ith a storied history dating back to the Bronze Age, Cambridge is a
fascinating city, regardless of the era you choose to hone in on. There was
a major settlement here in Roman times, but it was under Viking rule
that Cambridge became a major trading post. Fascinating as its ancient
history is, the city is of course best known as a seat of learning and for
the iconic buildings that delineate its skyline. Despite a rich educational
history stretching back centuries, it was not until 1951 that Cambridge attained city status.
By then its reputation, not just in England but internationally as the home of scientific
discovery and enlightenment, was already well-established.
Visit Cambridge today and as you approach the city limits you’ll be greeted by a needlepoint
skyline that’s dominated by the distinctive spires of the Our Lady and the English Martyrs
Church, the chimney of Addenbrooke’s Hospital and St John’s College Chapel tower. The
University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, remains one of the top five universities in the
world, but the city is also at the heart of the high-technology Silicon Fen with industries such
as software and bioscience plus many start-up companies spun out of the university.
Among Cambridge’s many claims to fame is being the site of the first ever game of football.
In more recent times, the city has attracted visitors to see the Strawberry Fair music and arts
festival and the Midsummer Fairs held on Midsummer Common. There’s also the convivial
Cambridge Beer Festival, hosted annually on Jesus Green. There’s more to Cambridge than
picture postcard buildings and boozy festivals of course – much more. You can go punting
on the River Cam, enjoy a picnic in the park, join a walking tour of the
city or explore further afield from the seat of a bicycle following the
excellent network of cycle paths in and around the city.
As well as the free-to-enter University of Cambridge’s
Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses world-class
collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries
and civilisations, and Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s
finest galleries and a major centre for 20th century
and contemporary art, visitors will find a wide range
of artworks, sculpture trail walks and galleries to
appreciate everywhere they roam.
If you know where to look, Cambridge offers a
wealth of enticing options, from accommodation
to entertainment. Without that all-important local
knowledge, however, discovering this majestic
city’s best bars, freshest seafood restaurants, greatest
family attractions and chirpiest cafes comes down
to pot luck. The Entertainment Guide believes that no
holiday or business trip should be dependant upon sheer
serendipity. Your time is too valuable to be spent on run-
of-the-mill attractions and forgettable eateries. Thankfully,
there’s a better way.
INTRODUCTION
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