Cambridge
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About Cambridge
Cambridge’s historic heart feels as if it has remained unchanged for centuries. The graceful, golden-coloured architecture, neat lawns and narrow, cobbled streets can feel like a step back in time — especially with the punting on the River Cam, and all the bikes! Cambridge promises an opportunity to imagine yourself discussing politics with future prime ministers in its wonderful old pubs; or strolling the 'Backs’, or college gardens, in the company of future poets; or reading up on the latest research in the bottom of a punt with Nobel-prize-winners-to-be. The best places to stay in Cambridge do nothing to break the town’s magical-time-warp spell, while at the same time offering the creature comforts we’re now used to. In some cases that means a gym, pool and spa, and some of our recommendations for the are large enough to offer all of that and more. But we also have some smaller hotels and B&Bs on our list.
Some of our Cambridge collections:
Visitors to Cambridge should be prepared to walk, or cycle, because part of its charm are the narrow streets and lack of places to park. It’s a good size for most people to get around on foot, and you can expect grand facades, Gothic spires, and green gardens at every turn. You’ll fit in on foot, or on your bike, Cambridge is famously full of students who’re doing the same thing. The number of students has a positive impact on the buzzing food and drink scene around town, and on the price of attractions. As well as taking all the individual colleges — Trinity, and Kings Collage Chapel are particularly noteworthy— don't miss the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the University Museum of Zoology, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and Kettle’s Yard.
The best places to stay in Cambridge are busy year round (though particularly during the peak summer months). So if you want to guarantee your room, book well ahead.
The Best Places to Stay in Cambridge
For a Refined Stay
- The University Arms is right in the middle of Cambridge, next to Parker’s Piece and Downing College. It’s been converted from an elegant 18th century building, with a grand, pale stone carriageway. The hotel has almost 200 rooms and suites,all of them decorated in Cambridge blue and white, with large bathrooms and leafy views. Expect desks and books, and a wood-panelled gourmet restaurant which mirrors many university dining halls.
- If you dream of staying on the banks of the Cam, The Graduate, Cambridge is our recommendation. This is an eclectically stylish choice, with plenty of Cambridge references, including sawn-in-half punts turned bookshelves in many of the rooms, an impressive collection of literature, and a huge DNA installation. The restaurant is called The Garden House, and offers a seasonal menu in a charming setting, the lobby bar feels glamorous, and the swimming pool and spa have huge windows overlooking the river.
For a Mini-Break
- The Clayton Hotel is a large and elegant hotel close to Cambridge Station. The contemporary design has been softened inside, with plenty of Cambridge blue, wood panelling and plush fabrics, but this is a new building, with all the bells and whistles to prove it, including a gym. There are 155 rooms and suites, a chic bar and restaurant, a comfortable lounge and a roof terrace too.
- The Hotel Du Vin has been transformed from an old university building, retaining many of the original architectural quirks, but adding a bistro, bar and cinema suite to the library the building already had. There are just 37 rooms and suites — the suites are all one of a kind, some with private terraces or balconies. Some of the rooms would suit families, and kids under two year old stay for free. And of course there's the usual Hotel du Vin bistro and wine bar.
For Central Cambridge
- The Gonville Hotel is a spacious, 84 room hotel close to Parker’s Piece and the University Museum of Zoology. It’s been recently refurbished, and now offers contemporary style throughout with clean lines, sleek furnishings and plenty of mirrors, both in the rooms and in the fine-dining restaurant and chic bar. There's also a lovely garden and bikes for hire.
- Newish, and centrally located, The Varsity Hotel & Spa has 48 rooms and suites, a fantastic roof terrace, a private cinema and a spa and gym. The decor is an eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary pieces, and all of the rooms are well appointed. The spa and restaurant are in another building.
Best B&Bs
- 5 Chapel Street is a three bedroom B&B converted from a pretty, Georgian-era terrace house in Chesterton. The rooms still have a traditional feel, with polished parquet flooring, sash windows, and a collection of antiques. As well as providing useful advice about Cambridge, the owners have a small fleet of Dutch bikes to lend to guests. They also offer a warm welcome and home-made breakfast.
For Great Value
- The White Hart is a restaurant with rooms in Fulbourn, which is just a few miles outside of Cambridge. It has ten rooms, all simply and comfortably decorated with country chic style. The bar and restaurant are lively, with a friendly atmosphere.
Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?
- If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.
Travel Information
- London’s airports are Cambridge’s closest, with London Stansted Airport, on the right side of London, being just half an hour away by rail, or car. If you’re coming by train via London, the quickest route is from Liverpool Street Station, and takes around an hour and ten minutes. Cambridge’s rail station is slightly outside the centre of Cambridge, a very pleasant half an hour walk away, or five or ten minutes on the numbers 1, 3 or 7 bus.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- The best time of year to visit Cambridge is when the weather is dry and warm, so spring through early autumn are probably the safest times to plan for. The university cycle will have some impact if you’re trying to see inside the colleges, but many colleges run tours. Cambridge gets rain throughout the year, so whenever you’re visiting it’s worth packing your waterproof gear.
Still not sure where to stay?
- Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Cambridgeshire
- Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for. and consider our Gurus recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Cambridgeshire
- Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Best Hotels in Cambridge
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The White Hart, Cambridge Cambridge (Fulbourn) 10 rooms from $102
Great walks - Go for a walk in the nearby Wandlebury Country Park and Nature Reserve.Sights nearby - Four miles from Cambridge city centre and all of its sights.Restaurant - Recommended.Nestled in the picturesque village of Fulbourn a few miles outside Cambridge, The White Hart is a charming pub with rooms. Featuring comfortable, spacious rooms and an atmospheric restaurant. The hotel's bar is a great place to unwind in the evening. See More
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5 Chapel Street Cambridge 3 rooms from $128
Local exploring - A charming home with warm hosts who provide vintage bikes and endless nuggets of knowledge with which to explore the city.Sailing - Take a traditional punting trip down the River Cam.Restrictions on children - Children over 12 are welcomedFull of characterRecommended by - SawdaysA delightful small B&B in a pretty Georgian house. Traditional rooms are beautifully styled with polished parquet floors, sash windows, crisp white linen and a choice selection of antique pieces. Home made breakfasts and tea are offered along with vintage bikes and a very warm welcome. See More
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The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge 48 rooms from $173
Cinema - Rooftop cinema in fine weatherViews - Rooftop and river Cam views from many rooms (but not all!)Restaurant - Recommended.SpaRecommended by - I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel GuideNewish, central, contemporary hotel with plenty of light, great roof terrace and cinema, chic design details and a useful spa and gym. See More
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The Gonville Hotel Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) 84 rooms from $179
City Style - A chic boutique hotel located in the heart of the city.Sailing - Laze on a punt on the River Cam.BoutiqueRestaurant - Recommended.A recent refurbishment has spruced up this city centre hotel. Contemporary design throughout, the rooms are spacious with clean lines, feature mirrors, sleek furnishings and indulgent bathrooms. The fine-dining restaurant is exemplary and there's an elegant bar too. See More
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University Arms Cambridge 192 rooms from $200
Local exploring - Conveniently located close to the centre, ideal for exploring museums, the parks and gardens, as well as the various collegesGreat walks - Wander around the university grounds, with 31 colleges to choose from, there's plenty to exploreSights nearby - Discover the wonderful churches and chapels of CambridgeSpa - Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms for GuestsAn 18th-century property turned chic hotel, set in the heart of Cambridge. Elegant rooms and suites are quintessentially British; dressed in shades of Cambridge blue with fine wooden desks and plenty of books. A gourmet restaurant echoes the university college's dining halls. See More
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Clayton Hotel Cambridge 155 rooms from $204
Short break - Cambridge is just a one and a half hour's journey from central London. Ideal for a quick weekend getawayLocal exploring - Well located in the heart of the city making this an easy choice for a city breakSights nearby - Pay a visit to King's College Chapel and stroll around the University's Campus to admire the architectureGreat walks - Take scenic strolls along the River Cam and get a real feel of the cityA sleek hotel offering convenient access to Cambridge's attractions. Spacious rooms are minimalist and contemporary but there is a feel of the old-world in the wood-panelled headboards. With a gym, seasonal restaurant, and atmospheric bar — there is everything you need for a city break. See More
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Hotel du Vin & Bistro, Cambridge Cambridge 37 rooms from $224
Sights nearby - Well located in Cambridge city centre for historic sights of Cambridge University.Cots available - All children under 2 years stay free of charge for children's cots/cribs.Restaurant - French-style bistro offering A La Carte or Prix Fixe menusWedding license - Possible to book entire hotel for weddings.Beautifully renovated university building. Rooms boast a range of architecturally quirky features and a number of unique suites. Library, French-style bistro and bar available, offering a comfortable and relaxing stay in Cambridge city centre. See More
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The Graduate, Cambridge Cambridge (Mill Lane) 148 rooms from $229
Foodies - The restaurant boasts a lovely setting beside the river and serves exceptional modern British cuisine using very local produceLocal exploring - Cambridge is small so almost anywhere is good but from here you are on the River Cam & have views of the Mathematical BridgeSights nearby - Visit the impressive gothic Kings College chapel and cross the Mathematical Bridge (or spot it from the hotel)Restaurant - The Garden House restaurantOccupying a riverside position, this is a characterful hotel with Varsity styling and a noteworthy restaurant. Rooms have Edwardian design as their inspiration but they feel fun & modern. The Garden House restaurant serves a memorable seasonal menu & there's a chic bar too. Ideal for city exploring. See More