Inside one of 'UK's prettiest towns' that perfectly balances city and country
Although the University of Cambridge put Cambridge on the map, you can’t pay a visit to the city without trying punting – also known as gliding along on long wooden boats steered by a metal pole.
If you visit in the summer, the River Cam will be packed full of punters enjoying this fun way to see the sights. But it’s not a new phenomenon, as punting dates back as far as mediaeval times when the boats were used for fishing and transporting goods for trade.
The University of Cambridge, which was founded in 1209, consistently ranks among the best universities in the world and is a huge part of the town’s heritage. The city's skyline is dominated by several college buildings including King's College Chapel and the Cambridge University Library and the chimney of Addenbrooke's Hospital. Now it’s been named one of the prettiest UK towns to do your Christmas shopping by The Times, although it’s actually a small city.
Cambridge has a good mix of chain stores and independent shops (Getty Images)Shopping in Cambridge
You can shop 'til you drop in Cambridge as it has chain stores and independent shops aplenty. Ark has 'gifts for interesting people', the Cambridge Satchel Company is a great shop for bags, Serena is fab for bling, and then there’s Laird Hatters for headwear or Lost in Vinyl for music lovers. Meanwhile, Rose Crescent is a quaint walkway, lined with bicycles, that leads off Market Square to some of Cambridge’s most popular shops. Cellini is an independent company of designers and makers, which has one of the largest selection of pearls in the UK and family-run Cheaney Shoes handcrafts premium leather shoes. On Trinity Street, an arts and crafts market takes place every Saturday where traders sell pottery, paintings and paraphernalia.
Is housing expensive in Cambridge?
Living in Cambridge comes with an expensive price tag as properties in the city had an overall average selling price of £579,786 over the last year - way above the national average of £191,000. The small city made the headlines in the summer when one 1960s property in Cambridge went on the market for £600,000. Although it had four bedrooms, the property needed a lot of money poured into it to bring it up to today's standards, according to the Daily Mail.
Shop prices 'are yet to peak and will remain high' as inflation hits new heights
Crime in Cambridge
Most of Cambridge is quite safe and pleasant: the annual crime rate in the Cambridge postcode area is 26.9 crimes per 1000 people (figures correct as of October 2023). Compared to the national crime rate, Cambridge's crime rate is at 75%. And - according to the Quality of life survey 2023 conducted by Cambridgeshire County Council - 72% of people who live there report high or very high levels of happiness, over half have no health concerns, 84% report feeling safe in their area, 75% feel they belong in Cambridgeshire and 77% say it's a good place to raise children.
King’s College Chapel was built between 1446 and 1515 and is where many great scholars were educated (Getty Images)Things to do in Cambridge
Cambridge is a great place to hang out, whether you’re a history buff or looking for fun and adventure. TripAdvisor lists the area's top ten attractions as:
The Fitzwilliam Museum - home to Henry Moore pieces and Impressionist paintings
The Cambridge Gin Laboratory - learn about the history of gin, how it’s made and enjoy a tipple
King’s College Chapel - built between 1446 and 1515 it's the site where many great scholars were educated
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial - the resting place of 10,000 American military service members and civilian volunteers who fought for freedom during World War II
The River Cam - a beautiful place to relax or try your hand at punting
Cambridge University Botanic Garden - a large winter garden full of blooming colours and scintilating scents
Cambridgeshire Wine School - you can sample their wine tasting courses
University of Cambridge - take a tour to find out more about the history and architecture
Banksy's artwork has been removed in cities all over the world - see which ones
The Centre for Computing History - an interactive display of computers and game consoles that date back to the early sixties from Pong to Pokémon
University Museum of Zoology - find out about evolution of life on earth, discover stories of extinction, survival and pioneering exploration.
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