Home to one of England’s most prestigious universities, Cambridge is a city that is as English as they come. With striking architecture, winding rivers and imposing college buildings, it’s a truly picturesque part of the country. Whatever brings you here, chances are you’ll fall in love with this wonderful city.
Home of the academics
You can’t walk around Cambridge without stumbling upon one of the many historic buildings that form part of Cambridge University – no surprise at is has a history dating back to its foundation in 1209. The great and the good have studied here over the centuries, and it continues to enjoy a world-class reputation today.
King's College is one of the most famous college buildings in the city and is certainly worth a visit. It has a breathtaking interior that is home to the King’s College Choir and the 16th century Gothic chapel is a landmark.
Feed your soul with a trip to the Fitzwilliam Museum. The neoclassical exterior of this building can only be topped by an interior filled with English pottery and china, as well as ancient Egyptian antiquities, all of which have a fascinating story to tell. Art lovers can enjoy works by Da Vinci, Rubens, Constable and more in this treasure trove of a building
Horses for courses
There are a number of places within an hour of Cambridge that are worth a detour. Newmarket is a charming market town less than 30 minutes away. It’s considered to be the home of horse racing, with an impressive track used for regular race meetings as well as the National Heritage Centre of Horse Racing and Sporting Art, which tells the history of the sport and how Newmarket became so popular.
Ely Cathedral is also easily reached from Cambridge. The cathedral is truly epic and is renowned around the world not just for its imposing size, but also for its exquisite beauty. It dates from 1083 and additions and amendments over the centuries have given it a wealth of detail. Highlights include the phenomenal Lady Chapel, the nave ceiling, rood screen and choir.
Take in Trinity
Back in Cambridge, Trinity College contains multitudes for you to discover. Its vast Great Court, Tudor entrance, statue of Henry VIII and more lend an air of grandeur that is only reinforced by the roll call of famous alumni. This is where Isaac Newton, Tennyson, Byron, Wittgenstein and various prime ministers have all been educated. The splendid Wren Library is also hosted here, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and home to a mind-boggling collection of rare manuscripts and books. Alumnus Newton’s notebooks and a first edition of his Principia Mathematica, valuable medieval works and the manuscript of Winnie-the-Pooh are among the riches inside.
You’ve barely scraped the surface of Cambridge. Take time out to eat in the wonderful local restaurants, punt down the river and then, with car rental in Cambridge, head out into the unparalleled countryside that surrounds the city.