Cambridge Overview
Cambridge is a city known for its world-renowned university, Cambridge university is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. There are several other universities, colleges and educational institutes in the city which make for a high population of students. Due to aa high population of students, the city always has fun, interesting and educational activities going on which are accompanied by beautiful architecture and historic buildings. Cambridge university was founded in 1209 and had over 19,000 students in the academic year 2016/2017. Trinity College is a building that was constructed in 1593 by Thomas Nevile, the building boasts great architecture which is accompanied by a picturesque court. The area surrounding the city is known as Silicon Fen, this is an allusion of Silicon Valley, it has this name because of all the high-tech companies that operate in this area, there are several science parks dotted around the city and most of these are owned by the universities or colleges. Cambridge has a main traditional theatre, it’s called the Arts Theatre and has over 600 seats, the theatre often hosts touring West End shows as well as locally produced shows made by students and local people. The theatre is located in the heart of the city and has been a great attraction for the people of Cambridge for many years.
Things to do in Cambridge
The Fitzwilliam museum is free to enter and is run by the university, in the museum you will find exhibitions on world-class art and antiques which span over centuries. Events are also hosted at the museum regularly which are usually free but some you will have to pay for, these events range from art talks to arts and crafts workshops which makes for a very interesting day. Cambridge is a great place for students who love shopping, there are three shopping centres which all boast a wide range of well-known high street brands as well as independent boutiques. The Grand Arcade is the prime spot for shopping in the city, with over 60 fashion, beauty, home, premium brands, jewellery and food retailers you will struggle not to find something. The Grand Arcade is very accessible due to its location in the heart of the city. There are three cinemas in the city with all of them showing a great selection of the latest movies, the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse is the home to the annual Cambridge Film Festival as well as showing only the best in world cinema. For those of you who enjoy a sociable drink after a long taxing day at university then the Market Passage is the place for you, the passage is home to the city’s two liveliest bars. If you prefer live music and great cocktails, then La Raza is the place for you due to its fantastic atmosphere all year round. There are several traditional pubs dotted around the city for those who enjoy a quiet sociable drink, some pubs have been there for well over 100 years.
Sport in Cambridge
There are several leisure centres dotted around the city with each of them offering a wide range of facilities from gyms, sports halls, squash courts as well as many more. Most leisure centres offer student discounts on memberships which will help you stay fit and healthy during your time at university. There are several parks with free to use tennis courts and football pitches, meaning if you don’t wish to pay to exercise then you are free to do so in the local parks. An interesting event that takes place in the city is the Bumps, this is a bizarre rowing race that has taken place since the 1820s it is a spectacle to watch and a must for anyone living in Cambridge.
Escape Cambridge
Cambridge is relatively near the coast, if you head roughly an hour east you will reach the Suffolk Coast and Heaths which is known for its great pathways and beautiful views out to the sea. The Orford Ness National Nature Reserve is also on the Suffolk coast which is famous for its sunset, it can get really windy here so remember to wrap up warm. To the south of the city is London which is easily accessible via road or public transport and is a great place to spend the day with lots of activities to do. Near the city is Bury St Edmonds which is a historic market town which has a brilliant abbey with very friendly local people which will make your visit very pleasant.
Transport in Cambridge
The A14 that runs through Cambridge will connect you to the M11 which is the fastest route into London, from the M11 you will be able to access the national motorway network. Direct trains run from Cambridge to London in under an hour and are very frequent. National coach services run from the city connecting it to most of the major cities in the UK. The city is close to most of the London airports which makes it perfect for international students visiting family. Cambridge have great public transport links within the city with several routes leading to the university.
