Outdoor spaces, amazing architecture, punting on the Cam, tech start-ups, food, drink and nightlife... seven reasons why we love Cambridge.
The great outdoors
‘Picturesque’ is a word thrown around an awful lot these days. But when you’re milling around Milton Country Park or taking a wander in Wandlebury Nature Reserve, there are few other words that do Cambridge’s lush green spaces justice.
Photo credit wandleburywarden
The River Cam
Sure, Venice has its perks, but for an experience on the water a little closer to home, lazing on the River Cam takes some beating. It meanders through the centre of Cambridge, and a punting trip is a perfect way to unwind while taking in the sights. Multi-tasking!
Photo credit cambridgepunting
Architecture
That leads us nicely to the architecture. Cambridge is one of the most beautiful historic cities in the world, owing to its modern, medieval, Edwardian and Georgian buildings. A must-visit is the famous Round Church. Bill Gates, the Dalai Lama and Queen Victoria herself have all been for a snoop. You should too.
Photo credit travelwitharchitecture
Eat
While Cambridge’s buildings speak of the city’s past, its thriving foodie culture is a real indication of its present. From authentic Asian flavour courtesy of Zhonghua to Mediterranean realness served up at Gardies Greek restaurant, there’s something for all tastes. On a health-kick? Urban Larder has you covered, with superfood salads that taste as good as they Instagram. Cheat day? Say no more. Foodpark streetfood festival runs every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: delicious.
Photo credit foodpark_cam
Drink
Coffee lovers rejoice! It’s big business in Cambridge, and there are a tonne of hip haunts throughout the city for you to refuel in. Hot Numbers is a favourite among students, while ARU’s very own Carlos Latorre Martin’s Coffee Temple venture imports coffee directly from Colombian farmers. Ethical responsibility: also delicious.
Photo credit coffee_temple
Be merry
All work and no play is no way to live. As nightlife in Cambridge goes, Midweek Mash Up and Fresh Tuesdays are firm favourites with ARU students with a penchant for pop, while Ballare’s alternative night every Friday is sure to delight even the most ardent of indie lovers. Not a clubber? Not a problem. Cambridge has cosy pubs aplenty, like local legend The Eagle, serving traditional pub grub and ales from near and far.
Photo credit freshtuesdays
The Silicon Fen
In recent years, Cambridge has become something of a tech hub, even dubbed the Silicon Fen for its plethora of start-ups popping up all over the city. It’s a place where entrepreneurship is part of the culture, away from the bustle and stress of the capital. There’s a booming job market in tech here, making it the ideal place for recent grads to get their foot in the door in a competitive field.
Photo credit sookio
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