Living just a 30 minute drive away from Cambridge I quite often take a day trip to explore this wonderful historic University City. It is a glorious city, steeped in history and I would say one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world.
Cambridge is built upon the river Cam which ... Read review
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Advantages: Plenty to do and see Disadvantages: None
...30 minute drive away from Cambridge I quite often take a day trip to explore this wonderful historic University City. It is a glorious city, steeped in history and I would say one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world.
Cambridge is built upon the river Cam which meanders gracefully through the city centre. Here over a thousand years before the university was begun a Roman Fort sat perched upon the Castle Mound next to a ... ...survive those early days of Cambridge is the Saxon tower of St Bene’t’s Church which was built about 1020 or thereabouts. The first college built in the city was Peterhouse and was founded in 1284. Many more colleges followed making this city the famous university city that it is today and a rival with the older Oxford University.
For a fabulous view over the city you should visit the majestic tower of Great St Mary’s ... more
Living just a 30 minute drive away from Cambridge I quite often take a day trip to explore this wonderful historic University City. It is a glorious city, steeped in history and I would say one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world.
Cambridge is built upon the river Cam which meanders gracefully through the city centre. Here over a thousand years before the university was begun a Roman Fort sat perched upon the Castle Mound next to a crossing on the river. Later there was a Saxon castle a market town and a river port for trade. Both William the Conqueror and Oliver Cromwell defended Castle Mound and their respective fortresses although nothing remains of them today.
The oldest structure to survive those early days of Cambridge is the Saxon tower of St Bene’t’s Church which was built about 1020 or thereabouts. The first college built in the city was Peterhouse and was founded in 1284. Many more colleges followed making this city the famous university city that it is today and a rival with the older Oxford University.
For a fabulous view over the city you should visit the majestic tower of Great St Mary’s Church situated in King’s Parade from which you can marvel at the panorama of the area.
Cambridge provides many attractions for the visitor. There are numerous museums to explore, I personally recommend the wonderful University Museum of Archaeology in Downing Street and the Ambridge Art and Holographic Centre situated off Magdalene Street. Both these venues are open all year round.
Another museum worth visiting is the Fitzwilliam Museum, again open all year round and regarded as one of the nation’s chief ‘treasure houses’. This museum belongs to the Universities and houses a fine collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities together with fascinating examples of weapons, armour, coins and other such like relics of our past.
No write up about Cambridge would be complete without mentioning the Botanic Gardens. These tranquil and relaxing gardens are situated not far from the City Centre and provide a refreshing oasis for the weary traveller. Established primarily for botanical research this haven is now a very popular attraction for those with a keen botanical interest and the layman alike. Provided for your enjoyment is a rock garden, a scented garden and a winter garden all with most colourful and interesting plants. An excellent additional feature is the Chronological Bed; plants are arranged here in the order that they were introduced into the UK and provide an historical account of the growth (no pun intended) of different plant species in our history.
There are many more wonders for the visitor to behold such as the library of Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) which is situated in Magdalene College. Here there are over 3000 books and over 70 medieval manuscripts and early printed books including some published by Caxton. Some of Pepys’ diaries are also housed here.
Punting is also a favourite pastime for both students and visitors although it does require a certain amount of skill although you can hire a punt and steersman for a reasonable price. Taking a trip by punt does afford some excellent views of the colleges and some of the other delights of Cambridge including the ‘Mathematical Bridge’ built in 1749 without nails and relying on mathematical principles for its design, structure and strength.
I could write much more about this wonderful city but don’t want to run the risk of boring my readers, however anyone considering a visit here is strongly recommended to do so for here you will find a beautiful and historic marvel, firmly established as one of the countries two main seats of learning.
You will certainly need to spend at least a day here but my suggestion is that if you can get away for a long weekend then do so. There are many hotels and guest houses available and plenty of bed and breakfast accommodation to choose from. Go on treat yourself, you deserve it.
Advantages: Very picturesque and historical city Disadvantages: It small size and lack of entertainment facilities may dissapoint some
The name Cambridge comes from ‘Bridge over the river Cam’ and it was actually the Romans who originally forded the river in 44AD. From then the early history of Cambridge follows that of the rest of England with the Saxons invading then the Danes and finally the Normans in 1068. It was actually William the conquer who built Cambridge’s castle all that remains of this though is the mound on which it used to stand on. This can still be climbed though ... ...it down the library.
Cambridge is situated about 60 miles north of London on the Western edge of East Anglia. Getting there is not particularly hard, but be advised that the bus network within the city is not half as good as it could be. A bike is actually my preferred option. Surprisingly Cambridge is a relatively small place (perfect size for cycling) and bicycles can be hired from a number of outlets. Parking a car can be a problem Monday to ...
Briz_Hatchings 10.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cambridge (England)
Advantages: Seeing the real Cambridge. Disadvantages: It is a little run-down. Mind your wallet!
...opinion of a part of Cambridge that many tourists miss. Did you know that Mill Road is the biggest third shopping area in Cambridge?
Mill Road is a long road split in half by a railway bridge. It is an area of terrace housing and flats interspersed with businesses and shops, pub and drop-in centres. There are a wide variety of shops including specialist organic and ethnic, interspersed with the more main stream banks, pharmacies and even the post ... ...**Cambridge Drama Centre**
The Cambridge Drama Centre is an intimate and lively studio venue, found within the heart of residential Cambridge. This site operates as a place for workshops and theatre space. This centre provides a wide and yet vibrant programme for contemporary touring theatre. There are many exciting classes and workshops for both children and adults. It is a fun place to explore.
Covent Garden, Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2HR Booking: ...
wulise 13.07.2001
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Advantages: Lots of history, quaint streets, chocolatiers, antique bookstores, good pubs Disadvantages: Your feet will kill you at the end of the day!
...person in your life ...visit Cambridge in the Spring and Summer time. Take yourself down to one of the many bridges crossing the River Cam and indulge in a punting trip down the river. It is relaxing and your guides will give you a good lesson in the history of the various bridges and universities along the way.
I must admit, my playfulness was ever present on our trip some 16 years ago. After a few shoves of his pole, our punt operator was in stitches ... ...observer. For instance, Cambridge Contemporary Art at 6 Trinity Street has a reputation for bringing exciting young talent to public attention. In contrast, the Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street, displays European art work along with ancient Greek, Roman & Egyptian artefacts in an impressive 19th century building.
The Technology Museum at The Old Pumping Station, Cheddars Lane, is a marvellous delve into our industrial past and includes a ...
poet831 20.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cambridge (England)
Advantages: Breathtaking architecture, many attractions Disadvantages: None
...had the pleasure of visiting Cambridge twice in the last few months and thought it deserving enough to write an opinion on. Cambridge’s main attractions are undoubtedly its colleges and of course its world famous university. It also boasts many other attractions such as museums, art galleries and theaters and some of these worth visiting are: Museums -------
--Imperial War Museum at Duxford A former Battle of Britain airfield and now home ... ...absolute variety of pubs in Cambridge is astonishing. From the ancient to the new. Everywhere you look there’s a pub. Visitors are very welcome and made to feel at home. One thing you must do if you ever visit Cambridge is to take a very relaxing punt on the Cam. Basically this is a ride on the canal in a canoe type of boat. This is a very popular activity and provides a great way of seeing Cambridge and the magnificent colleges from the Backs. ...
vinodgm 19.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cambridge (England)
Advantages: Beautiful Disadvantages: Not much else to do.
...much else to do in Cambridge except wander around them.
Buy any guidebook and there will be any number of tours you can try to follow, which will probably only get you lost. My advice is, unless you're looking for something specific, head for the centre of town (follow signs to Market square) and just wander. DOn't whatever you do try to drive in - parking places are like hen's teeth and the roads/one way systems are a nightmare, so try and arrive ... ...much better deal. The copper kettle on Kings Parade is ace for a coffee and a cake too. And while you're there, try to resist buying anything with the Cambridge logo on, BTW, no student would be seen dead in the t-shirts and they're an instant giveaway as a result. ...
ImogenW 09.01.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cambridge (England)
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Advantages: Lots of history, plenty of shopping, punting on the river Disadvantages: A bustling city so lots of people
It's been a while, and the prices have gone up, but one of the most romantic places to visit (especially if you're really into history like me) is Cambridge. This place, one of England's greatest historical cities, is definitely a treat. The streets are packed with interesting curios - little cobblestone walkways off the main roads hiding antique bookstores or chocolatiers in their narrowness - and the colleges themselves are full of history.
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If it's tranquil English scenery, a nice, small town it's easy to find your way around, or a base to easily reach up as far as Edinburgh and down as far as the Yorkshire Moors, Durham is a great choice. It has the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge, part of which is housed in the castle itself, a 900 year old cathedral housing the remains of various saints and a ruined Benedictine monks' vacation abbey. Take a trip down the river on one of the cruises, or if you're feeling really energetic then hire a rowing boat yourself and do the work. The Oriental Museum in the University is also worth a look, or if shopping is your 'thing' there's an indoor market as well as the shops round about. There are lots of cute shops of the kind you'd hope to find in a student town: bookshops, New Age shops, gift shops ...
Advantages: Safe, and a variety of activities for all Disadvantages: Quite expensive and crowed in school holidays
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