Cambridge is likely one of the most charming cities in England and is famed for its historic college and schools. There are many fun things to do in and across the metropolis and inside this information, you’ll discover out the place to keep in Cambridge to get essentially the most out of your journey. From the good areas to the perfect nightlife, finances choices, and extra.
I’ve been visiting this laid-back metropolis (it feels extra like a city) since childhood and have stayed in lots of the Cambridge neighborhoods through the years. Whether or not you need to be shut to the picturesque River Cam, the town’s major sights, nightlife, or the perfect foodie choices, this information has you lined.
Cambridge is a comparatively small metropolis by world requirements with a inhabitants of fewer than 150,000 folks, so irrespective of which space you select, most locations of curiosity are simply reachable on foot. The small dimension and easy-going nature of the place are what makes Cambridge one in every of my favourite locations for a weekend break.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Cambridge
Fast Look: Greatest Areas to Stay in Cambridge
Spherical Church Avenue: Greatest Place To Stay in Cambridge for Your First Time
The world round Spherical Church Avenue is situated between the River Cam and among the metropolis’s most well-known schools comparable to Trinity and St Johns. All the main Cambridge attractions from the Market Sq. to the “Backs” are inside a brief stroll, as are among the finest eating places and pubs the town has to supply.
This space is ideal for first-time guests as every thing is so shut by, making it the perfect space to keep in Cambridge if you need all of it.

There are additionally some beautiful parks comparable to Jesus Green and Midsummer Common a couple of minutes away that again onto the river and function nice locations for a stroll or a picnic.
Greatest Locations to Stay in Spherical Church Avenue
You’ll discover among the finest locations to keep in Cambridge round Spherical Church Avenue and under are three of my high picks:
1. West Court Jesus College: The rooms at Jesus School are a part of the College making this one of the crucial distinctive locations to keep in Cambridge. Single and double rooms can be found with both a non-public or shared rest room and there’s the choice of a continental-style breakfast.
2. Two-Bedroom Townhouse: In case you’re on the lookout for a spot to keep in Cambridge with parking then look no additional than this two-bedroom townhouse. This is likely one of the finest locations to keep in Cambridge for teams of mates or households and comes with two loos and a totally outfitted kitchen.
3. Varsity Hotel and Spa: In case you’re on the lookout for somewhat little bit of luxurious then the four-star Varsity Resort and Spa is the place to go. Rooms include an LCD TV and a library of DVDs, a monsoon bathe, and underfloor heating. There’s additionally a rooftop terrace with wonderful views of the town for friends to expertise.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Spherical Church Avenue
As this space is simply north of the town middle there’s loads to do from strolling alongside or having a punt on the river to exploring the celebrated schools comparable to Trinity and St James.
1. Visit The Round Church: The Spherical Church, from which this space is known as, is likely one of the metropolis’s most historic buildings and dates again to the twelfth Century. Inside, you’ll discover a customer middle and exhibition corridor with completely different occasions all year long. You possibly can take a 120-minute guided walking tour of Cambridge from the church for £12.
2. Take a Bridge of Sighs Punting Tour: The well-known Bridge of Sighs is a brief stroll from Spherical Church and the start line for boating excursions of the college backs. This 50-minute punting tour is the right manner to discover essentially the most picturesque a part of the town and is one in every of my favourite Cambridge actions.

3. Explore Trinity College: Trinity School was based by King Henry VIII in 1546 and is likely one of the largest schools in Cambridge. Trinity can rely 34 Nobel prizewinners, 6 Prime Ministers, and luminaries comparable to Lord Byron, A.A Milne (creator of Winnie the Pooh), and Sir Isaac Newton amongst its Cantabrigians.
Where to Eat and Drink round Spherical Church Avenue
There are some nice locations to select from when it comes to consuming and ingesting choices round Spherical Church Avenue. and the realm is dwelling to a few my favourite pubs in the town.
1. The Baron of Beef: In case you’re on the lookout for a conventional pub a number of steps from Spherical Church then had alongside to The Baron of Beef. With a location shut to the river, a pleasing beer backyard, and occasional dwell sport and music, it is a excellent place to seize a pint and a chunk of homely pub grub. An amazing choice for Sunday lunch.
2. The Pickerel: The Pickerel is one in every of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs and is believed to be the oldest in the town. The menu consists of traditional British dishes comparable to fish and chips and pie and mash, in addition to a number of succulent meat and meat-free burgers. Completely situated overlooking the river.
3. Cote Cambridge: Cote is a brasserie situated only a brief stroll from the Spherical Church that gives up traditional French dishes from coq au vin to beef bourguignon (two of my favorites) alongside a wonderful wine checklist. It’s an amazing place for {couples} to spend a romantic night.
Central Cambridge: Greatest Space in Cambridge for Nightlife
In case you’re on the lookout for the place to keep in Cambridge for nightlife then the town middle is definitely the perfect place to be. With so many wonderful eating places, bars, and golf equipment across the middle, in addition to the highest vacationer sights, this is likely one of the finest areas to keep in Cambridge.
It is a vigorous space with loads to preserve you occupied day and evening and is one in every of my favourite elements of the town. A number of the widespread nightspots embody the Bar-OH cocktail bar and the Brewdog Taproom which is my go-to as I like a pint of Punk IPA or two (or three…).

One factor’s for certain, you received’t be bored for a second as there’s all the time loads occurring in the middle of city. That is undoubtedly the perfect place to keep in Cambridge for nightlife and for these on the lookout for a vigorous expertise.
Greatest Locations to Stay in Central Cambridge
Uncover the place to keep in Cambridge metropolis middle with the under lodge choices:
1. Gonville Hotel: This four-star lodge is likely one of the finest locations to keep in Cambridge middle and has comfy and trendy rooms with free WiFi, flatscreen TV, and an en-suite rest room with toiletries. The onsite Terrace restaurant serves continental and cooked breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
2. University Arms Hotel: The College Arms is an upmarket lodge overlooking a courtyard and the historic Regent Avenue. Rooms include free WiFi, and en-suite loos, and some rooms characteristic a balcony. There’s additionally an onsite gymnasium.
3. Hilton Cambridge City Center: The Hilton is likely one of the high Cambridge resorts close to nightlife and is situated in the center of the town a brief stroll from all the highest pubs, bars, and golf equipment. The fashionable and modern rooms include Sattelite TV, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries.
5 Prime Issues To Do in Central Cambridge
The middle is filled with enjoyable and fascinating issues to do from among the high museums in the nation to the charming market sq. and metropolis schools.
1. Take a City and University Tour: Among the finest methods to get oriented and see the perfect the town has to supply is to take a tour of the town and College. Go to iconic landmarks such because the cathedral, the oldest church in the town, the historic King’s School, and the laboratory that’s produced a number of Nobel winners.

2. Visit Market Square: The Market Sq. is the central level of Cambridge and is a good place for purchasing, consuming, and ingesting. I like searching the market stalls right here for garments, curios, souvenirs, and native produce. There are many nice cafes and eating places across the sq. serving every thing from burgers, halloumi, and gyros to Belgian waffles.
3. Walking and Punting Tour: If you need to see among the most picturesque elements of Cambridge together with the universities and the well-known “Backs” then taking a mixed strolling and punting tour is a good choice. Study in regards to the metropolis’s fascinating historical past with Cambridge alumni who step in as tour guides.
4. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: This wonderful museum is likely one of the highlights of any journey to Cambridge for me and homes among the finest collections in the nation. With displays from pre-history to antiquity and the trendy day, this is likely one of the most fascinating locations for lovers of historical past. Make sure to take a look at the Egyptian and Roman flooring.
5. Take in a Show at the Corn Exchange: The Corn Change is one in every of Cambridge’s most historic music and arts venues and I’ve watched many bands play right here through the years. Test the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to. The Change hosts every thing from comedy nights to performs, operas, dwell acts from all over the world, and extra.
Where to Eat and Drink in Central Cambridge
You’re actually spoiled for selection when it comes to consuming and ingesting in the city middle which is why it’s the perfect place to keep in Cambridge if you need to expertise the perfect eating places, bars, and pubs.
1. Honest Burgers: In case you’re on the lookout for the perfect burger in Cambridge then give Trustworthy Burgers a attempt. The oldsters right here have been perfecting their craft for over 10 years and the burgers are constituted of 100% British components. They’re among the tastiest I’ve ever tried (and I’m not likely a burger man in order that’s an enormous praise). Situated in Market Sq. in the center of Cambridge.
2. BrewDog Cambridge: The BrewDog craft beer bar and restaurant is one in every of my high locations to go in Cambridge because it serves one in every of my favourite beers, Punk IPA, on faucet. BrewDog has some nice provides on meals comparable to 2-4-1 burgers from Monday to Wednesday and a bottomless brunch at weekends.
3. The Anchor: A comfortable riverside venue with a terrace overlooking the banks. Excellent for a romantic night or afternoon sat by the river with a pint and e book. The menu options recent, seasonal home-cooked meals, pub classics, and a wonderful Sunday roast. It’s undoubtedly a spot with among the finest views in the town.
Romsey City: Coolest Place to Stay in Cambridge
Romsey City, which facilities across the Mill Highway space, is the perfect neighborhood in Cambridge for foodies, hipsters, and these on the lookout for a change from the extra up-market elements of city. The world is essentially the most multicultural in Cambridge and as such, you possibly can anticipate to discover cuisines from across the globe.
There’s a plethora of quirky cafes, (take a look at Related Document Cafe in the event you’re into vinyl), thrift shops, craft beer spots, and a lot of dwell music to be discovered in the evenings. Bohmian Romsey is one in every of my favourite locations in Cambridge to have a nostril round.

It’s a few miles south of the town middle however there are many public transport hyperlinks into city (bus route 2).
Greatest Locations to Stay in Romsey City
You’ll discover a cool number of locations to keep right here in the town’s most hip suburbs and among the finest neighborhoods in Cambridge.
1. Citystay Dove House: This one-bedroom condo in Romsey is likely one of the finest locations to keep in Cambridge for {couples}. It has a non-public rest room, kitchen with oven, free toiletries, and WiFi all through the property. It additionally provides some nice views of the town.
2. Parkview Guest House: This three-star B&B is a good place to keep in Romsey and rooms include free WiFI, tea and coffee-making amenities, and en-suite loos. Champagne will be served on request and friends profit from a 15% low cost on the native Indian restaurant, the Raj in the town middle.
3. Citystay Eagle Yard: This one-bedroom condo with a lounge and absolutely outfitted kitchen advantages from a espresso maker, free toiletries, towels, and mattress linen. It provides metropolis views, free WiFi, and a washer. It’s inside strolling distance of outlets, eating places, and the station.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Romsey City
That is the place to come for second-hand garments, information, and meals from all over the world in addition to dwell music. Try these high issues to do in Romsey City:
1. Browse the Second Hand (thrift) Shops: There are many second-hand retailers alongside Mill Highway the place you will discover all kinds of bargains. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a classic leather-based jacket or that previous Pink Floyd file you’ve been searching down, you’re certain to discover one thing of curiosity.
2. Mix Espresso and Vinyl at Related Data: What might probably be extra hipster than a restaurant and file retailer mixed? At Relevant Records, you possibly can browse their large number of vinyl whereas sipping espresso (don’t spill any although!). Open each day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Test Out the Sculptures at Romsey R Sculpture: This community display and arts middle on Cavendish Highway commemorates the city’s historic ties to the railway and is an fascinating cease.
Where to Eat and Drink in Romsey City
Mill Highway and Romsey City is likely one of the finest areas in Cambridge for foodies and there’s a plethora of eating places to decide from; from British, Indian, Chinese language (my favourite), and extra. Under are among the finest locations to eat:
1. Tradizioni: In case you’re on the lookout for the perfect pizza in city served in a comfortable setting with indoor and outside eating then you possibly can’t go unsuitable with Tradizioni. In addition to pizzas, the menu additionally consists of freshly made pasta dishes, salads, and an in depth wine checklist. Additionally they supply a takeaway service.
2. Spring Restaurant: Who doesn’t love Chinese language buffet? Particularly with among the least expensive costs in city… It is a conventional Chinese language restaurant serving an amazing number of Sichuan (spicy) and Cantonese (yummy) dishes. The traditional candy and bitter pork is great and the perfect I’ve tasted outdoors of China itself.
3. Samaan: For a style of the orient head alongside to Samaan on Mill Highway for the perfect kebabs, falafel, and shawarma in city. The menu additionally consists of conventional quick meals gadgets from burgers to milkshakes.
Newnham: Greatest for Households
Newnham is a quiet suburb west of the River Cam and one of many posher areas of Cambridge; good for households. This secure neighborhood in Cambridge is characterised by leafy streets, a lot of open parkland, and riverside walks.
The beauty of this space is that it’s nonetheless inside a brief strolling distance from the town middle.

Greatest Locations to Stay in Newnham
There are many wonderful lodging choices round Newnham. Under, you’ll discover some wonderful selections of locations to keep close to Cambridge metropolis middle:
1. Graduate Cambridge: The Graduate provides giant, household rooms, and a restaurant, bar, outdoors terrace, and a shared lounge. Rooms include a flat-screen TV and cable, room service, and the choice of a full-English or full-Irish breakfast (Irish comes with black and white pudding).
2. Newnham College: Newnham School provides guests giant rooms with personal loos set inside gorgeous gardens only a brief stroll from the town middle. Rooms include seating and a desk for many who want to work whereas away, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making amenities.
3. Pass the Keys: This cozy studio condo comes with a backyard, terrace, and free parking. There’s a kitchen with a fridge, oven, and microwave, and a bathe with free toiletries. It is a nice choice for solo vacationers and is situated simply a few miles from the town middle.
3 Prime Issues To Do in Newnham
Though the town middle is inside strolling distance, there are some wonderful issues to do in Newnham from picnicking in the park and strolling alongside the river to exploring close by schools.
1. Museum of Classical Archaeology: I studied archaeology at evening college a few years in the past and as such all the time search out the perfect collections, excavations, and museums. The Cambridge Museum of Classical Archaeology is likely one of the finest in the nation, which might be unsurprising on condition that it’s a part of the college.
2. Stroll Alongside the River Cam: The world across the river in Newnham is ideal for strolling with a lot of parks, woodland, and open grassland. There’s a playground and even an open-air swimming pool right here so it’s an amazing place to deliver the youngsters for some recent air outdoors of the town.

3. Take in a Show at the Leys: The Leys efficiency arts theater is a superb place for the entire household to get pleasure from a present. With music and dance performances, theater, pantomime, and comedy nights, there’s certain to be one thing of curiosity occurring throughout your go to. See the box office web site for tickets.
Where to Eat and Drink in Newnham
There are many wonderful eating choices round Newnham all inside straightforward strolling distance. Under are three of the highest eateries in the neighborhood:
1. The Millworks Brasserie: In case you’re on the lookout for modern British delicacies in a good looking riverside location then the Millworks is a must-try. With casual lunches, brunches, and dinners in a beautiful setting, and a menu using the freshest of components, it is a excellent place to come for a relaxed meal.
2. The Red Bull Newnham: The Crimson Bull is a family-friendly pub that serves a number of burgers and pizzas. Come in on a Monday and get any two pizzas for a discount £15 (booking is advised as unsurprisingly this fab deal tends to promote out rapidly). The Crimson Bull additionally hosts dwell sporting occasions all year long.
3. Sala Thong: I like Thai inexperienced (or crimson) curry and Sala Thong in the center of Newnham is the perfect place in Cambridge to savor this traditional Asian dish (or select from a number of grilled and stir-fried choices). A laid-back restaurant with pleasant service in charming settings shut to the river.
Station: Greatest Place in Cambridge on a Finances
The world across the station is likely one of the least expensive locations to keep in Cambridge and right here you’ll discover a number of hostels and finances resorts. It’s simply over a mile (1.6km) from the middle so is walkable in round half-hour.
There are many buses and taxis in the event you don’t fancy the stroll, nonetheless.

Greatest Locations to Stay across the Station
Under, are among the finest locations to keep across the station for vacationers on a finances:
1. YHA Youth Hostel: For Finances vacationers, the YHA (Youth Hostel Affiliation) hostel has dorms and personal rooms for excellent costs. It’s inside strolling distance of the station and underneath one mile from the town middle so has a main location. The hostel has a restaurant/bar and video games room good for getting to know different vacationers.
2. A and B Guest House: This wonderful visitor home has rooms at very cheap charges good for these on a finances. All rooms are trendy and comfy and include a non-public en-suite rest room, TV, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making amenities.
3. Centennial Hotel: This fairly priced three-star lodge is simply 5 minutes from the station and comes with free parking. All rooms have WiFi, a non-public rest room, and free toiletries. The Centennial Restaurant serves full-English breakfasts, lunches, and dinners utilizing recent, seasonal produce.
5 Prime Issues To Do across the Station
The station is a 30-minute stroll into the middle of city, however there are some issues to do close by comparable to taking a stroll across the botanical or group gardens. It’s additionally based mostly in the right location in the event you’re wanting to take some day journeys from Cambridge by practice (Norwich, Colchester, and London are all inside straightforward attain from right here).
1. Stroll Around the Cambridge University Botanic Garden: The college botanic gardens are effectively price a glance and are dwelling to quite a lot of completely different plant species from all over the world. It is a excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and a cool place for households to come.
2. Catch the Newest Blockbuster on the Gentle: The Light is a multiplex cinema and a part of the Cambridge Leisure Middle. It exhibits the newest releases in addition to classics and themed film nights. There’s an onsite bar and cafe, loads of snacks, (can’t beat popcorn with a film), and there are particular offers for households.
3. Hop on a Practice: Make the most of being so shut to the practice station and contemplate a day journey to London, Norwich, Colchester, or to the coast (Frinton-on-Sea is an effective choice). There are a number of trains an hour to many locations across the southeast of England.
Where to Eat and Drink across the Station
As you’d think about there are many wonderful eating choices across the station. Try these wonderful eateries close by:
1. The Old Ticket Office: Head alongside to this station-themed pub for a beer, cocktail or chunk to eat. The selfmade bar snacks are a pleasant contact, with scotch eggs and sausage rolls (vegetarian choices obtainable) and there’s a full menu of pub classics obtainable from 10 am day by day.
2. Slingers Smokeworks: Craving some smoked meats, ribs, or different American classics? Then ensure to take a look at Slingers Smokeworks on Station Highway. Situated inside an previous manufacturing unit with quirky, industrial settings, that is one in every of my favourite locations in Cambridge for a meal.
3. The Venetian: The Venetian is an Italian bistro, cafe, bakery, delicatessen, and wine store all in one (so heaven mainly!). With a menu of traditional Italian dishes from lasagna and pizza to paninis that is the place to come for a style of the Mediterranean. The costs are nice worth with pizzas and mains underneath £10.
FAQs Concerning the Greatest Areas to Stay in Cambridge
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on the place to keep in Cambridge:
The town middle is the perfect space in Cambridge for vacationers as that is the place all the main sights, landmarks, and eating choices are situated. Newnham is a brief stroll from the middle and is a good choice for households.
There isn’t anyplace I’d advise avoiding in Cambridge. It’s a small, nice, and secure metropolis with low levels of crime in contrast to different cities across the UK.
Cambridge is a really secure metropolis, in truth, it’s one of the safest in the country. Though the town middle sees the very best charges of crime, that is relative. North and south Cambridge (so areas like Spherical Church and Newnham) have considerably lower charges of crime.
The town middle is the perfect place to keep in Cambridge for purchasing. The world round Market Sq. is an effective choice.
There aren’t any areas of Cambridge that aren’t good, however the space across the Backs is essentially the most picturesque and charming. With magnificent views of the universities, huge open areas, and river views, that is my favourite a part of the town.
Cambridge is a small metropolis so a weekend (or higher but, a protracted weekend) is the right period of time to get essentially the most out of your keep. I normally purpose to keep for 2 or three days.
Cambridge is a reasonably posh metropolis total (with so many Prime Ministers, Scientists, and Philosophers passing via it’s not arduous to see why). The poshest space of Cambridge is definitely the college itself (King’s School, Trinity School, and the like).
Cambridge is a really walkable metropolis and nearly the entire high sights from Trinity School to the River Cam, museums, pubs, and eating places are inside strolling distance of one another.
In Conclusion
Now you understand the place to keep in Cambridge. Whether or not you’re wanting to be in the center of the motion, looking for finances choices, or curious as to the place to stick with household, and every thing in between. The town middle is the perfect all-around choice as you’ll have all the highest sights, eating places, and pubs inside straightforward attain.
I can’t await my subsequent journey to Cambridge, (I’m planning it already), and suppose I’ll give one of many college rooms a attempt like those at Jesus School close to the Spherical church. One factor’s for certain, with so many choices, these wonderful locations to keep in Cambridge will provide help to get essentially the most out of your journey.