Hotels in Cambridge
The city of Cambridge is synonymous with its university for good reason. Founded in 1209, the institution is the third-oldest in the world and one of the most renowned. Smaller than its bitter rival Oxford, Cambridge city centre is dominated by the grand buildings of the university’s constituent colleges. Unsurprisingly, the vast student population makes it something of a cultural hotbed, with theatre and comedy of an exceptionally high standard at student-friendly prices – check out the famous Footlights troupe for a glimpse of the future stars of comedy.
There are world-class museums and galleries, of course, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to green space, with parks and commons galore, plus idyllic trails along the River Cam stretching all the way to picturesque nearby villages like Grantchester. If you plan a visit, check out our Cambridge hotels, from historic stays to money-saving hostels.
Best hotels in Cambridge City Centre
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Travel tips for Cambridge City Centre
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Best places to stay in Cambridge
Cambridge is a big name but a small city, so anywhere in the centre will put you within easy reach of the dreaming spires. Most of the university’s colleges are packed into this compact area, giving the streets a magical, fairytale feel. A little north of this, a hotel either side of Jesus Green or Midsummer Common will be slightly more removed from the tourist crowds, with great access to the river for a stroll. For convenience if arriving by train, the area around the railway station is hard to beat and has plenty of hotel options just a short walk from the centre. Not far away is Mill Road/Romsey, Cambridge’s hippest and most multicultural area, with a great selection of cuisines from around the globe as well as vintage stores and craft beer joints, making it feel a world away from the quaint academia of the university.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Cambridge
The towering, awe-inspiring spires of King’s College Chapel are right in the heart of Cambridge, so this is a great landmark to base your accommodation search around if you want to be near the most popular attractions. This also puts you a short walk from the River Cam and the Backs, a dreamy place for a wander, as well as the vast Fitzwilliam Museum, where there’s more than enough on display to fill a whole day – all for free! It’s not all about history, though. The city centre also has great shopping at Lion Yard and the Grand Arcade, plus restaurants ranging from cheap student staples to Michelin-starred eateries.
Where to stay with your family in Cambridge
Cambridge is a great choice for a family getaway, and anywhere near the city centre is a safe bet. Staying just south of the main tourist area will give you a little more peace and quiet and will put you within touching distance of the university’s delightful botanic garden for a wander with your little ones. You’ll also still be close enough to walk to fascinating museums like the Museum of Zoology, with its collection of 2 million specimens, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which has ethnographic objects from totem poles to canoes. A family room at the Lensfield Hotel will make an ideal base for your trip.
Where to stay as a solo traveller
There’s no shortage of architectural masterpieces, museums and galleries to while away the hours in Cambridge, making it the perfect place for a solo visit. Join a guided group tour along the River Cam by punt for the quintessential Cambridge experience, giving you a sneak peek into the university colleges and their grounds that are otherwise closed to visitors. If you fancy seeing a different side to the city and meeting fellow travellers, YHA Cambridge is a great option. It’s located just a short walk from the bohemian trappings of the Mill Road/Romsey area, where you can sample a smorgasbord of global cuisines.
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Amazing Architecture
Cambridge's history can be seen through the many different styles of building, from modern hotels in Cambridge built in the last few years to St Benets Church, the oldest building in the city and the iconic King's College Chapel, a great example of late Gothic Architecture. One of our favourite sights to see is The Round Church, thought to be from the 12th century, or walking through the Kings College Gateway, built in 1824.
Marvellous Museums and Great Galleries
Being a renowned university city, there is a large range of museums and galleries in Cambridge. The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is great for budding brainiacs, full of instruments from the Middle Ages to the present. For exploration enthusiasts, head to The Polar Museum, covering the Antarctic, the heroic adventurers discovering new lands and the native people found. If you're more of an art lover, Kettle's Yard, the former home of early Tate Gallery curator Jim Ede, houses plenty of exhibits from the early 20th century.
Thrilling Theatre
Cambridge has a strong presence in the theatrical world, giving birth to a host of stars such as Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and John Cleese. One of our favourite venues is the Cambridge Arts Theatre, which opened in 1936; it showcases a mix of opera, pantomime, dance and drama. Mumford Theatre is great if you want an intimate show with performances by the local community and theatre students.
Fantastic Festivals
When in Cambridge, check the dates for many festivals that are held. For folk fanatics, Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the largest and longest-running in Europe, incorporating traditional English and Irish music, as well as American country and blues. Book buffs should check out the Cambridge Literary Festivals, held twice a year and celebrate everything about the power of words. If you're travelling on a budget and staying in a cheap Cambridge hotel, don't fret, there are many festivals you can head to for free, one example being Strawberry Fair. Held on Midsommer common during the first Saturday of June, it's a family-friendly festival full of eclectic acts.
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Hotels with rooftop bars
When it comes to rooftop terraces in Cambridge, The Varsity is iconic. Boasting a unique city centre location, the hotel is the closest to many of the university’s best-known colleges and offers unparalleled, unimpeded views of the skyline. Serving up a range of exquisite cocktails including its very own Varsity Le Fizz, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun.
Hotels with gourmet restaurants
Situated in the gleaming glass extension of the 4-star Gonville Hotel, the Terrace Restaurant is a fine dining spot that boasts two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. The à la carte menu, served from Wednesday to Saturday, is understated, with some intriguing flavour combinations. The hotel is ideally situated by Parker’s Piece and offers complimentary bike hire as well as the chance to book an experience in one of its classic Bentleys.
Spa hotels
If you’re looking for a peaceful Cambridge hotel with spa facilities, Quy Mill is the place for you. Located a short drive out of the city centre in a historic former watermill, this tranquil haven is home to the luxurious Riverside Spa. It has everything you’d expect, from a sauna and steam room to hot tubs, a heated indoor pool and a gym, plus a full range of spa treatments and soothing experiences like a serail mud chamber.
Luxury hotels
The University Arms has been a Cambridge institution for years, having been founded in 1834, making it the city’s oldest hotel. With interiors crafted by renowned designer Martin Brudnizki, the hotel boasts unique suites named and themed for Cambridge-affiliated authors and alumni. The bar is the jewel in the crown: a decadently decorated Edwardian delight serving up bespoke cocktails all night long.
Unmissable sights
University of Cambridge
Landmark, Education600+ hotels nearbyFitzwilliam Museum
Museum, Art600+ hotels nearbyCambridge Corn Exchange
Theatre, Attraction600+ hotels nearbyParker's Piece
Park, Urban area600+ hotels nearbyChurch of St Mary the Great
Landmark, Place of worship600+ hotels nearbyThe Backs
Park, Urban area600+ hotels nearbyAll Saints' Church
Landmark, Place of worship600+ hotels nearbyADC Theatre
Theatre, Attraction600+ hotels nearbyCambridge Arts Theatre
Theatre, Attraction600+ hotels nearbyMill Road
Street, Landmark600+ hotels nearbyFAQs about hotels in Cambridge City Centre
Planning a dog-friendly vacation in Cambridge City Centre? Check out these top-rated hotels: Wilde Cambridge City Centre, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge, Hilton Cambridge City Centre
Discover the perfect family-friendly hotels for your next vacations! Here are the top picks for families with children: Wilde Cambridge City Centre, Hilton Cambridge City Centre, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
For a stay in the city center of Cambridge City Centre, these centrally located hotels are suitable: Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre - Corn Exchange/Lion Yard, Wilde Cambridge City Centre, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
For a cheap stay in Cambridge City Centre, we recommend these budget-friendly hotels: Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre - Corn Exchange/Lion Yard, The Regent Aparthotel, Christ's College Cambridge
For a stay close to the best points of interest, we recommend these hotels:
University of Cambridge: Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre - Corn Exchange/Lion Yard, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge, Westminster College Cambridge
Fitzwilliam Museum: Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre - Corn Exchange/Lion Yard, Wilde Cambridge City Centre, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
Cambridge Corn Exchange: Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre - Corn Exchange/Lion Yard, Wilde Cambridge City Centre, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
If you want to stay close the airport:
Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport, The Meadows
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