Arriving in Cambridge, I was blown away by the city’s beautiful architecture, walkable streets and variety of eateries and cafes.
The city is most famous for being the home of the University of Cambridge which is one of the best universities in the world.
The university buildings can be seen throughout the city with the spire of the Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church, and the chimney of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Anglia Ruskin University, standing tall among the city’s skyline.
However, there’s definitely more to the city than its prestigious university and intellectual history.
Unlike other cities in the UK, Cambridge feels quaint, is extremely walkable and is filled with pretty narrow streets and idyllic buildings.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this city is the River Cam which winds peacefully through the city.
Not only does the river provide a lovely spot for a picnic or a tranquil walk but it’s also a great spot to try your hand at punting.
Punting involves taking a flat boat down the river with someone using a pole to push the boat along.
Another beautiful spot on my way around Cambridge was the Market Square which was filled with vendors selling food, produce and more.
The Market Square is in the heart of Cambridge and is surrounded by some of the city’s most idyllic buildings as well as a 15th-century church called Great St Mary’s.
Just around the corner from Market Square is Christ’s College which is a part of the University of Cambridge.
The buildings date back to the 15th/16th century and include a chapel, the Master’s Lodge and Great Gate tower.
When I visited, one of the buildings was covered in pale purple wisteria which was truly stunning.
If you’re ever in Cambridge, I’d highly recommend going for dinner at Giggling Squid, a Thai restaurant located in The Old Library in the centre of the city.
The service was fast, the food delicious and reasonable and the surroundings breathtaking.
Another must-visit spot is Fitzbillies, a bakery famous for its Chelsea buns. The Chelsea buns are sweet, sticky and lightly spiced. I took a box home with me and everyone was equally impressed with just how delectable they were.
The Chelsea buns from Fitzbillies are famous in Cambridge and date back to 1920 when Ernest and Arthur Mason founded the bakery.
While I loved Cambridge, there was one major downside – the crowds. Everywhere I went, I felt like I was battling crowds of tourists, even on a wet April weekend.
However, it’s a small price to pay to experience such a beautiful city.
I’ll definitely be visiting Cambridge again – but next time I’ll be visiting during the week when it’s quieter.