to burn off your food. If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even take a dip in the water!

Fitzbillies

Speaking of afternoon teas, another place you’ve got to try is Fitzbillies. Make sure to order one of their delicious Chelsea buns: they’re covered in cinnamon, and attract people from far and wide. A true Cambridge delicacy if ever there was one!

Fudge Kitchen Ltd

Finally, if your stomach is rumbling, but it isn’t yet time for a full meal, pop into the Fudge Kitchen Ltd, and get yourself a free sample! While you’re enjoying your treat, make sure to stop and watch as more fudge is prepared to your left. Don’t blame me if you’re unable to resist making a purchase after this!

Getting around

Cambridge is a very walkable (or cyclable! ) city, but if you’re in a rush, it is very well-catered, with buses running regularly,. Travelling further afield? Cambridge also has a railway station not far from the centre, and a coach station just next to Parker’s Piece.

That’s all, folks!

So there you have it: my ultimate guide to Cambridge! I’d strongly recommend that you pay a visit to my wonderful hometown if you’re planning to travel to the UK any time soon. Drop me a message if you’re thinking of doing so: I’d love to show you around, myself!

Photo gallery