Places
Explore Cambridge in a day
What to do

King’s College Chapel seen from above. Photo: Shutterstock

King’s College Chapel
If time is short, you be sure to check out King’s College Chapel, one of the most iconic sites in the city. Founded in 1209, the chapel is considered one of the finest examples of late Gothic English architecture. The Chapel is noted for its splendid acoustics, its world famous King’s College Choir and its organists, who hold weekly recitals every Saturday at 6.40pm during the school year.
King’s College Chapel
King's Parade, Cambridge
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Orchard Tea Garden
Just a short punt away from the center of Cambridge lies the Orchard Tea Garden,a place where time stands still. In 1909, the English poet Rupert Brooke lodged here and was a popular patron along with others who’ve enjoyed coffee, lunch or tea in this genteel setting. Authors Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster were frequent visitors back in the day, as were British philosophers Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Orchard Tea Garden
47 Mill Way, Grantchester, Cambridge
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Take a tour of the city in a long boat. Photo: Shutterstock

Explore the city by boat
For a good tour of the city, the university and the surrounding countryside, why not try punting down the River Cam in a long boat, pushed along with long spruce poles? This is one of the most popular pastimes in Cambridge.There are six authorized punt stations in Cambridge. From north to south, along the river, they are: La Mimosa, on the corner of Jesus Green, Quayside Trinity College, inside the college grounds, The Mill Pond, on Silver Street, Mill Lane, The Granta mill pond, near Sheeps Green.
You can buy tickets online at each location, or from the visitor information center at the Guildhall.
Where to stay

The graduate double room at Varsity Hotel & Spa. Photo: Varsity Hotel & Spa

Varsity Hotel & Spa
After a relaxing punt and seeing the sites, it might be a good idea to freshen up at the hotel before dinner. One charming choice for lodging worth considering is the Varsity Hotel & Spa. This unassuming boutique hotel has 44 sleekly decorated rooms, two popular restaurants, a full-service gym and Flemish spa, and a fabulous view from its seventh-floor roof terrace in city’s Quayside area.
Varsity Hotel & Spa
Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ,
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One of the Suites at University Arms. Photo: University Arms

University Arms
Another favorite is the University Arms – the best in old school glamour. The hotel was revamped by architect John Simpson, whose previous projects include parts of Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.
University Arms
Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AD
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Where to eat

Restaurant Twenty-Two has been around for 40 years. Photo: Restaurant Twenty-Two

Modern British dining
After you’re rest, you’ll probably be looking for a place to dine, and Cambridge host some of the best. Why not check out Restaurant Twenty-Two, located in a restored Victorian townhouse that backs onto the River Cam and Jesus Green, and home to modern British dining. Chef patron Sam Carter sources produce locally and makes everything fresh on site.
Restaurant Twenty-Two
22 Chesterton Road, Cambridge
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Midsummer House is a two Michelin-starred restaurant. Photo: Midsummer House

Two Michelin-starred restaurant
Another fine alternative is the two Michelin-starred restaurant Midsummer House, which is set in an idyllic location overlooking Midsummer Common. The first-floor lounge and terrace make the perfect spot for drinks, overlooking the River Cam.
Midsummer House
Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB4 1HA
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Published: January 24, 2020
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