A former Cambridge University student gives us the inside track on what to see, do and where to eat and stay on a visit to the ancient university city
Saturday
AM
Start off at the Cambridge University Botanical Garden, a lush oasis just outside the city centre. The garden is deceptively large - over 40 acres - and features a range of different gardens including seasonal gardens, a rock garden, a bog garden and an extensive glasshouse full of rare plants. After spending the morning enjoying the greenery, head 10 minutes down the road for an early afternoon tea at Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street. This café has been a Cambridge institution since 1921. Be sure to indulge in one of its famous Chelsea buns, made with the original 1922 recipe.
PM
After lunch, it's time to get down to some quintessentially Cambridge activities. Grab a bottle of Pimm's, head up the river to Scudamore's and hire a punt. You can either hire one to steer yourself or take a guided tour - in my view, nothing beats the fun of punting yourself. Rest assured, it's really very difficult to fall in. Punting along the Backs takes you past the spectacular King's College Chapel, as well as the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
After your river adventure, a drink is in order. Thankfully, the Anchor pub is right next to the punt hire. Enjoy the comforts of dry land either in the pub's cosy interior or bask in the sunshine on its riverside terrace opposite the much-mythologised Mathematical Bridge.
Finish your drinks by 4.45pm, then head to King's College Chapel via King's Parade, pausing to take in the absurdity of the Corpus Clock - watch the terrifying grasshopper come to life on the hour as he devours more and more time. Evensong inside the King's College Chapel usually begins at 5.30pm (check here before visiting). This offers the chance to admire the chapel's breathtaking interior and hear its internationally renowned college choir.
Hungry? The Cambridge Chop House is a great option for dinner if a hearty meal with meat and craft ale sounds appealing. If you prefer something less heavy and more educational, try The Eagle just around the corner, where Watson and Crick famously announced their discovery of DNA to the world. The pub has retained its old English charm and now serves irresistible (and reasonably priced) British fare.
If you're still hankering for more culture, catch a late show at the ADC Theatre or Corpus Playroom - both stomping grounds of the Cambridge Footlights. The club's former members include Hugh Laurie, Sue Perkins and David Mitchell.
Sunday
AM
Get the day off to a delicious start with breakfast at The Copper Kettle, which you can enjoy while watching the morning bustle on King's Parade. For a sweeter option, visit Benet's Cafe and savour its freshly made crepes and waffles.
After finishing breakfast, set out for the Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses a world-class collection of art and antiques as well as regular exhibitions and events. Then drop in to the neighbouring Peterhouse College, the oldest of the Cambridge colleges. Revel in the sixteenth-century architecture and pay a visit to the deer park, surrounded my medieval walls and filled with flowers and fruit trees.
PM
For lunch, walk back through the town centre to The Galleria, a restaurant located at the foot of Magdalene Bridge serving modern fusion cuisine. Ask for a table overlooking the river, or one on the balcony if the weather is pleasant.
Time to take in some more classic Cambridge sights by touring the central colleges. These are set out in courts and all have chapels, dining halls and beautiful outdoor spaces. St John's College, home to the Bridge of Sighs, is closest to The Galleria. Walk back through to the main entrance of John's and head next door to Trinity College. Arguably the most spectacular in Cambridge, Trinity's court was immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire. Another highlight is the Christopher Wren library towards the rear of the college.
Also situated on the river Cam is a much smaller college, Trinity Hall. At the back of the college, sit on the wall and watch the river traffic go by. Finally, see Clare College's beautiful gardens bursting with colour.
Round off your weekend in Cambridge with dinner at Six Panoramic Brasserie, located in The Varsity hotel. As its name suggests, this restaurant offers diners a panoramic view of the city. Choose from a range of 30 different gins, and try to go at sunset for the most atmospheric cityscape.
Where to stay
The Varsity hotel offers a boutique experience with all the amenities of a large hotel including a gym, spa and rooftop bar. Rooms have large windows, allowing guests to delight in fantastic city views.
Alternatively, The Gonville Hotel has a charming atrium brasserie in which to eat breakfast and over 25 acres of parkland.
If you're on a budget and visiting outside term time, take the opportunity to stay in one of the university colleges and eat breakfast in a hall - a true Cambridge experience. Check individual college websites for details.
Tips
Be aware of college closures during exam periods.
Visiting during May Week (this year beginning 16th June) has both perks and disadvantages. The pros include events such as Singing on the River, watching the Trinity May Ball fireworks and a general jovial atmosphere. Cons are the town centre being busier and some closure of colleges prior to events.
Everything in Cambridge is within easy walking distance, but there are also countless bike rental shops throughout the city.
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