It’s nestled in the heart of East Anglia. It’s just an hour’s train ride from London. Yet the two cities could be whole worlds apart. Truly, you can call it charming Cambridge. Let’s consider what makes it such a special place to visit.
The University
It’s impossible to think of Cambridge without bringing to mind the city’s ancient and world-renowned university. This global icon of academic excellence started life in 1209 and has grown to comprise a total of 31 separate colleges scattered across the city.
Every college tells a story, and each one represents a unique architectural wonder. King’s College Chapel, of course, is probably the most immediately recognisable – you’ll see its choir on the television practically every Christmas. The Great Court at Trinity College is not only steeped in history but the largest of this kind of architectural feature.
Soak up the complete Cambridge experience by taking a punt along the River Cam, where the “Backs” offer the lush green fields that provide a fitting backdrop to the university’s ancient splendour.
Cultures galore
It’s not only in academia that Cambridge hits its zenith – cultures galore spring up in practically every direction you might turn.
There’s the Fitzwilliam Museum, for instance, which houses centuries of treasures stretching from Egyptian mummies to paintings by the leading Impressionists. Visit further back in time at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for a global take on all of human history.
Enjoy your cultural pursuits outdoors as you stroll through the 40 acres or so of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s 8,000 and more plants. While still on two feet, you can also recreate the walks inspired by the poets Wordsworth or Sylvia Plath as they grew to love the city.
If it’s festivals you’re after, music lovers will flock to the Cambridge Folk Festival while those of a more serious bent will hang out at the all-embracing Cambridge Festival.
Contrasts: ancient and modern
Sure, Cambridge has probably more than its fair share of time-worn medieval courtyards and cobbled lanes. But it’s also a city of the future – as the shiny new labs of “Silicon Fen” give witness to the city’s pride and joy and Europe’s largest tech cluster.
Stroll through Market Square, where established traders and aspiring newcomers sell their local produce, street food, and local crafts. Along the way, browse through the quirky delights of the independent shops that line Mill Road.
For that welcome break, let ancient meet modern in the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional English pub – the Eagle and the Anchor are two that spring readily to mind.
Easy to explore green spaces
Cambridge is a small city. That makes it especially easy to get about – either on foot or by bicycle. For a city of its size, Cambridge also has abundant green and open spaces.
The largest of the parks is Parker’s Piece – a huge common ideal for summer picnics while watching the cricket perhaps. If you’d prefer the quiet tranquillity of a riverside snooze, then Jesus Green would likely hit the spot.
If you want to explore the surrounding countryside, there are still further treasures in store. Not least of them, perhaps, is the village of Grantchester on the fringes of the city. Ely Cathedral is just 15 miles to the north. And in between lies sumptuous East Anglian countryside.