Cambridge

Let Citystay enhance your holiday or business trip to Cambridge

Cambridge is a perfect blend of old and new. Primarily a University City, dating back to the 11th Century, a stroll down “the backs” (of the colleges) can place you within its living history as traditional sights of punts, cyclists, students and fellows blend seamlessly with the magnificent range of architecture. Let yourself be immersed in the romance as you continue into the centre, the site of the traditional daily market place and a mêlée of unique individual shops. Galleries, roadside cafes, book shops and boutique restaurants lead you to the brand new Grand Arcade shopping centre that boasts 21st century shopping.

Cambridge and the surrounding area hold an unrivalled reputation for being a centre of excellence both in learning and ambience. Now its famous Colleges are home to over 17,000 students – Kings College Chapel is a familiar image all over the world. Cambridge’s heritage also includes an outstanding record of scientific and artistic achievements – Newton, Darwin, Wordsworth, Milton, Ian McKellan, John Cleese, Emma Thompson and Zadie Smith were all educated here.

As well as a seat of learning and home to many a famous researcher (such as Crick and Watson, Stephen Hawking, and even Sir Isaac Newton), Cambridge is also increasingly known as a centre of pioneering information technology with leading companies such as Microsoft, AstraZeneca and Philips represented. To enhance your visit, Citystay offer handpicked business and holiday let accommodation, luxury with the personal touch.

As well as being one of the worlds leading cities for technological and scientific research, Cambridge is also an extremely green City. The City boasts a number of delightfully manicured public parks and several phenomenal university botanic gardens. On summer’s days, hundreds of people can be found relaxing on one of the many greens, playing sports, enjoying barbecues or watching the punts drift by on the Cam. All the greenery provides ideal escapism in the heart of the city.

The famous Parker’s Piece in the centre of Cambridge hosts regular festivals, events and attractions throughout the year and was interestingly the site of the first ever game of association football. Cambridge truly has something to offer everyone.

So, whether you are staying in Cambridge on business, as a visitor to the University, or a tourist on holiday wishing to experience the delights of our historic City, Citystay would like to welcome you and make your stay both comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you are looking for a 5 star self catering holiday let, or premium accommodation for your business trip, as a guest of Citystay, we can help you get the most out of your stay in Cambridge and can arrange anything from airport pickups and theatre tickets to punt and cycle hire. It may be that all you require is a sound recommendation of which of the museums, plentiful public houses or restaurants may best suit your taste.

Whatever your stay requires let Citystay offer you the best service in town.

Citystay … you’ll want to stay … and stay.

Restaurants in Cambridge

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” – Virginia Woolf

So vast and diverse is the choice of cuisine that we would need to publish a restaurant guide book to give you all the information you needed on dining out in Cambridge.

Here is a short guide to some of the city’s favourites ranging from hearty British pub food to fine-dining and from burger joints to noodle bars.

Fine Dining

Cambridge boats 2 Michelin stars at present, both of which are held by Midsummer House on Midsummer Common, where chef Daniel Clifford serves up the best of British in a classical style with a modern influence.

The restaurant has a fantastic reputation for being one of the best in the country and is well worth visiting from afar. Therefore foodies – stay in a Citystay apartment and eat at Midsummer House for a weekend of pure luxury.

World Cuisine

As well as boasting 2 Michelin Stars, Cambridge can lay claim to one of the most diverse range of restaurants outside of London.

The city boasts several European and Asian themed restaurants. The Oak Bistro, De Luca Cucina and Yim Wah to name but a few. Take a walk down Regent Street and you will be spoiled for choice with something to suit everyone’s needs and budgets.

London inspired Ivy Brasserie has proved popular since opening its doors on Trinity Street offering modern all day British menus.

The Quayside is also a popular destination to eat and relax watching the River Cam slowly meander by. Again boasting a variety of restaurants and bars, La Mimosa is perhaps the jewel in the crown.

If you’re looking for just liquid refreshment then a stop at the renowned Cambridge Wine Merchant is well worth a visit. Whether you’re a wine buff, or just enjoy the odd tipple, this Aladdin’s cave has something for everyone.

Eating In

If you choose to take advantage of one of Citystay’s fully equipped kitchens, then there some wonderful boutique shops selling high quality local produce all over the city. The Market is open daily and anything from fresh fruit to artisan cheese can inspire the Master-chef in us all. Well worth a visit even if it just for the sights and sounds.

History

Steeped in history, Cambridge attracts thousands of visitors each year to see the university, the architecture and to hear the tales of the past. Take a sightseeing tour around the city and visit landmarks such as the Round Church, dating from the 1100’s, many of the City’s famous College’s and learn about the role of Cambridge during the English Civil War. Walking Guided Tours of the City can be taken in several languages and really do help you experience all that Cambridge has to offer. Citystay guests should also take advantage of the free punting for an alternative way to see the city.

Museums

Whilst on a short stay in Cambridge, it is definitely worthwhile visiting one of the many museums in the city. Ranging from Art and Archaeology to Science, Technology and Warfare, there is something for all ages to enjoy.

A broad collection of fine art from world famous artists can be found on display at The Fitzwilliam Museum. Opened 200 years ago in 1816 the original art collection and library at Fitzwilliam was bequeathed to Cambridge University by Richard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion who also gave the funds to house his collection in order to further “the Increase of Learning and other great Objects of that Noble Foundation.”

The Duxford Imperial War Museum is a must for all World War Two and aviation enthusiasts. Part of the Imperial War Museum group, Duxford houses a vast array of memorabilia from WWII with a strong focus on aviation. As an active airfield, Duxford played an important role in major conflicts such as The Battle of Britain.

The University Botanic Gardens showcase some of the world’s most interesting trees, plants and flowers, and are well worth a visit. Since its opening in 1846, the gardens have been an inspiration, an exciting introduction to the natural world for families and a refreshing oasis for all. This heritage-listed Garden has been designed for both year-round interest and seasonal inspiration so, whenever you visit, you will find plants to intrigue and enchant.

Theatres

Cambridge boasts a number of theatres showcasing the best in music, plays and comedy. Here a just a small selection with details of events, ticketing and prices.

Cambridge Arts Theatre – The Cambridge Arts Theatre is home to numerous world-class stage productions. All year round, this is one of Cambridge’s liveliest and most thrilling venues. The Art’s Theatre plays host to a varied programme of drama, dance and music as well as many shows prior to, and direct from London’s West End.

If you’re seeking more stage performances then try the ADC Theatre which is the oldest of the Cambridge University playhouses, showcasing the best in amateur dramatics.

The Corn Exchange is Cambridge’s largest entertainment venue. Presenting over 300 events annually, some of the hottest acts from the world of rock and pop can be seen as well as several musicals, comedians, opera and orchestral events. If you are lucky enough to be staying with Citystay over the Christmas period then try not to miss the annual Christmas Show held at the Corn Exchange.

The contemporary Cambridge Junction which can be found at Cambridge Leisure Park, offers a more diverse entertainment programme.

Live Music and Nightlife

If you are looking for live music and a few drinks of an evening then there are many bars in Cambridge where you will find like-minded people. Enjoy jazz evenings at the suave De Luca Cucina & Bar or world class cocktails and cocktail making classes at La Raza.

Many people choose to begin an evening at one of the many bars along Regent Street before heading to Market Passage to two of Cambridge’s busiest bars, Ta Bouche and Baroosh.

Head up to the rooftop bar at The Varsity to watch the sunset over Cambridge whilst enjoying a glass of wine!

“You have not seen Cambridge unless you have seen it from a punt”

Punting has developed into the pastime most synonymous with Cambridge. Whether you’re meandering through the magical college backs or drifting down to the idyllic town of Grantchester, aboard a punt, you are guaranteed to see Cambridge from its most beautiful vantage point, the River Cam.

However punting is not something that had been introduced as an attraction for one of the 6 million tourist who visit Cambridge annually. It is a mode of transport steeped in history. Originally used as workboats on the Fens, the traditional shallow bottomed square bow boats were used for eel fishing, reed cutting and fowling.

If you are looking for a long weekend or city break in Cambridge then contact Citystay today and our team will be on hand to organise a visit to one of our luxury serviced apartments. A stay with Citystay offers a truly unrivalled experience of Cambridge.

In the early 1900’s Maurice ‘Jack’ Scudamore, the founder of ‘Scudamore’s’ (the oldest punting company in England) completed his boat building apprenticeship and was involved in the building of one of Cambridge’s first punts. Upon returning from national service in 1903, Jack began the building of punts from Scudamore’s boatyard in Mill Lane, which still exists to this day. Quick to spot an opportunity Jack began to introduce the use of the punts for pleasure which was successfully and whole-heartedly embraced by the people of Cambridge. By the 1920’s punting had become the most popular boating activity in Cambridge and his boats were soon in national demand.

The word punting itself, comes from the old English for ‘push’ and refers to the way in which the boats are propelled. The punter traditionally uses a wooden pole around 16ft in length to propel the craft forwards from the till of the boat, known locally in Cambridge as the ‘deck.’ There is an art form to punting which prior to mastering can be quite be amusing for onlookers, as minor collisions and the occasional gridlock ensue, but much like riding a bike, once mastered, it is never forgotten.

The most famous route to take when punting these days is down the famous college backs, drifting through where some of the world’s most famous intellects and scholars have studied. A chauffeured punt allows the passengers to take in the magnificent architecture whilst learning about the history of the colleges and their bridges.

Alternatively the meandering route down to the village of Grantchester allows passengers to take in the beautiful and tranquil meadows and countryside. Many people choose to moor the punt whilst enjoying lunch at one of the village pubs before drifting back to Cambridge. A perfect way to spend a sunny summer’s day.

Getting to the City

Getting around the City

Getting around the City