Cambridge visitor information

Cambridge visitor information

With Cambridge, the word unique takes on a new meaning. Founded as a University in 1209, the city today has preserved much of its outstanding beauty and original character as a quiet place of thought.

Visit Cambridge to wander among its narrow medieval streets or “The Backs”, the outstanding series of college gardens and grounds that lead down to the river. Study architecture of every period and of almost every century, and inspect the University’s many important literary, artistic, and scientific treasures. Some ideas include ghost walks, MP3 guided walks, visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum and of course, no visit to Cambridge is complete without punting down the River Cam!

“Such a balance of garden and building, of shape and form, of peace, quiet and constantly changing scene is only achieved once in the world” (R Tibbs, 1972).

It should be understood that colleges are designed primarily for students: not for children or adults expecting a high level of luxury. However, with this in mind, the colleges do meet level of comfort that we expect most visitors to be happy with, and we will welcome any feedback where this is not the case.

Dates of Cambridge's academic vacations

Rooms are mainly available during the academic vacations.

Easter: mid-March to mid-April
Summer: mid-June to mid-October
Christmas: beginning of December to mid-January

Map

Map of Cambridge showing colleges and museums: www.cam.ac.uk/map

Getting to Cambridge

From London: the best options include train or bus. Trains leave every half an hour from London Kings Cross or London Liverpool St (enquiries: 08457 48 49 50; www.nationalrail.co.uk). The approximate journey time is one hour and the return fare is £15.00 to £17.70 depending on time of travel. You then need to take a taxi from the rank at the front of the train station, the approximate cost of which is £5-£6.

Parking: Cambridge is generally not very car friendly, with pedestrianised zones and one-way systems. However, a number of colleges now offer on-site parking facilities and there are several car parks available within the city centre.

If travelling from an airport to Cambridge, the best options are either hiring a car or taking a coach: www.gobycoach.com

Other links

You may also find the following related sites of interest:

•Cambridge University: www.cam.ac.uk