Although it is one of England’s driest cities, it is nonetheless subject to rain at all times of year, so it’s best to pack an umbrella. Due to its relatively low elevation, snow is less common than in other areas. July and August are typically the warmest months and January and February the coolest.
Cambridge is a very compact city and ideal for pedestrians and cyclists (should you wish to hire a bike), with most of its major sites within easy walking distance of each other.
Sightseeing buses are also available, and the city’s relatively cheap public bus service allows access to the far reaches of town should you wish to go there. Hiring a car is neither necessary nor particularly practical here, as much of the town centre is pedestrianised and parking may be difficult.
Local Airports
London Stansted Airport, (STN) is the city’s nearest airport, located around 23 miles (37 km) south of Cambridge in the neighbouring county of Essex.
London Luton Airport, (LTN) is also within easy reach, located around 31 miles (50 km) southwest of Cambridge in the neighbouring county of Bedfordshire.
What is good to know if travelling to Cambridge?- Go punting on the river for a true taste of Cambridge. These elongated boats are propelled through the water via a long pole pushed against the riverbed and may be hired or, if you think they sound a bit tricky, taken on a guided tour. This is an excellent way to see The Backs, which is an area comprising the rear grounds of many famous colleges.
- The Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge built in the 19th century that is part of the St John’s College campus, is named after its Venice counterpart and is an iconic attraction, said to have been Queen Victoria’s favourite part of the city.
- Market Square, in the city’s centre, hosts a daily open-air market offering all manner of goods and is a particularly excellent place to pick up much-sought second-hand books and music. It is said that there have been markets held here for at least the last 700 years.
- Cambridge Folk Festival (held in nearby Cherry Hinton) and Cambridge Film Festival (held in the city itself) both take place in July, and are very popular among residents as well as drawing visitors from far and wide.
- The Fitzwilliam Museum was founded almost 200 years ago as the university’s art and antiquities museum, and has departments focusing on antiquities; applied arts; coins and medals; manuscripts and printed books; and paintings, drawings and prints.