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Cambridge is a university city in United Kingdom. A town with strong images of King's College Chapel from across the river Cam, the Gothic architecture, students and summer punting on the River Cam. Cambridge is surrounded villages, towns and ancient monuments including Ely, Peterborough and Grantchester. The narrow streets, colleges and punting are images most will have seen and here to enjoy. In contrast is the hi tech “Silicon Fen” that has developed being close to the university.
Cambridge, England is located just 50 minutes from central London, but it seems a world away. Far from the bustle of city life, Cambridge is an idyllic English town set within the Cambridgeshire countryside, but it doesn't lack modern amenities. The city is characterized by quaint medieval streets, classical and modern architecture, traditional pubs, and lush green spaces.
Next to Oxford, Cambridge is home to England's most prestigious university and serves as a symbol of British academia. The university actually consists of 31 distinct colleges. The oldest of these, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284. The newest college, Robinson, was just established in 1979. Other notable colleges worth visiting are Corpus Christi College, Emmanuel College, Jesus College, Magdalene College, Pembroke College, Queen's College, St. John's College, and Trinity College. King's College, founded in 1441 by Henry VI, is the undisputed “star” of the university. It is famous for its ornate chapel, which features an intricate vaulted ceiling, a massive 17 th century organ, and an altarpiece painted by Rubens. King's College is also home to the King's College Choir, which still gives performances today.
In keeping with the scholarly tradition, Cambridge boasts the country's oldest bookshop. The Cambridge University Press has been selling books since 1581.
Cambridge is home to a variety of museums showcasing the city's and the university's heritage. The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of Britain's oldest public museums. With its vast collection of art and antiquities, it is considered by many to be “the finest small museum in Europe.” Kettle's Yard contains an impressive collection of modern art. The Scott Polar Institute is dedicated to the expeditions of Captain Scott and other polar explorers. Other museums include the Cambridge Museum of Technology, the Museum of Classical Archaeology, the University Museum of Zoology, and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science.
Cambridge is a very green city, and visitors will want to spend as much time admiring the outdoor scenery as possible. Many of Cambridge's colleges are clustered around large green squares, and several of them back onto the River Cam. This area is known as “The Backs.” Punters can be seen gliding along the river in boats. The University Botanic Garden is another popular place to enjoy the outdoors. And, of course, many of the city's pubs have cozy beer gardens where students can be seen unwinding from their studies with a pint.
Today, Cambridge is still a thriving market town. The Cambridge Sunday Market is open every Sunday in the city center near King's College. The market combines a farmer's market with an arts, crafts, and antiques market. A variety of interesting trinkets can be found here.
The best way to get around Cambridge is by walking, but the city also has a bus system. Trains and buses link Cambridge with London and its neighboring towns and villages.
Cambridge eGuide lists the very best Cambridge accommodation, provides an Cambridge restaurant guide, details Cambridge attractions and Cambridge tours. Cambridge official eGuide is the primary source for Cambridge tourism information for Cambridge. For complete Cambridge Information please use the navigation on the left of this page, the Cambridge site map or the quick links below.
The team at Cambridge eGuide very much hope that you enjoy your Cambridge holidays and have a wonderful time in Cambridge.
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Cambridge eGuide is part of a series of travel guides produced by eGuide located in Noosa Australia.
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