As the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university and the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, Cambridge University is surely one of the must-include places in your itinerary when planning to visit the historic city of Cambridge, UK.
These halls have been home to some of the most influential minds, from philosophers and heads of state to artists. Hence, your Cambridge experience would certainly not be complete without touring at least a few of the University colleges and exploring its rich history.
Where is Cambridge University?
Unlike many universities, there is not a single Cambridge University campus. There are a total of 31 individual colleges that make up the University. The majority of the older and more famous ones are located in and around the historic city centre.
If you want to take a tour around some of college campuses, then you might want to consider looking for great places to stay close to some of them. Finding accommodation near the more central parts of Cambridge University will not only make your experience more worthwhile but also more convenient as booking a stay allows you to explore other tourist attractions as well.
Stay at a Cambridge College?
Did you know that (outside of term time) a number of the Cambridge Colleges, that make up the University provide B&B style accommodation?
That’s right, the students vacate the university rooms at the end of each term and they are then made available as Cambridge University holiday accommodation for conference guests and other visitors. The students’ loss is your gain. Although unless you are attending a conference, you probably won’t get access to the college bar.
What better way to soak up the atmosphere and culture of Cambridge than to stay in one of the famous University colleges during your visit?
We have partnered with SpeedyBooker to be able to offer you overnight accommodation at a selection of venues in the city*.
Whether you are a local, a tourist traveller, or a student studying at this prestigious university, this article got you covered.
Here are some of the best places to stay near the Cambridge Colleges :
Downing College, Cambridge
Founded in 1800, Downing College with its unique historic surroundings offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Cambridge.
The Porters’ lodge & main entrance to Downing College is just opposite Parker’s Piece and the University Arms hotel. The college is set in 26 acres of grounds. A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cambridge city centre.
Fully equipped, modern, spacious rooms and free WiFi included.
King’s College, Cambridge
Arguably one of, if not the most famous of the Cambridge Colleges and home to this iconic view:
Bed and breakfast accommodation in the very heart of Cambridge, adjacent to this famous 15th Century College. Staying just off King’s College campus itself in Bene’t street hostel.
Choose between breakfast or brunch with your accommodation (ideal if you like a lie in).
Use the enquiry system below (click the link to be taken to the next page if you’re on a mobile device) to check availability and make a booking.
How to Book Accommodation in Cambridge in 3 Steps
1. Enter your Arrival and Departure Dates
2. Select the number of Adults and Children you’re making a booking for
3. Click “Next” to See your Options!
You’ll now be presented with a list of available accommodation options, where you can pick whichever room or suite looks like it’s best for you.
*Please note that the accommodation listed here is not provided by or booked through Cambridge River Tours. We offer this as a complimentary service but must stress that we are in no way responsible for your booking. All enquiries regarding your booking should be directed towards the venue.
Cambridge Hotel City Centre
The Cambridge Hotel City Centre is a hotel near Cambridge, which is only 0.4 kilometres away from the University of Cambridge. This hotel provides guests with several services and accommodations, including an all English and Irish buffet, restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, and a garden. Each room also has a balcony and is suitable for families who plan to visit the historic university. Cambridge Hotel City Centre is ideal for guests who enjoy cycling too.
Hilton Cambridge City Centre
Another 4-star hotel that you can consider is the Hilton City Cambridge Centre. This hotel offers various luxuries for their guests, where they can enjoy The Bull & Bass Restaurant’s British meals, and the Bar’s cocktail menu or afternoon tea. Its lounge also offers a lighter menu if you seek a more casual dining experience. Other amenities provided include complimentary Wi-Fi connection, private rooms, and other conveniences.
This modern central Cambridge hotel is only a five-minute walk from the city centre. Some spots include Cambridge Corn Exchange, King’s College, and the bus station. All you need is a ten-minute walk if you want to visit the riverside parks and pubs as well.
Christ’s College Cambridge
Christ’s College Cambridge is an accommodation in one of the UK’s most historic university buildings that are exclusively offered for adults. Here, they can enjoy the scenic college’s gardens overlooked by the university rooms. The guest rooms also come with a work desk, tea and coffee making facilities, and either a shared bath or a suite that you can enjoy after a long day of touring the historic university.
This accommodation allows you immediate access to the high-end shops of St Andrew’s Street. A five-minute walk can also give you a broad selection of restaurants and historic pubs to choose from, while a two-minute walk from the university can offer you a stroll through the green of Christ’s Pieces, which offers table tennis and tennis courts.
West Court – Jesus College
West Court – Jesus College is a central Cambridge hotel set on the upper floors of the West Court Development, which has won many architectural awards.
This hotel’s contemporary accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, double en suite rooms, bedrooms with balconies, city views, and floor-to-ceiling windows. They also offer their guests free access to Wi-Fi, TV, tea and coffee, and continental breakfast that can either be delivered to guest rooms or takeaway.
West Court – Jesus College is just a few minutes’ walk to museums, churches, theatres, the city’s ancient and beautiful colleges, and other major tourist spots, which makes it a very convenient place to stay.
Cambridge City Apartments (Peymans)
Cambridge City Apartments (Peymans) are a Grade II listed town house that is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of Cambridge. This city apartment has a view of the lush greenery of Christ’s Pieces. Each stylish apartment features accommodations such as free WiFi connection and a sitting room that offers a cosy leather sofa, along with a flat-screen TV. You can also cook and prepare your meals with their fully equipped modern kitchens.
In a 10-minute walk, you can reach the 15th-century Gothic splendour of King’s College chapel. Go for another five minutes’ walk and you can have fun punting along the banks of the River Cam as well.
Moreover, Cambridge’s main bus station is just 5 minutes’ walking distance away, and you can find convenient shops at Fitzroy Street, which are just close to the apartments.
The Castle B&B
The Castle is a bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation that can be found in the historic centre of Cambridge. This B&B includes a stylish and friendly bar for locals and tourists. You can also visit the university colleges and the punts on the River Cam, thanks to its excellent location. The Castle B&B Cambridge is only a few minutes away from the city spots and a few metres from shopping as well.
After a long day exploring Cambridge, you can enjoy the city’s bustling night-life by hopping on restaurants, bars, and clubs. Popular party nights are held every Friday and Saturday, but take note that these can last until early hours. Therefore, not all guests are suited for this.
The Varsity Hotel and Spa
The Varsity Hotel and Spa can be spotted near Cambridge University, situated in the centre. This hotel offers modern rooms with balconies, as well as an extraordinary rooftop terrace, which allows you to enjoy the scenic views of locals and colleges.
Moreover, they also provide guests access to their gym, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and free fitness classes. Most rooms offer under-floor heating and monsoon showers as well.
Admiring the view
What’s interesting about The Varsity Hotel and Spa is that every room is named after a different Cambridge college. In fact, in just a few minutes’ walk, you can visit lots of Cambridge colleges, several cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as the Grand Arcade shopping centre.
If you can’t find any availability or anything suitable for you above, then check our our main page for more places to stay in Cambridge.
A Few Pieces of Advice on Choosing the Right Place to Stay Near Cambridge University
There are tons of accommodations to choose from if you want to stay near Cambridge University for your next trip. However, there are many factors you need to take into account when it comes to choosing the right place to book, as well.
Here are a few essential things you need to consider when looking for the perfect accommodation near Cambridge University:
Stick to a Certain Budget
The idea of staying in a fancy hotel, apartment or B&B while travelling seems very exciting. But before you splurge your money, make sure to set a budget first. There are also many factors that you need to take note of when it comes to your determining your budget. How many days are you planning to stay? Are you travelling solo, or with family or friends? What are the services and facilities that you want to have access to?
Remember that you are paying for the whole experience— not just the rooms but also for the amenities and services a certain place offers. Hence, make sure to choose the best value for your money.
Location
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing the right hotel is its location. This also depends on your preference— Do you want somewhere that offers a scenic view overlooking the city? Or somewhere peaceful and quiet?
It is best to choose a hotel or an apartment near Cambridge University that is close to tourist spots and other establishments, such as the colleges and universities, restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, etc. This doesn’t only save you time and energy, but also helps you make the most out of your visit as well.
Read Reviews and Testimonials of Previous Guests
You can start by doing some research on travel blogs and websites and reviewing some testimonials of past clients who stayed there. Just because a hotel looks expensive and luxurious in the photos, doesn’t mean it’ll guarantee you a convenient and positive experience. Moreover, reading client reviews will help you filter out the perfect hotel for your stay, making sure that your money spent will be worth it.
Contact the Place Directly
Hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations have their contact information, which can be found on their website or social media pages. There is nothing wrong with enquiring directly to them, whether it’s about their price range, rules and restrictions, or the amenities and services they offer. You might also want to ask for available discounts or promos.