VisitBritain has announced various Cambridge offerings for tourists.
Only an hour from London, Cambridge is said to “make for the perfect break from the capital at any time of year, the ideal spot to soak up history and beauty, and get a taste of British student life”. The city is synonymous with its famous university, which is one of the oldest in the world, and has educated some of history’s most famous people, including members of the British Royal family.
Among the attractions of the university is the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral), where early editions of Shakespeare and books from Sir Isaac Newton’s own collection are available. Along with Trinity, St John’s and Kings are the University’s three royal colleges, St John’s boasting grounds and Kings a Gothic chapel, where the college’s famous choir sings carols at Christmas, broadcast to millions around the world.
A typical Cambridge activity, punting, may be witnessed or done at the village of Grantchester. Said to have the world’s highest concentration of Nobel Prize winners, Grantchester is a popular destination for student day-trippers, who head to The Orchard, a café in an apple orchard.
Others that may be visited include: Imperial War Museum Duxford, just outside Cambridge; two Michelin starred restaurant Midsummer House, in a Victorian Villa with a terrace; Alimentum, which was awarded a Michelin star this year and has a very budget-friendly fixed price menu; and Galleria, perched over the River Cam overlooking St John’s and Magdalene College.
When night falls, the rooftop of The Varsity Hotel is considered the most romantic spot in the city with views over Cambridge. The boutique hotel has 48 rooms, named after Cambridge colleges and decorated in a contemporary and British style. Boutique option Hotel Felix, just outside the city, mixes Victorian architecture with 21st century comfort. Those on a budget may check out Hostelworld.
