Cambridge, let me count the ways I love thee, it’s my 3rd visit to this picturesque city and it never gets old. I probably feel the same way about it, how some people feel about Paris. Wandering around, it feels I am the star of my very own Hollywood picture, everywhere looks like a dreamy film set with the most beautiful architecture as a dramatic backdrop. I am sure you know, that this city is famous for it’s university and has seven famous colleges across the centre of town, it’s truly a lovely place for a 24 hour getaway. The list below isn’t extensive, as I often spend a lot of time here just wandering around daydreaming, but I have included a lot of the recommendations I got from followers. Whilst I didn’t have time to visit them all, I hope they help you in the planning of your trip.

Sleeping

The University Arms

A really regal feeling hotel, The University Arms is grand in scale and everything is finished so beautifully. Also it smells INCREDIBLE, Emily I and I wouldn't shut up about it, seriously. Aside from the impressive scent, you can drive straight up to the entrance and take advantage of the valet if you are driving (£30 charge for per 24 hours I think, which is steep but also very very convenient). The views from my room looked straight over Parker’s Piece, a very picturesque green space indeed. The bathroom was the next thing to impress, with marble sinks, monochrome tiles and the fluffiest dressing gowns. The bed was also lovely too, but is it weird I was most impressed by the cups in the room? Probably, but I do love attention to detail like that. I would definitely recommend taking them up on breakfast when booking, as it’s actually a really good deal. I didn’t and ended up doing so and ate off the ala carte menu at an extra cost. It’s a lovely place to have a drink downstairs too, and dinner at Parker’s Place looked good but I didn’t go for it the end. If you’re after a hotel break with everything under one roof, this is an excellent choice. Oh and I almost forgot to tell you the best bit, you can also borrow their turquoise cycles for a ride around the city!

Also recommended: Gonville Hotel (apparently they do a sight seeing tour in a Rolls Royce!), The Tamburlaine (right next to the station which is easy for bags), Varsity Hotel & Spa (has a lovely rooftop restaurant and view).

Eating & Drinking

Fitzbillies

Our first stop in Cambridge was this 100 year old institution recommended by practically the whole of Instagram. Proper sandwiches, cheese scones, sausage rolls, the cutest cakes and of course their infamous Chelsea buns. There’s two branches in the city, and won’t lie, we visited both. I’d also highly recommend their hot chocolate which I took on a punt with me, the perfect accompaniment for a leisurely cruise along the river cam.

Jack’s Gelato

STOP PRESS - I’ve married the wrong Jack! I didn’t know there was another one who could make the most wonderful ice cream. The shop is open 361 days of the year and even on a February afternoon it wasn’t too cold to sample a couple of the unique flavours on offer. They also sell what looked like some of the best hot chocolate too, but unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day and I couldn’t squeeze another thing in. Whether it’s rain or shine a pit stop here is essential.

The Tamburlaine

I was hoping to have afternoon tea but they only do that at the weekends (noted for next time) so it was more a quick cuppa. Lots of you said how much you’ve enjoyed an afternoon here, and even sent me photos of the delightful looking sandwiches and cakes. The interior is just as delightful, with lots of pink velvets, fringed trims and ornate wallpaper, and t’s perfectly located next to the train station.

Aromi

I don’t know about you but when I am visiting somewhere for only 24 hours, I tend to eat and walk at the same time, especially at lunchtime. Some of you might prefer something a bit more leisurely, but I’m not very good at sitting still when I know there's so much to see. Aromi offer both delicious eat in and takeaway Italian food so you can choose whatever suits you. There’s two branches very close to one another, one does sell pizza and the other doesn’t, just to help you make an informed decision. Either way, great food for a speedy lunch.

The Old Bicycle Shop

Just up the road from our hotel there were so many places to eat and to be honest I was a little overwhelmed so decided upon here. The cocktails were excellent, and the food was nice although a week later as I write this, I wouldn't say it was life changing dining experience. But if you're looking for a cosy place to spend an evening, with super nice staff, this is worth a consideration for sure.

Also recommended: Bread & Meat, Smokeworks, The Olive Grove, Pint Shop, Steak and Honour, Sticks n Sushi, Stem & Glory (vegan), Tom’s Cakes, Urban Larder, The Punter, Butch Annie’s, and also to take a wander down Mill Road at the many restaurants on offer just a little bit outside the centre.

P.S. You’ll notice I am not a coffee drinker, but on the grapevine I have heard Hot Numbers, Stir, and Bould Brothers (pictured below) are two places that won’t let you down for a cup of the strong stuff.

Shopping

Lilac Rose

I went in and only came out with one candle, which I think shows quite some restraint, but I could have happily came away with a lot more. They sell a really nice curated section of books, jewellery, trinkets, clothes and everything in between. If you’re ever in Leamington Spa there’s a second branch there too.

Cambridge Satchel Shop

It’s no secret I am a big fan of this Cambridge based brand, I wear my Poppy shape all the time. Whilst you can buy everything online, I really like seeing and feeling products IRL, especially bags so I can see exactly how much c*ap I can get squeeze in. They also do the monogramming in store too, worth popping in if you’ve had your eye on something or want to take an iconic bit of Cambridge home with you.

Market Square

As I mentioned above, there’s only so much I can eat in 24 hours, but if I stayed a bit longer I would have definitely been buying a lunch or two from the stalls in Market Square. Lots of fresh pastries, bread and flowers too, you can’t miss it when you are wandering around, still dreaming of that Mac n Cheese I didn’t eat and the bagel guy I didn’t visit. Next time!

Also recommended: Ark, Heffer’s Bookshop and Boudoir Femme.

Sightseeing

Punting

I think you probably know by now that Cambridge is famous for punts that are available all year round. You can choose two options, self punt or if like me that’s not even an consideration you can pay an expert to prevent you going round and round in circles and being part of a viral internet video. As well as being excellent punters, they also have exceptional local knowledge. I don’t know if it was a winter thing, but I got my ticket at the student price (at their suggestion, not mine) I imagine in the peak of summer that wouldn’t be so easy. But it’s well worth the price, student or not, this time I went on a mixed punt booked through Scholar’s, but last year we rented a few out for a hen do and had some bottles of fizz and snacks in the summer sunshine. I think I’d be hard pressed to visit Cambridge and not do this, it’s really a wonderful experience.

Biking

Cambridge is also infamous for getting around it by bike, the city is relatively flat and there are over 80 miles of cycle lanes. If you haven’t brought your two wheels with you, there are lots of places you can hire a bike. As mentioned above our hotel offered cycles for guests, and I have seen a few others offer this too.

The Backs

If you really want to feel like you’ve stepped into a film then I recommend a wander around The Backs. It’s an area of Cambridge where you can see quite literally the backs of the infamous colleges, if your looking for a picnic spot, they don’t come more picturesque than this.

Kettle’s Yard

I think over 70% of my recommendations included Kettle’s Yard, whilst it’s free to enter this art gallery and house they are timed. If you are visiting in the peak season, maybe book ahead for a house tour here. The gift shop is worth a mention, they have a really great selection of mounts and frames, which I was kicking myself for not going back to get, until I discovered their online shop. They have a lovely looking cafe too, a few hours of your time would be well spent here.

I didn’t have time to visit any more museums, but I was kindly recommended: The Fitzwilliam Museum, Scott Polar Research Institute and The David Parr House, all on my list for my next visit alongside the Botanical Gardens.