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The Cambridge Travel Guide looks at the historic city of Cambridge, situated in the East of England the city is a short distance out of London. Cambridge is smaller and more compact than its fellow scholarly great Oxford. There is an inherent prettiness to this compact city, it has some wonderful historic buildings here. Visitors will notice the tranquil atmosphere that adds a reassuring calmness to proceedings in this classically beautiful city.



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Cambridge Guide

Overview and Attractions
Cambridge Hotels
Cambridge Map
Cambridge Weather
Low Cost Flights



Overview and Attractions

The city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene with plenty of contemporary thought and knowledge courtesy of the world renowned Cambridge University. The great outdoors are to be discovered in Cambridge, with many of the colleges on the River Cam their lawns and gardens slope down to the river’s edge providing a wonderful sight. Visitors can indulge in punting (boating) with a cruise down the River Cam, there are also a number of quayside pubs from where you can relax enjoy a drink and watch the world go by.

Visitors love to wonder along the historic cobblestone streets exploring Cambridge. Much of Cambridge is best explored by foot given the compact nature of the city. With its long and distinguished history visitors are certainly not sort of sights and attractions in Cambridge, Fitzwilliam Museum once described as “one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance”. This illustrates the esteem in which the impressive works are held, there are collections of Egyptian, Greek & Roman antiquities, and wonderful works of art by Rembrandt, Titian, and Turner, to name but a few. For further information please see:

Fitzwilliam Museum

Art enthusiasts can visit the art gallery, Primavera, situated opposite King's College there are great views of the College from here in the heart of the Cambridge. The gallery and shop, bring together a refined exploration into some of the finest art and crafts in the UK. Primavera has acclaimed selections of antiques, ceramics, glass, furniture, metals and textiles among others.
The gallery provides a great showcase for British artistic talent to a wide audience. For more information please see:

Primavera

The church of Great St Mary's is set in the centre of Cambridge with the colleges and university offices close by. Widely known as Great St Mary's or GSM, St Mary the Great with St Michael is a parish church in the North Cambridge Area Deanery of the Diocese of Ely in the Church of England and also the University church of the University of Cambridge. The church has a long history of preaching there is a long and distinguished tradition of preaching at Great St Mary's. For further information please see:

Church of St Mary

The Cambridge University Botanic Gardens were first opened in 1846 and have a wide variety of plant species. There are a number of different habitat zones, these include a Rock Garden that has alpine plants from each continent, Tropical rainforest, Water Garden and glasshouses with have seasonal displays. The Systematic Beds have in excess of 80 varieties of flowering plants. There are many important collections here including the lavender, geraniums as well as the collection of Native British Plants. The gardens have collections of winter plants, Herbaceous and Wildflower Borders, Autumn Colour Garden and a scented garden. There is a program of ongoing educational and special events throughout the year. For further information please see:


Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

Wimpole Hall is a National Trust property that was once upon a time the home of Rudyard Kipling's daughter. Located a few miles outside Cambridge, the house is certainly impressive, a 17th century mansion that is set in extensive parks and gardens. There have been some illustrious names in English architecture that have contributed toward Wimpole house including James Gibbs and Sir John Soane. In the gardens visitors will find a mix of formal Victorian parterres, arboretum and Dutch Gardens. Wimpole Home Farm, located beside the house was a model farm that became established in 1794. It currently operates as a centre for breeds centre and as a home to heavy horses. The farm also features a Victorian Dairy, a thatched Great Barn and a children's play area. For visitors who are energetic or wish to do something active, they can walk the 13 mile long Wimpole Way, which leads from Cambridge to Wimpole Hall. The walk takes you through rolling countryside, historic villages and areas of ancient woodland. For further information please see:

Wimpole

For visitors looking for theatre the Corn Exchange is the largest venue in Cambridge. There is a varied programme of events that include stand up comedy, shows and concerts. Originally a corn exchange, it is now a multipurpose event centre and is regionally and nationally renowned for its programmes relating to new music and contemporary events. Located in Wheeler Street in the centre of the city its location makes it convenient for visitors how have been exploring the city during the day. For further information please see:

Cambridge Corn Exchange

Like scholarly rival Oxford, no trip to Cambridge is complete with a trip to one of the colleges that make up Cambridge University, the world renowned university that the city is most famous for. There are over 30 colleges that fall under the umbrella of Cambridge University each is an independent entity in its own right with its own distinct style and history. The King's College is popular among visitors, it was founded in 1441 by Henry VI, King's has a distinguished history being one of the first colleges to admit women and has helped the drive to seek admissions for students from non-traditional backgrounds. King's has some distinguished alumni these include Sydney Brenner, John Maynard Keynes and Alan Turing among others. The spectacular Perpendicular chapel that took 100 years to build attracts many visitors and is a wonderful sight. For further information please see:

King's College Cambridge

When looking for a place to eat, visitors may wish to consider Bruno's Brassiere where the focus is very much on the excellence of food. They pride themselves on home made, carefully and freshly prepared dishes. This excellence has resulted in the restaurant winning awards and critical acclaim. As you enjoy your meal you can see the paintings by local artists. If visiting in the summer, you can dine in the garden behind the restaurant well away from any noise. For further information please see:

Bruno's Brassiere

If its bars you are into then Nusha is a cocktail and dance bar that is worth considering. It provides ambience and some flair with the bartenders cocktail trained you can watch as they flip, toss and throw bottles around with some skill. The bar prides itself on its service, the menu is extensive and you can enjoy a number of cocktails. There are DJ's every night playing a wide range of music. For further information please see:

Nusha Bar

The Fez Club in Cambridge is a place clubbers can go to dance the night away. Located in Sydney Street in Cambridge, this is a popular club where there are themed nights on different days and you can experience different music and atmospheres that go with it. For further information please see:

Fez Cambridge

Cambridge has accommodation available to suit most budgets. It is wise to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and offers the facilities you require. There are a range of hotels available in Cambridge, for further information please see:

Selection of Cambridge Hotels

For a full list of Cambridge Hotels please see:

Cambridge Hotels


Our tour of Cambridge with the Cambridge travel guide has taken you to the historic and contemporary. This compact city located in the East of England has good transport links making it an easy to reach destination for UK visitors. It retains its old world charm and character and its international reputation attracts international visitors, ensuring Cambridge makes for an interesting place to visit.

Cambridge Travel Guide

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