A City Guide to Cambridge, UK

From its historic, ivy-clad architecture to its farm-to-fork hipster hangouts, Cambridge makes for a great weekend escape. Here’s our ultimate guide for a culture-rich adventure in the city

05 September, 2022

Words by
Georgina Groom

Ah, Cambridge - land of chocolate-box, academia-steeped buildings, characterful medieval lanes and serene riverside gardens. Whether or not you've visited before, you're sure to have heard of the city's quirky rituals and free-wheeling students. But, while we're not suggesting you dismiss the hallowed university's history, nor its impressive alumni - Sir David Attenborough and Dame Emma Thompson, we're looking at you - we think it's this destination's thriving art scene and hip new hangouts you're going to be more excited about.

We've glided along the River Cam, danced in hidden bars, rummaged through boutiques, strolled market squares, taste-tested menus and jump-tested beds, to bring you the places and faces that help make Cambridge so magical. From an independent bookstore dating back to the 19th century to a bakery selling the stickiest Chelsea buns in town, this is your must-have guide to a too-cool-for-school Cambridge getaway.

Take a punt: where to eat, stay, drink and shop in Cambridge, UK

hotel

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Cambridge, United Kingdom

One peek at The Varsity Hotel & Spa’s rooftop terrace and you’ll be booking a stay, pronto. Brought to us by Cambridge graduate Will Davies, this stylish botlhole first opened its doors back in 2010. Since then, it has seen the addition of a sixth-floor restaurant, fully equipped gym and a state-of-the-art spa. Rooms are sleek yet snug, with floor-to-ceiling windows, hand-printed wallpapers and free-standing tubs, while the rest of the property has an industrial-chic feel – think bare-brick walls, rattan furnishings and matte-black detailing. Start your day the right way by making use of the fitness classes, then look to reward yourself with a recharge in the hot tub, which overlooks the River Cam.

Address

Thompsons Ln, CB5 8AQ

+44 1223 306 030 Go to website

hotel

University Arms Hotel

University Arms Hotel is the epitome of English eccentricity. From its trio of handsome, forest-green front doors to carpets patterned with university ties, the property – which, having opened as an inn in 1834, is the city’s oldest stay – effortlessly fuses period charm with contemporary flair. Across all room types, you can expect to find walls painted in arresting shades of Cambridge blue and high-spec beds framed by bookshelves stocked with the classics. Bathrooms are decked out with monochromatic chequered flooring, huge claw-foot bathtubs and gold taps – be sure to help yourself to a scoop of the soothing scrub. The airy in-house restaurant, Parker’s Tavern, is a talking point in its own right, thanks to head chef Tristan Welch’s famous spaghetti bolognese.

Address

Regent St, CB2 1AD

+44 1223 606 066 Go to website

hotel

The Fellows House

The unassuming exterior of The Fellows House belies what’s found inside. Tucked down a residential street, the design of the 131-room hotel draws inspiration from the university’s colleges: we’re talking bicycle sculptures, walls clad with illustrations of alumni and bookshelves packed with swashbuckling tales. Despite its historical influences, a modern sensibility is evident throughout the space, from the in-house Folio Kitchen restaurant to the bright, airy bedrooms, through to the bathrooms stocked with The White Company toiletries. This might just be our favourite place to crash in the city.

Address

33A Milton Rd, CB4 1UZ

+44 1223 949 499 Go to website

hotel

Graduate Cambridge

Just pipping Oxford to the post, Graduate Cambridge was the first UK outpost from US hospitality group Graduate – the hip chain that creates a space based around the history of a university town – when it opened last year on the banks of the River Cam. The property’s 148 rooms are decked out with upholstered headboards, velvet lounge chairs, wood-panelled walls and water-facing balconies. Borrow one of the olive-green bicycles and go for a spin, before returning for a taste of the contemporary seasonal menu at in-house Garden House restaurant. Helmed by head chef Adam Wood, whose previous post was at London’s award-winning Perilla, the restaurant is rumoured to dish up the best Sunday roast in town.

Address

Granta Pl, Mill Ln, CB2 1RT

+44 1223 259 988 Go to website