where to stay in cambridge, uk ( best area & hotels )

What is the best area to stay in Cambridge?

By Owen Robinson. November 07, 2023

Famous for its world-renowned university, its beautiful architecture spanning centuries, and its stunning nature and river spots, Cambridge is a must-visit attraction in the UK. The city has been one of the most important and visited cities in the country ever since the University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, after a dispute at the University of Oxford led some professors to found their own institution. Today, the city is more than just its university, and is popular among architecture enthusiasts, nature lovers and those seeking out some of the best British culture and history.

But where should you stay on your visit to Cambridge? For sure, the best area to stay in Cambridge is the city centre, where you’ll be nestled amongst the city’s best and most famous attractions, from King’s College Chapel to the Fitzwilliam Museum. As a small city, you’ll be walking distance from all you want to see in Cambridge and you’ll be able to soak up the bustling atmosphere of the city’s central colleges, market and river. In the evenings, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the city centre’s selection of impressive restaurants and quaint traditional pubs.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Cambridge, UK, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you’re interested in finding out where to stay in Cambridge, you may also want to know where to stay in Oxford or where to stay in London.

Cambridge City Centre, the best area to stay in

First-time / Sightseeing / University

Whether you’re a first-time visitor of Cambridge or you’re back to explore even more, Cambridge’s city centre is the best area to stay during your trip. It has all the city’s main attractions and sightseeing spots, as well as wonderful restaurants, pubs, and shopping destinations.

During the day, you’re well located to do some sightseeing and exploring of the city centre. Despite its small size, you can easily pass a whole day getting lost amongst its cobbled streets and narrow stone alleyways.

Though the university doesn’t have one main campus and is dotted around the city, its most famous sites and attractions are found in the city centre. King’s College Chapel is the university’s most famous attraction, towering over the centre since the 15th century and an example of some of the UK’s best architecture.

You can also check out amazing cultural museums, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum or Kettle’s Yard.

Hotels in Cambridge City Centre

Other areas to stay in Cambridge

Ely

Nature / Architecture / Animals

Located around 22 kilometres from Cambridge, the city of Ely is another perfect location for those who want to make the most of Cambridgeshire’s stunning natural landscapes, while being just a stone’s throw from Cambridge. The small city is a popular destination for students and nature lovers, and takes you out of the bustle of central Cambridge.

Ely is most famous for its cathedral, which was completed in 1342 and combines both Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its octagonal tower dominates the surrounding landscapes of Ely. History lovers will also be impressed by Oliver Cromwell’s house, which was the family home of the infamous Lord Protector.

Ely is also surrounded by wonderful natural landscapes, typically known as the Fens. The area of the Fens is a large sprawling marshland, with large biodiversity and little human development. Nature lovers will especially enjoy the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, which can be enjoyed through beautiful and accessible walking paths.

Hotels in Ely

Grantchester

Nature / Pubs / With a Car

Grantchester is a great place to stay for those who love nature and quaint British architecture and pubs. This small village is found just to the south of Cambridge, easily accessible by walking, cycling or even journeying down the River Cam by boat. A popular tourist activity is to rent a punt from the city centre and make your way to the picturesque village by boat.

The village is most known for its stunning meadows, which can be easily walked or cycled and which provide a great opportunity to connect with local nature. The meadows are also a popular location for wild swimming all-year-round, so make sure you bring your swimming costume.

Grantchester has a great selection of traditional English village architecture, in which are found a number of different hotels, restaurants and pubs to enjoy after your day exploring Cambridge and the surrounding natural areas.

Hotels in Grantchester

Cambridge Station Area

Activities / Shopping / Gardening

The Cambridge Station area is great for those who want a range of shopping options and activities outside of the cultural and the historical. Built much later in the city’s history, the area is home to a big arena of shopping warehouses, and hosts a number of venues for activities such as climbing, bowling, and other sports.

Found close to Cambridge train station, and a twenty-minute from the city centre, this part of the city provides affordable and accessible hotel options with a host of things to fill your time during your visit to the city.

The Cambridge Station area is also not far from the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a must-visit for gardening and nature enthusiasts. Home to over 8000 plant species from around the world, it is an important natural and scientific site which attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year.

Hotels in Cambridge Station Area

Mill Road

Independent cafés / Restaurants / Community

If you want to explore independent cafés, charity shops and world restaurants during your time in Cambridge, Mill Road can be a great place to stay. This long strip of houses and businesses has a much more modern and community environment than the central part of the city, where the university dominates, and is perhaps more affordable than the rest of the city.

Located just a twenty-minute walk from the city centre, you’re well-placed to explore many different areas of Cambridge, while being immersed in one of the city’s most exciting and distinctive areas.

The Mill Road area is also great for being one of the most multicultural areas of Cambridge, home to a number of Middle Eastern, Asian and African restaurants and cafés, and a diverse population of residents and students. It can be a great escape from the imposing architecture and bustling atmosphere of the city centre.

Hotels in Mill Road

Chesterton

Nature / River walks / Village

Chesterton is a good place to stay if you want to be close to the famous River Cam or to stay in a quieter part of the city. As a small village located just to the north of Cambridge’s city centre, it is easily accessible and is home to a number of smaller hotels and B&Bs in a more village environment.

One of the highlights of Chesterton is its proximity to the famous River Cam. All throughout the day, you can walk the river’s banks, watching both students and locals engage in the city’s most iconic sport, rowing.

This is also a great area for dog walkers or nature enthusiasts, with a number of impressive walks around the area, as well as some of the city’s largest parks such as Jesus Green and Midsummer Common just nearby. At the end of Chesterton Road, you’ll also find Castle Mound, the best place to watch the sunset in Cambridge.

Hotels in Chesterton