Cambridge, UK
A beautiful medieval town that houses the prestigious 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge and has been home to Nobel Laureates, cutting end science, and tech advances.
WHERE WE STAYED
University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection, Cambridges oldest luxury hotel originally opened in 1831 (has since been completely remodeled in 2018) featuring Edwardian-style interiors overlooking one side of Parker’s Piece.
WHERE WE ATE & DRANK
Hobbson’s Restaurant & Pie Shop, located in the heart of Cambridge city centre featuring handcrafted pies and classic British dishes.
✈ The owner is a delight and this was one of our favorite dining experiences in Cambridge.
Dishoom Permit Room, an all day bar and cafe serving up breakfast, moorish curries, smoky grills, plates for sharing and crafted cocktails - a tribute to the way that Bombay kicks back and cuts loose.
The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie, a restaurant delivering elevated dining with timeless charm across the UK and Ireland that serves breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, the classic Sunday roast and an all day a la carte menu.
The Grain & Hop Store, a Greene King pub in the heart of Cambridge, perfect for a pint, a game of pool or to watch a football match.
The Dumpling Tree, a family owned and operated Chinese restaurant featuring all handmade dumplings and rice noodles with a focus on Yunnan regional cuisine.
✈ Wonderful management and team members and delicious food from a region less explored.
The Plough, a stylish pub located in the countryside outside of the Cambridge city centre in Coton, perfect for a family get together to enjoy a Sunday roast.
Little Petra, a traditional Jordanian restaurant using family recipes and offering generous sharing platters.
✈They also sell cookies at the front counter, don’t forget to grab a few when you pay.
Orchard Tea Garden, just a short stroll, bike ride or punt trip away from the bustle of Cambridge lies The Orchard in Grantchester, featuring a café that serves coffee, light lunches, afternoon tea, cakes and its famous homemade scones in an orchard of fruit trees.
✈ Known for The Grantchester Group (Rupert Brooke, Bertrand Russell, EM Forster, Maynard Keymes, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Virginia Woolf & August John) which enjoyed the Tea Pavillion for friendly gatherings from 1909 when Rubert Brooke moved in, until the beginning of World War I. This historic hidden gem is magical and perfect for an afternoon tea and scone.
Bould Brothers Coffee, a local coffee shop opened by two brothers founded on ethically sourced beans and intense coffee training, which results in exceptional coffee and a wonderful and educated team.
Michaelhouse Cafe, a beautiful cafe situated inside St. Michaels Church on Trinity Street that offers breakfast, brunches, lunch, cakes, coffee and tea.
Blank Street, a matcha and coffee shop with over 100 shops across the US and UK.
Monroe Street Bakery, a lovely bakeshop attached to the owners home. note: she is closing her shop at the end of October and will only offer custom cake orders.
THINGS TO DO
University of Cambridge, a collegiate public research university founded in 1209. It is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's third-oldest university in continuous operation.
King’s College Chapel, the chapel of King's College is considered one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and features the world's largest fan vault.
The Fitzwilliam Museum, an art and antiquities museum located on the Cambridge campus.
Scudamore’s Punting, offers guided or unguided (we recommend guided) private or group punting tours to learn all about the University of Cambridge while floating down the River Cam as well as boat, kayak canoe and paddle board rentals.
✈ Ask for Finn as your punting tour guide, he was delightful!
Cambridge Alumni Tours, offers walking and punting tours for private or shared groups led by alumni of Cambridge University.
Newmarket Racecourse, founded in 1636 and is known globally as the historic headquarters of British horse racing
The Wren Library, located at Trinity College, is famous for its architecture and massive collection of priceless historical and literary treasures (including the original Winnie the Pooh manuscript).
THREE DAY ITINERARY
note: we stayed for six days visiting with Rebecca’s family, but we would recommend making this a side trip from London and staying two or three nights - below we have curated our ideal three night itinerary.
DAY ONE: Arrive in Cambridge via train and either uber or take a taxi to your hotel. Check-in, unpack and explore the city center. Stop at Blank Street for a mid day coffee or matcha, shop in the local boutiques and enjoy a proper British pie at Hobbsons for dinner. If you’re staying at University Arms, enjoy a nightcap in the lobby and play a board game. If you’re staying at Varsity, enjoy a nightcap on the rooftop bar (weather permitting).
DAY TWO: Enjoy a full english breakfast in your hotel to start the day! Plan ahead to be at the Wren Library at 12:00pm when it opens as the library is only open on certain days and times to the public. Following the library either catch a Punting Tour for 90 minutes and enjoy learning about the history of Cambridge University from a local while cruising down the River Cam (its namesake) OR schedule a Walking Tour of Cambridge University, also offered by locals and alumni. Pop in somewhere for an afternoon tea, relax in the park or wander around the many different college campuses. Finally, enjoy a dinner at The Dumpling House filled with handmade dumplings and rice noodles and traditional Yunnan cuisine (it’s a bit far outside of the city center, but walkable).
DAY THREE: Head to Bould Brothers for a morning coffee and pastry. Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum followed by a long walk through the countryside and neighborhoods - stopping by Monroe Street Bakery to pick up some treats - to arrive at the Orchard Tea Garden. Enjoy tea, homemade scones, a toastie or a ploughmans lunch, relax and soak up the sun (if it’s out). Walk or uber back (its about an hour walk to the city center) and visit King’s College Chapel. Round out the day with dinner at Little Petra for traditional Jordanian cuisine (vegetarian/vegan friendly).
DAY FOUR: Grab breakfast or a morning coffee and jump on the train to head back to London or another nearby town.
