Where To Stay In… Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire. Home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, tourists aimlessly punting along the River Cam, rolling landscapes, and a whole lot of bougie hotels we’re currently lusting over. Oh, and you might spot the Duchess of Cambridge strolling around the university grounds…
So if you’re looking for a quick countryside getaway, we’ve clubbed together a few of Cambridgeshire’s very best hotels:
Gonville Hotel
The Gonville story dates back to 1962, when Harold Ridgeon bought The Gonville Hotel as a guest house and used his building expertise and connections to get the hotel up and thriving. Fast forward to 2019 and The Gonville Hotel continues to strive as a family run business nuzzled in the heart of Cambridge. Over in the Gresham House, you’ll find eight beautifully furnished rooms, brimming with colourful florals, local artwork and velvety finishes, while in the main hotel the superior rooms are contemporary, spacious and sleekly finished. If you don’t fancy venturing further afield, head down to the Cotto Restaurant for a spot of fine dining, or relax in the Atrium Brasserie with a spot of afternoon tea.
Where: Gonville Place, Cambridge, CB1 1LY
Website: www.gonvillehotel.co.uk
The Tamburlaine Hotel
Being nested next to Cambridge rail station has its pros and cons. The pro being that you don’t have to cart your rammed suitcase around the cobbled city streets, while the con is that it’s at least a twenty minutes stroll into town. But hey, we’ll happily settle for the latter if it means we won’t have to battle through the crowds with luggage. The Tamburlaine Hotel is home to 155 rooms, all channeling a palette of Cambridge blue and finished with charming décor. Below you’ll find their busy Bar and Restaurant offering a range of seasonal dishes and afternoon tea.
Where: 2729 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2FB
Website: www.thetamburlaine.co.uk
University Arms
If classic Edwardian interiors are what you’re looking for, you’ll fall in love with University Arms Cambridge. The hotel reeks of Britishness from leather-padded writing desks to tiered chandeliers adorning the ceilings. Oh, and it’s the oldest hotel in Cambridge so it’s obviously worth a visit for that reason alone.
The hotel boasts views of historic Regent Street, the hotel’s glorious inner courtyard, and the suites reveal views of Parker’s Piece. University Arms’ named suites each have bookshelves individually curated around their subject by Mayfair’s Heywood Hill, which is another added little quirky feature.
Where: Parker's Tavern, Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD
Website: www.universityarms.com
Hotel Felix
Delicately situated just a mile from Cambridge city centre, surrounded by leafy gardens, you’ll find Hotel Felix combining traditional Victorian architecture with contemporary design. The Victorian mansion is home to their luxury penthouse suite and three kings rooms, all modernly furnished, while the other rooms are tucked in the east and west wings of the hotel. Thanks to its handy location, it’s only a short stroll into the city centre so there’s no escaping a quick punt along the River Cam before you head off back to London.
Where: Whitehouse Lane, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LX
Website: www.hotelfelix.co.uk
The Varsity Hotel
If you’re stopping over to see your kids in their new university digs but don’t fancy residing amongst the bedbugs and silverfish, head over to The Varsity Hotel and enjoy views of the city from their iconic roof terrace. Each room is intricately decorated with quirky artwork and zany details, whilst still celebrating the cultural heritage of the city. But the big selling point of this hotel is their roof terrace, boasting views of the bustling city and famous Cambridge landmarks, as well as serving up a delish lychee martini we can’t stop thinking about…
Where: Thompson's Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AQ
Website: www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk
Duke House
Duke House is where it’s at if you’re looking for more of a B&B style staycation snuggled in the heart of Cambridge. The B&B is very much a family affair, owned by Liz Cameron and her family (and pets!), with each room being individually designed to fit any needs whether you’re in Cambridge for a work affair or a romantic retreat. And, no B&B visit is complete with the latter B. For brekkie you’ll find everything is locally sourced (minus the cheese because they can’t get enough of the Lancashire bomb and cranberry cheddar from the wonderful lot at Snowdonia Cheese Company) and seasonal. The veggies and eggs are from the local market, the juice is pressed by Waterfall Orchards, and the meat is from Clarks of Ware.
Where: 1 Victoria Street, Cambridge, CB1 1JP
Website: www.dukehousecambridge.co.uk
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