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Cambridge

Before (or maybe after) you visit Cambridge, read the latest posts about our beautiful and historic city right here.

You can find out more about how to take your Cambridge tour with us here.

You can see sights like the Cambridge Backs and a whole lot more that our beautiful city has to offer.

Read about the E-Luminate festival that took place in the mid 2010s, where famous Cambridge buildings were lit up at night with colourful projections.

If reading all of this inspires you to come to Cambridge, then why not find somewhere to stay, suitable for all budgets, in Cambridge.

Visiting Cambridge University: A Comprehensive Guide

So you're thinking about visiting Cambridge but not sure where to start. Or, perhaps you need convincing about whether you should visit our wonderful city in the first place. Well, fear not dear reader, as always, we are here to help. When planning to visit Cambridge, a city with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, you're in for an experience full of amazing history and gorgeous architecture. Spread across the city centre and beyond, the collegiate university features a wealth of beautiful university and college buildings, many of which you can explore at your leisure. Can the Public Visit Cambridge University? Yes, the public can absolutely visit Cambridge University. The university and many of its colleges are open to the public, though there might be certain restrictions during term time or for specific areas. Remember to always respect the students and the institutions' rules during your visit. A Tour of the Colleges The University comprises a collection of independent colleges, (31 altogether) each beautiful in its own right. Each of these colleges holds a unique place in history, boasting of famous alumni like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Here are some colleges you should include in your Cambridge tour. King's College King's College, renowned for the majestic King's College Chapel, stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Cambridge. The Chapel is considered one of the greatest examples of late Gothic English architecture. Listening to the choir during Evensong is an experience not to be missed. Trinity College Trinity College is another must-visit, as it is the largest college in either Cambridge or Oxford. Don't miss the chance to see the Great Gate and the statue [...]

Visiting Cambridge University: A Comprehensive Guide2024-05-17T14:36:56+00:00

Discover the Joy of Punting Tours in Cambridge

Cambridge, a beautiful city steeped in history and bursting with sights, is a place of global significance. Famous for its prestigious university, architectural beauty, and traditional wooden boats known as punts, Cambridge is a city you must explore. Is Punting Worth It in Cambridge? Punting in Cambridge is undoubtedly worth it. There's no better way to see the city's stunning architecture, including the majestic Cambridge colleges, than from the tranquil waters of the River Cam. A punting tour offers a unique vantage point to marvel at Cambridge University's historic buildings, such as the awe-inspiring King's and Queens' colleges, the picturesque Bridge of Sighs, and the venerable Wren Library. Experiencing a Cambridge Punting Tour A punting tour allows you to soak in Cambridge's beauty at a leisurely pace. The punts, typically chauffeured by knowledgeable guides, glide along the River Cam, past lush green spaces like Jesus Green and iconic sights such as Trinity College and Trinity Hall. The Logistics of Punting in Cambridge Exploring the Punting River: The River Cam The River Cam, affectionately referred to as the 'punting river', is the heart of punting in Cambridge. It flows through the city and the scenic 'college backs', giving punters breath-taking views of the Cambridge colleges and other architectural marvels. Where Do You Punt in Cambridge? The traditional punting route starts near the idyllic Jesus Green, winding its way along the college backs up to the Silver Street Bridge. You'll traverse under the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and the elegant King's College Bridge, each sight steeped in history. A Perfect Day in Cambridge Punting tours, Cambridge style are a perfect way to immerse in the city's culture. Chauffeured punting tours are particularly popular, providing historical insights into [...]

Discover the Joy of Punting Tours in Cambridge2024-05-13T14:57:10+00:00

Some of the Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Cambridge

Afternoon tea has been a tradition in Cambridge - and England as a whole - since the 1840s. Back then, dinner (supper) was conventionally served at 8 PM, and there was no such thing as lunch. So, what were people supposed to do when they got hungry in the middle of the day? They would have a light meal of tea and snacks, which we now know as afternoon tea. This tradition was introduced by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. This simple afternoon ritual quickly evolved into a social event, especially for those who belonged to the upper classes of society. Filled with tiny finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves,  and of course, cake, afternoon tea soon became a favourite pastime for ladies who lunch. Anyone for tea? Or maybe something stronger Nowadays, afternoon tea is enjoyed by people of all classes and is often seen as a special treat, whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or just because. And there’s no better place to enjoy a spot of tea than in one of Cambridge’s many historic tea rooms. Today we will give you a run-down of some of the best afternoon tea spots in the city and what you can expect when visiting each. Six Restaurant, Varsity Hotel, Cambridge Situated within Cambridge's much loved, boutique Varsity Hotel, Six Restaurant offers one of the best afternoon tea experiences in the city. As the name suggests, it's located on the building's sixth floor, and is accessible by both lift and stairs. Visitors love Six's unique design and décor; panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows encompass this dining space while rich wood flooring and red seating arrangements bring its character to life. Casually [...]

Some of the Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Cambridge2024-05-13T15:00:19+00:00

A Step Back in Time: The History of Cambridge

Cambridge. A quintessentially English city, famed for its long-established university. But if you thought Cambridge was just about the University, then you can guess again. Our beautiful neck of the woods has a long history, stretching way back before Cambridge University was established. So, take a punt with us (sorry) through some key moments in time. Shaking Up the Status Quo Many UK towns and cities are named after the rivers or seas that they grew up next to. Similar to Weymouth meaning “the mouth of the River Wey” or Plymouth meaning “the mouth of the River Plym”, Cambridge (pronounced Came-bridge not Cam bridge) means “the bridge over the River Cam”. But did you know that Cambridge was initially called “Granta Brycge”? This Anglo-Saxon name meant the “Granta Bridge” and was named after, you guessed it, the River Granta. But where is this River Granta, we hear you cry?! The original location of the Cam bridge As dialects changed over the years, the name “Granta Brycge” evolved to “Cambridge”. After a while, people assumed that Cambridge’s River was called the Cam and eventually, the section of the River Granta flowing through the town was renamed. So instead of the town being named after its river, the river is now named after its town. The upper stretches of the river, from the Mill pond heading upstream towards Grantchester, are still known as the Granta to this day. Roman Beginnings Like many English towns, the first permanent settlement in Cambridge was during the Roman era. The Romans built a fort on Castle Hill, which was later abandoned in the 5th century as the Roman Empire declined. Modern-day Cambridge can trace its origins to 875AD when [...]

A Step Back in Time: The History of Cambridge2024-05-13T15:06:30+00:00

Cambridge May Balls

After an arduous academic year, students are ready for a memorable night of fanciful fun. To celebrate the end of the academic year, the colleges of the University of Cambridge host May Balls. May Balls are intended to be memorable celebrations with an unrivalled showcase of revelry and opulence. Here’s what you need to know about the May Balls. What is the May Ball? The May Ball is an extravagant white tie or black tie one night event where students celebrate the end of the academic period with their friends. Though the balls were originally held in May, these formal affairs are now held in May Week. May Week is actually in June and starts on the second Thursday after the end of exams. Colleges host their balls onsite and start them between 6 and 9 p.m. It’s common for May Balls to last until after dawn. Many of the Balls have a theme that ensures everything (including décor and entertainment) is cohesive and adds to the lavishness of the evening. Some colleges host a less expensive variation of a May Ball known as a June Event. King's College hosts its uniquely titled King's Affair. Book a punt to see the fireworks What Elements Do May Balls Include? May Balls usually have food, alcoholic beverages, glamorous decorations, and live entertainment. Other activities may be held throughout the night, like fireworks, a punting trip, and dancing. Some items associated with the Cambridge May Ball include: Punting past Trinity May Ball Lavish Five-Course Feast Many Ball attendees enjoy a lavish five-course feast that’s included in the price of a ticket. This feast includes a variety of dishes that may be catered to the [...]

Cambridge May Balls2024-05-11T12:33:12+00:00

Top 15 romantic things to do in Cambridge

Do you know where the 'most romantic city in the world' is? Apparently it's Paris... However, the next city on the list (in our opinion, anyway) should be Cambridge. Not convinced? Well we've put together a list of fun things to do in Cambridge for couples, to change your mind. Read on and find out what are some of the most romantic things to do in Cambridge. Cambridge is a wonderful city with a lot to do, but with so many options available it can be hard to narrow down what’s best for you and your partner. Not to worry! We have got you covered. What follows is a run down of the best romantic things you can do in Cambridge. A bit about Cambridge Cambridge is a world renowned university city and the county town of Cambridgeshire, England. Situated on the River Cam approximately 89 km north of London, its first town charters were granted in the 12th century, though it wasn’t granted its modern city status until 1951. You can’t mention Cambridge without mentioning the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1209, the city’s skyline is dominated by several college buildings and the city itself is steeped in University culture. Cambridge is as picturesque as it is steeped in history. For love birds wanting to experience romance in one of England’s most prestigious cities, you can’t pass up a jaunt around Cambridge, making it a perfect place for days out for couples. So if you are looking for Cambridge date ideas, here are just a few romantic things to do in our fair city. 1. Have a romantic picnic in the botanic gardens A lovely spot for a romantic picnic Owned by [...]

Top 15 romantic things to do in Cambridge2024-05-13T15:16:40+00:00

Our top tips for getting the best out of going punting in Cambridge

You've decided to go punting in Cambridge. Great news but how can you make sure that you get the best out of your punting experience? Well, fortunately for you, we've compiled this list of top tips to make sure that you make the most of your visit to Cambridge and enjoy your trip along the river. Drawing on years of experience and coming from people who have been punting more times than most have had hot dinners, here are our top tips for the having best time punting in Cambridge (may also be appropriate to punting in other places). 1. Get someone to punt for you If you've never been on a punt before, then you should seriously consider booking a private punt tour, especially if you're trying to impress someone. Ok, we realise that this might sound like a sales pitch but it's not. Driving (for want of a better word) a punt is not as easy as the pros make it look and it's not as easy as rowing a boat either. Don't get us wrong, self hire can be great fun but if you spend the whole time you're on the river, wobbling around, worrying about falling in, then you probably won't enjoy it that much. Unless you like that sort of thing. People not punting themselves 2. Go when it's quiet Or at least when it's quieter. Whether you're punting yourselves or have decided to book onto a tour, it's way more relaxing to do when the river isn't busy. The best times to go punting (in our opinion) are first thing in the morning, or, if you're not an early riser, last thing in the evening. Getting in [...]

Our top tips for getting the best out of going punting in Cambridge2024-05-13T15:21:17+00:00

Good places to eat in Cambridge

We're frequently asked by our customers to recommend local restaurants when they are visiting Cambridge, so we thought we would do our bit by compiling a list of local establishments who are participating, right here. If you fancy grabbing something to eat, either before or after going on a punt tour with us, then this list is definitely a good place to start. If you're staying in a budget hotel in Cambridge, then you might want to find a place to eat, especially if you're accommodation only has limited, or no food on offer. So, without further ado, here (in no particular order) are the Cambridge eateries, bars, restaurants, cafes, pubs, etc that we think are worth a visit. We're not saying that these are the best restaurants in Cambridge but some of them might be and they are definitely worth checking out. Oh and if you are the manager of somewhere in the Cambridge area that isn't listed here, please get in touch with us so we can add you in. Bridges, on Bridge Street Restaurants in Cambridge Bridges Bridges Café Cambridge. Healthy eating in the heart of Cambridge. Just around the corner from Quayside. 20 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UF 01223 300800 http://bridgescambridge.co.uk/ Bould Brothers Coffee Independent speciality coffee shop Bould Brothers serve arguably the best flat white in Cambridge. Not sure about their other coffees as we haven't tried them but we're sure that they are equally as good. 16 Round Church St, Cambridge CB5 8AD http://bouldbrotherscoffee.co.uk/ The Senate Bar and Bistro Looking towards the Senate, which is just out of shot on the left Cheery local bistro serving all-day sandwiches, soups & salads plus patio seating & cocktails. [...]

Good places to eat in Cambridge2023-09-13T10:37:01+00:00

Cambridge during lockdown

This post was first published in May 2020, when Cambridge and the rest of the UK was in the middle of the first Covid-19 lock down. It seems strange looking back on it now... Cambridge, along with the rest of the UK, went into government ordered lock down 0n 23rd March 2020, in an attempt to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Quayside would normally be a hive of activity at this time of the year. Now there is not a single person or punt to be seen. This thriving city, with a population of approximately 124,000 people, usually attracts over 5 million visitors every year. However the normally busy streets have been deserted ever since the start of lock down, at the end of March, as shown by these captivating images. A deserted Bridge street, the approach to Quayside If you've ever visited Cambridge then you will know that it's never this quiet. As well as the local residents and visitors, the city also has two universities, with approximately 30,000 students between them. The city feels like a ghost town (did you know that the Specials wrote their song Ghost Town about Cambridge?). Under normal circumstances, there are times when Cambridge feels quiet but never this quiet. This is usually when the Cambridge students have finished term and local students, who study elsewhere but live in the city, have yet to return during the holidays. But this is different. No students but somehow there's always a traffic cone... Normally at this time of year, many of the Cambridge colleges would be closed to visitors anyway, because it's exam term. However, now they are all closed, along with all [...]

Cambridge during lockdown2023-09-11T14:27:39+00:00

19 Reasons to Visit Cambridge this Year

Summer is all but over, and the feel of autumn is in the air. The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning and thoughts will soon turn to winter and Christmas. We might be biased but we think that this is one of the best times of year to visit. With that in mind, here are a load of good reasons why you should visit Cambridge this year (or any year for that matter). 1. Punting. Of course Yeah, okay, so we’ll hold our hands up to being a tiny bit biased on this one, but trust us, going for a boat ride along the river Cam is actually really amazing whatever time of year it is. This used to be number 2 on this list but we decided that it deserves to be number 1. In the spring, you can see Cambridge in bloom and still get an insight into the Cambridge Colleges even when they are closed for exam term. In the summer, the days are longer, you can go punting into the evenings and see the sun setting. In the autumn you can enjoy the fantastic colours that nature’s firework show put on, as well as enjoying the sights. In the winter it’s much quieter, there are no pesky leaves on the trees to obscure the view and the light is great for taking photos. So just wrap up warm, bring a Thermos and some thermals and you’ll be sorted. For more information on going punting with us visit this page. 2. Loads of great independent restaurants If you fancy a bit to eat then you’re spoiled for choice in Cambridge. Many of them had a difficult time because of the […]

19 Reasons to Visit Cambridge this Year2024-09-16T12:14:22+00:00
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