Why go?

A blend of countryside and city, historical beauty and modern design, Cambridge is the epitome of an idyllic weekend break destination. The centre is refreshingly free of franchises, with many boutique craft shops and independent cafés dotted around the Corn Exchange. With gardens to rival Cornwall’s Eden Project and the buildings of the 800-year-old university, it’s little wonder this city is so attractive to travellers and students alike.

What to do

Punting along the River Cam is an ideal way to get your bearings in this architecturally mesmerising city. Depart from outside La Mimosa restaurant (lamimosa.co.uk) on Park Parade and head southwards, clocking the Wren library, designed by the architect of Saint Paul’s in London, and 16th-century King’s College chapel as you sit snug with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in your flat-bottomed boat (letsgopunting.co.uk). Cambridge lays claim to two major art galleries, without the crowds of central London; in the north of the city, country house Kettle’s Yard (kettlesyard.co.uk) holds 20th-century artwork by unsung heroes of World War One, and further south you’ll find the Fitzwilliam Museum, home to a collection of artistic and antique treasures, some more than 3,000 years old (fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk). If after this cultural pitstop you crave the open air, head down Trumplington Street towards Cambridge Botanic Gardens (botanic.cam.ac.uk). Founded in 1846, it has been a magnet for horticultural enthusiasts and the curious alike for over a century. Trails through the garden are mapped out by season, so take the autumn route through crocus patches, giant pumpkin beds and the copper dome (an impressive parade of fire-orange beech trees). The glasshouse is filled with exotic plants, including carnivorous species from Oceanic islands (mind your fingers!). Of course, no visit to Cambridge would feel complete without a stroll through college grounds. If you’re visiting the city in November, seek out Trinity or King’s College chapels where concerts are being held during the Cambridge Music Festival (cammusic.co.uk).

Where to stay

The Varsity Hotel makes for a luxurious city break (01223 306 030, thevarsityhotel.co.uk). Take a complimentary walking tour of the city, and when you’re all toured out, return to the hotel’s lavish spa and rooftop terrace for an icy G&T. With a cottagelike, heather-strewn front and spacious Victorian interiors, Hotel Felix is everything you want from a boutique hotel (01223 277 977, hotelfelix.co.uk). Staff are exceptionally friendly, every room holds a king-size bed and afternoon tea on the hotel lawn is a lazybut-lovely way to idle away a few hours. Grand stately home meets B&B at Duke House (01223 314 773, dukehousecambridge.co.uk). Curl up in front of the fire in the reading room and, come morning, make the most of a truly delicious English breakfast.

Where to eat and drink

Daniel Clifford has held two Michelin stars for his British/French cuisine at Midsummer House since 2005 (01223 369 299, midsummerhouse.co.uk). Try five courses for £60 or sample sharing plates from the ‘taste of the market’ menu; dishes such as pea, prawn and lemon jelly, stuffed red mullet, and raspberry and tarragon roulade are created exclusively from local ingredients. Formerly a coaching inn, the Grade II-listed Oak Bistro is a hushed-up secret among Cambridge residents (01223 323 361, theoakbistro.co.uk). With understated interiors and a walled garden for al fresco dining, it’s easy to overlook, but rest assured the Pan-European menu will impress. D’Arry’s in King Street is a wine shop-cum-restaurant serving British-Asian fusion food (01223 505 015, darrys.co.uk). With a relaxed, informal atmosphere, d’Arry’s maintains an extensive wine list, including several museum wines from the d’Arenberg collection.

Time running out?

Fitzbillies bakery is famed for its Chelsea buns, still made from the original 18th-century recipe. Grab one on the go (fitzbillies.com).

Travel Information

Travel Information

Cambridge is approximately one hour by train from London, or one hour and 15 minutes by road.

Getting There

East Coast Trains (eastcoast.co.uk) sells train tickets from London King’s Cross and Liverpool Street to Cambridge from £14.80 return.

Resources

Visit Cambridge (visitcambridge.org) has information on attractions, shops and restaurants in the city.