County · England
Where to stay in Cambridge
Riverside colleges, punts on the Cam and the Backs.
Cambridge is England's other great university city: a compact, beautiful centre of riverside colleges, chapels and meadows, best seen from a punt on the Cam or a walk along the Backs. It is calmer and more contained than Oxford.
Stay central in a characterful hotel and let the colleges and the river fill the days.
The shortlist
Best places to stay in Cambridge
University Arms
Cambridge's grand hotel, beautifully reimagined by Martin Brudnizki, overlooking Parker's Piece in the centre of the city.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
A contemporary boutique hotel by the river in central Cambridge, with a spa and a rooftop terrace over the colleges.
Best areas to stay in Cambridge
City centre & the Backs. Steps from King's College, the river and the best restaurants.
Around Parker's Piece. Handsome, central and home to the city's landmark hotel.
The river & Grantchester. Punts, meadows and the famous riverside village walk.
Getting there & around
Train. Fast trains from London King's Cross and Liverpool Street in under an hour.
Car & transport. Best on foot or by bike; the centre is compact.
Car-free. Cambridge is ideal car-free: arrive by train, then walk, punt or cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you stay in Cambridge?
Central, near the Backs and Parker's Piece, in a characterful hotel so the colleges and river are on your doorstep.
What should you do in Cambridge?
Punt on the Cam, walk the Backs and the college grounds, and stroll to Grantchester for tea.
Is Cambridge easy to reach?
Yes, fast trains from King's Cross and Liverpool Street take under an hour, and the centre is walkable.