OXFORD & CAMBRIDGE

The historic heart of English academia, Oxford and Cambridge represent centuries of intellectual pursuit and architectural grandeur. These iconic university towns offer a unique blend of medieval colleges, serene rivers, and world-class museums.

This combined region showcases the pinnacle of British heritage and scholarly tradition. It is a landscape defined by “dreaming spires,” cobblestone streets, and the timeless tradition of punting along the peaceful waters of the Cam and Cherwell.

Oxford

University Core & Historic Sites:

  • Christ Church College: One of Oxford’s largest and most famous colleges, featuring the city’s cathedral and the Great Hall (inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall).

  • Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe and the main research library of the University of Oxford, offering guided tours of its historic halls.

  • Radcliffe Camera: Oxford’s most iconic building, a magnificent circular reading room forming part of the Bodleian Library complex.

  • Sheldonian Theatre: A ceremonial hall designed by Sir Christopher Wren, used for university events and offering a cupola for city views.

  • Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge): An ornate covered bridge connecting two parts of Hertford College, architecturally similar to its Venetian namesake.

  • University Church of St Mary the Virgin: Offers the best panoramic view of the ‘Dreaming Spires’ from its tower.

  • Magdalen College: Known for its vast grounds, the Addison’s Walk path, and a beautiful deer park.

  • Ashmolean Museum: Britain’s oldest public museum, housing world-famous collections of art and archaeology.

  • Pitt Rivers Museum: A quirky and captivating museum of archaeological and anthropological objects from around the world.

  • Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Features impressive dinosaur skeletons and is connected internally to the Pitt Rivers Museum.

  • Balliol College: One of the oldest colleges, located on Broad Street, with picturesque quadrangles.

  • Merton College: Home to one of the oldest surviving libraries in the world, the Merton College Library.

City Core & Parks:

  • Oxford Castle & Prison: A 1,000-year-old medieval castle and former prison, now offering tours.

  • The Covered Market: A historic and vibrant indoor market filled with independent traders, food, and craft stalls.

  • Carfax Tower: The only remaining part of the 13th-century St. Martin’s Church, offering views over the city centre.

  • Christ Church Meadow: A tranquil water meadow and public space for walking along the River Thames (locally the Isis) and River Cherwell.

  • University of Oxford Botanic Garden: The oldest botanic garden in the UK, a peaceful retreat with diverse plant collections.

  • The Thames/Isis River: Popular for punting and boating, especially along the stretch near Christ Church Meadow.

Out of City & Modern Sites:

  • Blenheim Palace: A monumental country house and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, located in nearby Woodstock.

  • Bicester Village: A major luxury outlet shopping destination located just outside Oxford.

  • Didcot Railway Centre: A heritage railway museum celebrating the Great Western Railway history (in Oxfordshire).

  • Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Picturesque rolling hills, medieval villages, and market towns near Oxford.

Take a Punting Tour on the River Cherwell: Hire a punt (a flat-bottomed boat) or join a chauffeured tour to glide past the Botanic Garden and the Merton Field, an essential Oxford experience.

Join a Historic College Tour: Visit iconic colleges like Christ Church (home to the Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts), Magdalen, or All Souls to explore their stunning architecture, chapels, and quadrangles.

Go on a Literary Pub Walk: Follow in the footsteps of famous authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis with a guided tour of their favourite haunts, which often ends with a pint in a historic pub.

Explore the Bodleian Library: Take a guided tour of one of the oldest libraries in Europe, seeing the famous Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Radcliffe Camera.

Visit the Ashmolean Museum: Spend an afternoon at Britain’s oldest public museum, home to a vast collection ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art.

Hike or Cycle the Thames Path: Follow the river upstream or downstream for a scenic walk or bike ride, passing charming villages and riverside pubs.

Attend a “Formal Hall” Dinner: Experience a traditional, multi-course college dinner, often requiring academic dress, for a truly immersive and atmospheric evening. (Check college websites or public event listings).

See a Show at the New Theatre Oxford: Catch a touring West End production, a comedy show, or a concert in this historic city-centre venue.

Climb the University Church of St Mary the Virgin Tower: Ascend the tower for the best panoramic view of the “Dreaming Spires” of the city.

Explore the Oxford Covered Market: Wander through this historic market, browsing local artisanal food stalls, unique boutiques, and traditional cafes.

Take a Day Trip to the Cotswolds: Rent a car or join a tour to explore the picturesque stone villages and rolling hills of this quintessential English region right on Oxford’s doorstep.

Walking is Essential: Oxford’s city centre, particularly the area with the colleges and museums, is compact and best explored entirely on foot. You will miss the hidden alleyways and small lanes if you don’t.

Park and Ride: Parking in the city centre is expensive and difficult. Utilize the extensive and efficient Park & Ride system on the outskirts of the city for a stress-free entry.

Buses: The city is well-served by two primary bus companies (Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company). They are the best way to cover longer distances within the city and connect the Park & Rides. Purchase tickets directly from the driver (contactless card payments are widely accepted).

Bikes: Oxford is a famously bike-friendly city, thanks to its relatively flat terrain. Many students cycle, and renting a bike is a great way to explore areas outside the main centre. Always secure your bike with a good lock.

From the Airport: The Oxford Bus Company’s Airline service provides a direct, regular, and comfortable bus link to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Understand the ‘Town vs. Gown’ Dynamic: Oxford is a working city that happens to have a world-famous university at its heart. Be respectful of the student body and college grounds, but remember there’s a whole city beyond the university.

College Visiting Hours: Most colleges have specific, and often limited, public visiting hours to respect the students’ privacy and academic schedule. Always check a college’s website before turning up, and be prepared to pay a small entrance fee.

Don’t Rush Punting: Punting is a leisurely activity. If you’re hiring your own boat, allow extra time for the learning curve—it’s harder than it looks! A chauffeured punt is more relaxing and allows you to focus on the scenery.

Hidden Gems:

  • The Turf Tavern: A tiny, incredibly historic, and notoriously hard-to-find pub tucked away in a small alley. It’s a favourite among students and a classic Oxford spot.

  • The Covered Market Roof: While the market floor is busy, look up! The structure itself is a beautiful piece of architectural history.

  • The Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge): Often confused with the Venice original, this beautiful skyway connecting parts of Hertford College is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

  • The Pitt Rivers Museum: Accessible through the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, this museum of anthropology and archaeology has a fascinating, quirky, and densely packed Victorian-era display style.

Language: The local accent is standard English. If you’re a native English speaker, you’ll be easily understood, but you may notice some unique student jargon!

The Turf Tavern [] – A historic, hidden pub in the city centre, accessed only via narrow alleyways, famous for its traditional pub food and old-world atmosphere.

Lamb & Flag [] – A classic Oxford pub on St Giles’, popular with locals and students, known for its selection of real ales and traditional British pub fare.

King’s Arms [] – One of Oxford’s oldest and most famous pubs, located near the Bodleian Library, serving hearty food and known for its vibrant atmosphere.

The Bear Inn [] – Reputedly the oldest pub in Oxford (dating from 1242), this tiny pub is famous for its collection of snipped ties and classic pub lunch menu.

The Trout Inn [] – A picturesque, historic riverside pub just outside the city centre in Wolvercote, known for its beautiful setting and traditional British menu.

Magdalen Arms [] – A renowned gastro-pub in the St Clements area, popular with locals for its seasonal, thoughtfully prepared British and European dishes.

The Chester Arms [] – A popular pub in the East Oxford area (Iffley Road) known for its excellent steaks and robust, well-executed pub classics.

The Parsonage Grill [] – Located in The Old Parsonage Hotel, this elegant yet relaxed grill serves refined British and European dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Gee’s Restaurant [] – Housed in a beautiful Victorian glasshouse, this iconic Oxford spot offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.

Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant [] – A truly unique and romantic riverside restaurant where you can also hire a punt, offering modern European cuisine and an extensive wine list.

Pierre Victoire [] – A long-standing, beloved French bistro in the city centre known for its cozy atmosphere and classic, reasonably priced French cuisine.

Oli’s Thai [] – A highly-regarded, small Thai restaurant in East Oxford (Cowley Road area) known for its authentic, refined Thai dishes and often requires booking well in advance.

Paddyfield [] – A hidden gem offering delicious, authentic Szechuan cuisine, popular with the local Chinese community and known for its traditional menu.

Edamame [] – A tiny, authentic Japanese restaurant near the city centre with limited hours and a concise menu, famous for its excellent, freshly prepared food and worth the queue.

Arbequina [] – A lively, independent Spanish restaurant in East Oxford (Cowley Road) serving authentic, contemporary tapas and Spanish wines.

Shin Thai [] – A popular Thai restaurant in Jericho with a warm atmosphere, known for its well-presented and flavourful traditional Thai dishes.

Za’atar Bake [] – A small, friendly Middle Eastern bakery and cafe in the city centre serving delicious, freshly baked manakeesh (flatbreads) and simple Levantine fare.

Source [] – Located in the city centre, this restaurant offers a seasonal menu with influences from European and world cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.

Thaikhun [] – A vibrant, street-food style Thai restaurant in the centre, offering an immersive atmosphere and popular Thai dishes.

COSMOS Oxford [] – A popular spot on Cowley Road for authentic Korean BBQ and hot pot, offering a communal and lively dining experience.

No. 1 Ship Street [] – A chic, modern brasserie in the city centre offering a refined menu of British and European dishes, often focusing on seafood and high-quality cuts of meat.

Pompette [] – A highly-rated, independent bistro in Summertown (North Oxford) offering a contemporary take on classic French cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The Magdalen College Bar [] – Located within the Eastgate Hotel, this spot offers a modern, elegant menu with high-quality British ingredients and a creative flair.

Cuttlefish [] – A modern, independently-run restaurant in the city centre specializing in freshly prepared fish and seafood dishes with creative twists.

Victors [] – A stylish, contemporary restaurant in the Westgate Shopping Centre with beautiful decor, serving a globally-inspired menu of small plates and larger mains.

The Folly [] – Located by the river, this restaurant offers modern European cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in a tranquil setting, perfect for an evening meal.

The Vaults & Garden Cafe [] – A popular cafe located in the historic medieval vaults of the University Church, known for its commitment to local, ethical, and organic food, serving modern British cafe fare.

The Wild Rabbit [] – Located in the Cotswolds (about 30 minutes drive), this acclaimed “Inn” has a refined menu based on seasonal and organic produce from the Daylesford estate.

The Nut Tree Inn [] – A Michelin-starred pub in the nearby village of Murcott, offering exceptional, inventive cuisine in a traditional pub setting.

215 Kitchen & Drinks [] – Formerly known as ‘The Oxford Kitchen’, this restaurant in Summertown has a focus on modern British cooking with an innovative, high-quality approach to presentation and flavour.

Orwells Restaurant [] – A highly-regarded, modern fine dining restaurant slightly outside Oxford in Shiplake, known for its creative, hyper-seasonal tasting menus.

The Covered Market [] – An 18th-century covered market with various independent food stalls and cafes, perfect for a casual lunch, including bakeries, sandwich shops, and global options.

Jericho Coffee Traders [] – A popular local coffee roaster and cafe in Jericho, perfect for high-quality coffee and light snacks, well-loved by the community.

Taylor’s [] – A chain of popular sandwich shops around the city centre, known for its excellent selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, baguettes, and salads.

Happy Friday Kitchen [] – A popular vegan restaurant on Cowley Road offering American-style comfort food, known for its creative and tasty plant-based burgers and shakes.

The Port Mahon [] – A lively East Oxford pub known for its great selection of craft beers and a short but excellent menu of hearty pub food and weekly specials.

The Alchemist Oxford: Located on a rooftop in the Westgate Shopping Centre, this spot is famous for its theatrically presented, bubbling cocktails and panoramic views of the city.

Raoul’s: A long-established, award-winning bar on Walton Street in Jericho, known for its extensive list of classic and creative cocktails made with fresh ingredients in a cool, retro-chic setting.

The Varsity Club (TVC): Situated on the High Street, this four-floor venue offers spectacular views from its rooftop terrace, perfect for sipping carefully curated cocktails in the heart of the historic city.

The Duke of Cambridge: Despite its traditional pub exterior in the city centre, inside it’s an elegant, old-fashioned cocktail bar decked out in dark wood and chandeliers, offering a lively atmosphere on weekends.

The Lighthouse: Found in the city center, this independent bar is proud of its unique, extensive cocktail menu, featuring many of their own creations alongside classics, with a popular daily happy hour.

Cosy Club: Located in the city center, this impressive venue serves expertly crafted cocktails alongside elevated British dishes in a relaxed, all-day dining and drinking setting.

Thirst Bar: An independent late-night cocktail bar on Park End Street in the city centre, featuring a large heated outdoor terrace and a huge selection of cocktails, with a DJ playing dance tunes until late.

Kazbar: A Cowley Road favorite with colourful Moorish décor and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, serving up unique cocktails and tasty tapas.

House: A modern, gleaming bar tucked away down Blue Boar Street in the city centre, offering a stylish setting for well-priced cocktails, often featuring a popular outdoor terrace.

Angels Cocktail Bar: A chic lounge bar on Clarendon Street in Jericho, known for its stylish décor, friendly staff, and delicious cocktails, particularly during its early evening happy hour.

Sixes Social Cricket: Found on the top floor of the Westgate Shopping Centre, this vibrant venue blends the fun of indoor cricket nets with a lively cocktail bar atmosphere and rooftop views.

The Jam Factory: A quirky converted former jam factory near the train station, this arts venue/bar/restaurant is popular for its happy hour and range of craft beers as well as cocktails.

Gulp Fiction: A cozy and unique bar tucked away in the historic Covered Market, it’s a great spot for cocktails and wine with a cool, intimate vibe.

Lynrace Spirit: Situated on Walton Street in Jericho, this spot is highly regarded for its knowledgeable staff and excellent cocktail selection, building a strong reputation among locals.

The Turf Tavern: While primarily a historic pub hidden down a winding alleyway near the Bridge of Sighs, it’s a quintessential Oxford drinking spot where you can enjoy traditional drinks in an ancient, collegiate setting.

The Bridge: A large, multi-level nightclub on Hythe Bridge Street, known for its vibrant parties, different music rooms, and popular student nights.

ATIK Oxford: A major, high-energy nightclub on Park End Street, featuring multiple themed rooms and playing a variety of music from commercial chart hits to dance anthems.

O2 Academy Oxford: While primarily a live music venue on Cowley Road, it hosts various club nights and themed parties once the bands are finished, drawing a crowd with diverse music genres.

Fever & Vibe: A popular club on Park End Street, known for its cheesy pop and party anthems in the ‘Fever’ room and a more house/R&B vibe in the ‘Vibe’ room, making it a favorite for a big night out.

Bully’s: Located in the city centre near the High Street, this venue often transitions from a busy bar to a late-night spot, popular with a student crowd looking for mainstream music.

Wahoo: A centrally located club on Hythe Bridge Street, known for its student-focused events, themed nights, and a mix of mainstream and dance music.

Baby Love: A late-night bar and club on the Cowley Road with a lively atmosphere, known for its eclectic music mix and friendly crowd.

Angel & Greyhound (The Cellar): Found in the basement of this traditional pub on Magdalen Road, it operates as a small, independent music venue and club, often featuring live bands and DJ nights focusing on alternative genres.

Revolution: A chain venue on Park End Street that functions as a cocktail bar early on but transforms into a buzzing club late at night, known for its flavored vodkas and commercial music.

The Jericho Tavern: Famous as an iconic gig venue on Walton Street in Jericho where many famous bands have played, it also operates as a stylish pub and late-night spot with a heated beer garden.

Cosy Club: This city centre venue often has a late-night vibe, occasionally featuring DJs, allowing for a continuation of your night in a plush setting.

Cambridge

University Core & Historic Sites:

  • King’s College Chapel: A masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, famous for its fan vaulted ceiling and stained glass.

  • The Backs: The picturesque college gardens and grounds that back onto the River Cam, offering views of famous colleges like King’s and St John’s.

  • Punting on the River Cam: A quintessential Cambridge experience, guided tours glide past the “Backs” of the colleges.

  • St John’s College: Features the famous Bridge of Sighs (Cambridge), a covered bridge spanning the River Cam.

  • Trinity College: One of the largest and most prestigious colleges, home to the Wren Library and the supposed descendant of Newton’s Apple Tree.

  • Queen’s College: Famous for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the intricate wooden Mathematical Bridge.

  • Great St Mary’s Church (University Church): Offers the best vantage point for views over King’s College Chapel and the city centre from its tower.

  • Senate House: The magnificent building where University of Cambridge degree ceremonies are held.

  • Corpus Christi College: Home to the eccentric Corpus Clock on its exterior, designed by Dr. John C Taylor.

  • Peterhouse: The oldest college of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1284.

Museums & Culture:

  • Fitzwilliam Museum: The art and antiquity museum of the university, featuring world-class collections spanning over 4,000 years.

  • Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Houses major collections from cultures worldwide and prehistory.

  • Kettle’s Yard: A unique house and art gallery known for its collection of modern and contemporary art.

  • Museum of Zoology: A university museum with an impressive collection of animal specimens, including marine life and vertebrates.

  • The Polar Museum: Dedicated to the history of polar exploration and research, part of the Scott Polar Research Institute.

Green Spaces & Countryside:

  • Cambridge University Botanic Garden: A 40-acre garden with over 8,000 plant species, providing a peaceful escape.

  • Parker’s Piece: A large, historic open parkland in the city centre, said to be the birthplace of the modern rules of football.

  • Grantchester Meadows: Located just outside the city, popular for walking, picnics, and swimming in the River Cam.

Out of City & Modern Sites:

  • Imperial War Museum Duxford: Europe’s largest air museum, home to hundreds of aircraft and tanks (located south of Cambridge).

  • Anglesey Abbey: A National Trust property near Cambridge with a Jacobean-style house, a working mill, and extensive gardens.

  • Wimpole Estate: A National Trust property featuring a historic house, gothic follies, and a large home farm.

  • The Cambridge Science Park: A hub of innovation and technology, showcasing the modern face of the city.

Go Punting on the River Cam through the ‘Backs’: The definitive Cambridge activity. Hire a punt to see the backs of the famous colleges—like King’s, Trinity, and St John’s—and the iconic Bridge of Sighs from the water.

Visit the King’s College Chapel: Marvel at the spectacular fan vault ceiling and stained glass of this Gothic masterpiece, considered one of the finest examples of late perpendicular architecture.

Cycle the Surrounding Fens: Rent a bike and explore the flat, open countryside of the Cambridgeshire Fens, visiting charming villages like Grantchester or Ely.

Explore the Fitzwilliam Museum: Discover this world-class museum’s collection of art and antiquities, from ancient Greek vases to Impressionist paintings.

Hear the Evensong Service at a College Chapel: Attend a free, beautiful choral service in one of the historic chapels, such as King’s or St John’s, for an unforgettable musical experience.

Wander through the Cambridge University Botanic Garden: Relax and explore the diverse collection of plants in this stunning, 40-acre garden close to the city centre.

Take a Walking Tour of the University: Join a student-led tour to learn about the history, traditions, and famous alumni of the various colleges.

Visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford: Just a short drive away, this massive airfield museum is home to hundreds of historic aircraft and tanks and offers a fascinating day out.

Attend the Cambridge Folk Festival (Late July/Early August): If visiting at the right time, experience one of the most prestigious folk music festivals in the UK.

Walk Across the Mathematical Bridge: View this famous wooden bridge at Queen’s College, known for its unique, seemingly unsupported structure.

Have Afternoon Tea in Grantchester: Walk or punt to the idyllic village of Grantchester and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea in a charming orchard setting.

Biking is King: Cambridge is flatter than Oxford and is arguably the UK’s most bicycle-friendly city. Biking is the easiest and quickest way to get around. Many shops offer daily or weekly rentals. Be aware of the many cyclists on the narrow streets!

Walking the Centre: The core of the city, including the colleges and punting stations, is perfectly walkable. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time on cobblestones.

Buses: The local bus network, primarily operated by Stagecoach, is useful for reaching areas outside the centre and linking up with the Park & Ride sites. Contactless payment is widely accepted.

Train Access: Cambridge has excellent train connections. You can easily reach London (often under an hour), Stansted Airport, and Norwich, making it a great base for day trips in East Anglia. The train station is a 15–20 minute walk from the city centre, so consider a bus or taxi.

From the Airport: Stansted Airport (STN) is the closest major airport and has a direct train link to Cambridge. London Heathrow and Gatwick require connecting services.

The ‘Backs’ are Key: The most scenic views of the colleges are from the river side, known as the ‘Backs’. A chauffeured punt is the best (and only) way to truly appreciate this vista.

Evensong is a Must: Attending a free Evensong service in King’s College Chapel or St John’s College Chapel is a deeply atmospheric and highly recommended experience, offering world-class choral music in an iconic setting.

Grantchester Meadow Walk: A popular local activity is the scenic walk across Grantchester Meadows to the village of Grantchester. It’s a wonderful way to escape the city bustle and enjoy the riverside.

Market Square: The Market Square is the city’s heart, hosting a vibrant market seven days a week. It’s the perfect spot for cheap, diverse lunch options, including excellent street food and fresh produce.

Hidden Gems:

  • Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA): A hidden gem offering an extraordinary collection of human history and cultural artefacts from around the world.

  • St John’s College Gardens: While the punt ride covers the famous side, take the time to walk through the expansive gardens and parkland of colleges like St John’s—they are beautifully maintained.

  • Corpus Clock: Located outside Corpus Christi College, this large, golden, insect-like clock is a fascinating and somewhat unnerving piece of modern public art—wait for the hourly strike.

  • The Fitzwilliam Museum Tearoom: A quiet, elegant spot for a break, often overlooked by visitors focused only on the galleries.

The Fenland Climate: Cambridgeshire is very flat, which means it can be exposed to the elements. Be prepared for chilly, windy days even in spring and autumn, and dress in layers.

The Eagle [] – A historic and iconic pub famous as the place where Watson and Crick announced they had discovered the structure of DNA, serving traditional British pub food.

The Pint Shop [] – Located in the city centre, this pub is a local favourite known for its excellent selection of craft beers, gin, and hearty, simple food, particularly its grilled meats.

The Free Press [] – A cozy, tucked-away pub in a quiet residential area (Midsummer Common) known for its unpretentious, traditional atmosphere and classic pub menu.

The Cambridge Blue [] – Located near the station, this pub is celebrated by real ale enthusiasts for its huge rotating selection of beers and simple, well-made pub fare.

The Old Bicycle Shop [] – Housed in the city’s oldest bicycle shop, this quirky and popular spot offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of modern British dishes with good vegetarian options.

The Anchor Pub [] – A popular riverside pub with beautiful views of the River Cam and the ‘Backs’, serving traditional food and a range of local beers.

The River Kitchen [] – A casual but elegant spot with beautiful river views, focusing on fresh, seasonal British ingredients and an excellent Sunday roast.

The Green Dragon [] – A no-frills, traditional pub in Chesterton, slightly out of the centre, known for its warm welcome, excellent selection of real ales, and classic pub grub.

The Punter [] – Located near the river on Pound Hill, this relaxed gastro-pub is popular for its inventive, modern British menu and stylish, informal setting.

The Granta Pub [] – A large riverside pub on the Granta river, popular for its large beer garden and traditional food menu, perfect after a punt trip.

Sticks’n’Sushi [] – A modern and popular restaurant offering high-quality sushi and yakitori sticks, with a stylish, minimalist setting in the city centre.

Bedouin [] – A popular and atmospheric North African (Moroccan/Algerian) restaurant on Mill Road, known for its tagines, couscous dishes, and colourful interior.

Pipasha [] – Located slightly out of the centre in Newmarket Road, this highly-regarded curry house is known for its high-quality ingredients and modern take on classic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes.

Noodles Plus [] – A simple, unassuming Chinese restaurant in the city centre, highly popular with locals for its authentic hand-pulled noodles and generous portions of dumplings and noodle soups.

Limencello [] – An authentic, independent Italian restaurant in the city centre known for its classic regional dishes and fresh pasta.

Restaurant 22 [] – A well-loved, small, intimate, and highly-rated restaurant in Chesterton offering refined modern European cuisine with a strong French influence.

The Olive Grove [] – A family-run Greek restaurant in the city centre known for its traditional taverna feel and excellent selection of mezze and grilled meats.

Tawa Kitchen [] – A fantastic spot on Mill Road offering South Indian-inspired street food and curry dishes in a casual, contemporary setting.

Aromi [] – A very popular Italian bakery and cafe with a few locations, known for its excellent Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the slice), arancini, and fresh Sicilian pastries.

Wagamama Noodle Bar [] – While a chain, this location in the city centre remains popular for its fresh Japanese-inspired noodle and rice dishes, often a reliable choice.

Midsummer House [] – Cambridge’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located in a beautifully restored Victorian villa on Midsummer Common, offering highly creative and seasonal tasting menus.

Stem + Glory [] – A highly-rated, modern vegan restaurant with two locations, known for its creative, plant-based menu and stylish, contemporary atmosphere.

Varsity Hotel & Spa Restaurant [] – Located in the hotel, this spot offers modern British cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in a chic setting.

Millworks [] – A trendy, modern restaurant set in a historic mill on the river, known for its open kitchen, grilled dishes, and vibrant atmosphere.

The Rupert Brooke [] – A smart, modern gastro-pub in the nearby village of Grantchester, known for its creative menu and beautiful setting.

The Oak Bistro [] – A popular, independently-run modern European bistro near the city centre, known for its high-quality ingredients and excellent service.

Parker’s Tavern [] – Located in the University Arms Hotel, this sophisticated restaurant serves a menu of playful, modern British classics by chef Tristan Welch.

Vesuvio [] – A high-end Italian restaurant in the city centre known for its elegant dining experience and refined, authentic regional Italian cuisine.

Cotto [] – A highly-regarded fine dining experience in the centre, offering intricate, multi-course menus with a focus on seasonal and often locally-sourced ingredients.

Navadhanya [] – An upscale Indian restaurant in the city centre offering refined, contemporary Indian cuisine that elevates traditional dishes with modern techniques.

Turan [] – A refined restaurant focusing on Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, known for its high-quality meat and fish cooked over charcoal.

The Gog Farm Shop [] – Located just outside the city, this farm shop has an excellent café/deli serving simple, delicious food made from high-quality, local produce.

Fitzbillies [] – A famous, historic Cambridge bakery and cafe, known for its iconic sticky Chelsea buns and traditional English breakfast and afternoon tea.

Jack’s Gelato [] – An independent, local favourite known for its incredibly creative and high-quality gelato and sorbets, with frequently changing flavours.

Relevant Record Cafe [] – A unique spot on Mill Road that doubles as a record shop and a cafe, serving excellent coffee and light bites in a cool, local atmosphere.

The Urban Shed [] – A quirky and popular cafe known for its excellent coffee and creative, often indulgent, toasted sandwiches and brunch items.

The Lab Cambridge: Found on Regent Street in central Cambridge, this is a swanky, 1920s-themed cocktail bar with a scientific twist, known for its lush furnishing, bespoke cocktails, and extensive spirit selection.

Hidden Rooms: Located in the basement of a Grade II listed building in the city centre, this sophisticated cocktail bar and lounge is famed for its talented jazz performers and expertly crafted sips.

La Raza: A vibrant bar in the city centre that is a popular spot for tapas and cocktails, often hosting live music and DJs in a lively atmosphere.

Smokeworks Station Road: This steampunk-inspired BBQ joint near the train station also serves up a strong cocktail list, particularly featuring bourbon-based signature concoctions.

The Pint Shop: Located in the city centre, this venue blends the charm of a traditional pub with modern interiors, offering a good selection of cocktails alongside a vast range of craft beers.

The Cambridge Public House: Situated centrally, this bar has garnered acclaim for its sophisticated approach to cocktails and has been recognised on international lists.

The Old Bicycle Shop: Located centrally, this unique spot, rumored to be where Charles Darwin bought a bicycle, is a quirky hangout offering budget-friendly drinks, including cocktails, in a historic setting.

Douce Heights: A quirky hangout offering 360-degree views from its rooftop location, known for handpicked drinks and a buzzing but chill atmosphere.

MillWorks: Situated on Newham Road in a unique mill house, this bar and restaurant is a great spot for enjoying martinis and other cocktails alongside its menu from the grill.

Revolution: A centrally located venue that is a popular cocktail bar early on, known for its diverse menu and vodka shots, before turning into a late-night party spot.

The Locker Cafe & Bar: A cozy, independent spot, often praised for its friendly service and well-made classic cocktails, tucked away in the city center.

Cote Brasserie (Cambridge): While a restaurant, its location on Trinity Street and its sophisticated bar area make it a good option for classic cocktails in a chic setting.

Novi: A bar on Regent Street known for its commitment to natural ingredients and fresh produce in its cocktails, with a popular roof terrace.

The Granta: A riverside pub near the historic college area that offers a great beer garden and a selection of classic cocktails to enjoy by the River Cam.

The Copper Kettle: A traditional-looking spot in the heart of the historic city that serves up a decent range of classic cocktails.

Ballare (formerly Cindies): A central Cambridge nightclub, famously known for its student nights and playing a mix of commercial, chart, and electronic music across its different rooms.

Fez Club: Located centrally, this is a popular late-night club with a Moroccan theme and a vibrant atmosphere, often featuring different music genres throughout the week.

Lola Lo: A tiki-themed nightclub located on the edge of the city center, known for its vibrant décor, strong cocktails, and high-energy dance floor playing chart and R&B music.

Revolution: This venue on Downing Street, after its early evening as a cocktail bar, turns into a pumping club with commercial music, drawing a large crowd, particularly students.

MASH: A lively nightclub in the city centre known for its dual-venue setup, sharing a space with the Fez Club to offer a premium dance floor experience with live music and DJ sets.

Cambridge Junction: Located near the train station, this arts centre hosts various live music events and popular club nights, focusing on indie, alternative, and electronic genres.

The Cambridge Union: While a historic debating society, it hosts various large-scale social events and occasional club nights that are popular with the student population.

The Portland Arms: A famous independent pub and live music venue on Chesterton Road, known for championing local and touring bands, which often turns into a lively late-night spot.

Hidden Rooms: After its sophisticated cocktail hours, this venue often features DJs and a lively crowd, functioning as a music-focused late-night bar/club, especially on weekends.

The Regal (Wetherspoon): A large pub/bar in the city centre that, due to its size and late opening hours, often serves as a busy pre-club destination.

The Lab Cambridge: This sophisticated cocktail bar can also turn up the tempo, especially on weekends, allowing patrons to “dance the night away” in its plush surroundings.

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