Your guide to living in Cambridge
Cambridge was founded in 875 AD and has the incredible architecture to show for it, making every street picturesque and classically ‘English’. The River Cam runs through the city and you’re never more than walking distance from a park. There are plenty of shops and attractions to keep you entertained, as well as a good old fashioned British pub on most street corners. Its relatively small size means you can cycle or walk your way from one side of the city to another - everything is at your fingertips!
Where is it?
Cambridge is a city in the east of England, located on the River Cam. It’s bordered by Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Northamptonshire.
What’s the transport like?
Cambridge train station has fantastic connections to neighbouring cities, with direct trains going to London, Birmingham and Norwich. The city itself is compact and flat, making it the perfect place to explore by foot or bike. The roads have an excellent bike network, meaning that most locals prefer to cycle around the city. Cambridge also has multiple bus lines that run through the city, but you’re more likely to use them if you’re making your way to the outskirts.
Where do the locals go?
Parks:
Cambridge is one of the greenest cities in the UK, so there are plenty of parks to visit no matter where you are.
If you follow along the River Cam, you can easily stop off at Jesus Green to make use of the lido or public tennis courts. Nearby you’ll find Alexandra Gardens, which is often a lot less busy but still provides a grassy area to relax in! Be sure to check out Cherry Hinton Hall and Midsummer Common too.
Events & Activities:
You can’t visit Cambridge without going punting. The River Cam runs through the heart of the city, meaning that its views are best enjoyed from a boat. We’d suggest getting a chauffeured tour (it’s harder than it looks!), so you can sit back and relax while being navigated past King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library at Trinity College and the Bridge of Sighs - to name a few iconic landmarks!
The University Botanic Garden holds a collection of over 8,000 plant species from around the world to facilitate teaching and research. The garden was created in 1831 by Professor John Stevens Henslow (Charles Darwin's mentor) and was opened to the public in 1846. If you head down in summer you can participate in the annual Festival of Plants, or enjoy live open-air music in the gardens from Cambridge Summer Music.
Cambridge is a history fanatic’s dream. Choose from The Fitzwilliam, Museum of Zoology, Polar or The Computing museum. If art is more your thing, book tickets for Kettle’s Yard - a unique museum set in a house that hosts modern and contemporary art.
The ADC Theatre is the oldest playhouse in the country and boasts luminaries including Sir Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson. Performances by the resident student drama companies aren’t to be missed, and have famously produced up-and-coming stars; David Mitchell, Sue Perkins and Richard Ayoade - to name a few.
The best restaurants:
Pints - contrary to its name - is better known for its fancy pub grub than its drinks menu. Think gourmet scotch eggs with artichoke dip, charcoal-grilled burgers and sides of cavolo nero doused in butter. You can, of course, accompany your meal with a beer from one of their 20 taps which they change regularly, or choose from their list of over 70 unique gins.
Howes Cycles claimed to be the oldest bicycle shop and was famed to be the place where Charles Darwin allegedly bought a bike in the 1800s. After closing its doors in 2013, Old Bike Shop opened in its place as a bar and restaurant, with a quirky interior designed to celebrate the heritage of the original shop. Pop in for brunch, lunch, dinner or late-night cocktails.
If you’re looking for somewhere low-key with delicious food that won’t stretch your purse strings, Bread and Meat is the perfect place. Its small but succinct menu offers a selection of delicious roasted meats, veg, and a weekly special. Choose whether you want yours served in a freshly baked sourdough ciabatta, with cheese curds and chips, or with wedges and house slaw. Round off your meal with a brownie from One Part Love Bakery and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
The best pubs:
You won’t find yourself stuck in Cambridge for a decent place to drink. Expect old-timey pubs on every street corner, that while preserving their traditional aesthetic, now serve an extensive list of local beers and spirits as well as fancy twists on pub grub. Honourable mentions include Cambridge Blue, The Punter, The Boathouse, but check out some of our highlights listed below:
Escape the main hub of the city and head down the backstreets to The Free Press. Named after a paper published in 1834 to campaign against drinking, the pub proceeds the paper nearly two centuries and still maintains most of its original features. Settle down for the night with a decent pint of beer or local IPA and chat amongst locals.
The Eagle is one of the oldest pubs in the city, and famously the place where Francis Crick announced that he had found “the secret to life” when he discovered the structure of DNA. If you look at the walls you’ll also notice messages left from RAF pilots in WW2.
Quench your thirst at The Mill after a walk alongside the River Cam. They have a wide choice of ales as well as boardgames and a vinyl collection to keep you entertained. The real selling-point of this pub is the grassy bank and wall outside that makes the perfect spot to overlook the river.
The best coffee shops:
Ask anyone in Cambridge for their top coffee shop recommendation and we can guarantee they’ll mention Hot Numbers. These people know their coffee, and it shows! One of their two cafes in the city is conveniently located next to the train station, making it the ideal place to grab a cup to go. But if you fancy sitting in, like all good coffee shops, they serve a fantastic brunch too. We recommend trying their rhubarb and strawberry buttermilk pancakes with pistachio brittle.
Coffee connoisseurs, make a bee-line for Bould Brothers. Named one of the top 50 coffee shops in the UK, brother’s Alex and Max have created a local legacy. Make sure to head down early on the weekend to grab one of their freshly baked pastries from the counter to go with your latte.
For sweet-tooth fiends, try one of Fitzbillies legendary chelsea buns - rumoured to be the best in the world! Everything on their menu is made by hand at their bakery, including delicious bread for finger sandwiches and sultana scones that come served with clotted cream. If you don’t fancy sitting in, why not order one of their afternoon teas as a takeaway picnic?
We couldn’t leave Jack’s Gelato off the list, despite it not exactly being a coffee shop. Forget using the sun as an excuse to have ice cream, and
marvel at their wacky flavour combinations. Fail-safe flavours include crushed sugar cookie and chocolate truffle, but for the more adventurous of you, try a scoop of olive oil and orange, or goat's cheese and blueberry.
Shops:
Despite its size, Cambridge has 3 shopping centres: The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade, so it’s suffice to say that you won’t be stuck for options for places to shop. But if you’re searching beyond high street brands, here are a few options.
Recognised for their re-invention of the British satchel, Cambridge Satchel Company is worth visiting. Their bags are made from ethically sourced leather and have become a piece of quintessential British heritage. Pop into their store to see how they perform their embossing process!
Nomad’s is one of the longest-standing independent retailers in Cambridge. Enter this Aladdin’s cave to discover goods from all over the world - from hand painted vases, to Tibetan fabrics. Be sure to ask Fin, the owner, questions about any of the products and his stories from his travels.
Check out independent fashion and lifestyle boutiques Iris and Violet and Lilac Rose for unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else in Cambridge! Think gorgeous trinkets such as candlestick holders, handmade soaps and hair grips, to dresses and luxury knitwear. You won’t be able to resist walking away with a gift (if not, something for yourself).
What’s it famous for?
Cambridge is home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, which is ranked first in the world for archaeology and modern languages and world renowned. The city itself is steeped in history, from its buildings (St. Great Mary’s, King's College) and is birthplace to some of the greatest academic discoveries - rumour has it that the apple tree where Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity still stands opposite Trinity College.
Want to know the average room rent for Cambridge, and other UK towns and cities? Check out our latest guide here!
Find a room or flatmate in Cambridge