Cambridge

Cambridge, the wonderful University town is now famous by its new nomenclature of Silicon Fen for its hi-tech hub and science parks. Cambridge is a beautiful romantic city of interesting paradoxes of the old and new; ordinary and extraordinary that baffles and mystifies you at the same time. Nestled along the banks of the River Cam, Cambridge is one of the most unforgettable places on planet earth with the rich silhouette of the University buildings enhancing its ambience. Cambridge is one of the few cities that you can readily recognize by its name even though you have never been there. It has inspired and shaped the lives of many a celebrity from Darwin to Newton to the more recent Eric Idle and Stephen Hawking, thereby carving its name in the hall of fame of cities.

Cambridge has a rich past that is well showcased in its stately homes and monuments. The best known icon of this city is undeniably its namesake university apart from the impressive chimney of Addenbrooke's Hospital and St John's College Chapel tower that dot its skyline. The University of Cambridge is made up of thirty-one colleges mostly founded by Kings, Queens and noblemen in the typical British architectural style. You can stroll along its spacious courts, imposing chapels and libraries, though access is denied during the exam time.

The staggering student population imparts a vibrant hue to this aristocratic town. There are many cathedrals such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - one of only four round churches in , and the University church of Great St. Mary's that traces its roots to 1608, which offers stunning views of the city and the fabled Cambridge University. The nature enthusiasts should not miss out the Anglesey Abbey Gardens & Lode Mill; housed in a stunning 16th century house amidst enchanting landscapes and gardens. Burghley House & Park, an epitome of the Elizabethan architecture nestled in parkland is ideal to laze around.

Cambridge is a shopper’s paradise that offers you the best possible shopping options from high end designer shops to quaint shops to the weekly market in the city center- Cambridge offers countless possibilities. The Grafton shopping centre is only a stone’s throw away, where you can buy anything under the sun! Cambridge wakes up with sun set as the evening hours bring to life an entirely different façade of this booming city. The candle lit traditional pubs and bistros transcend the milieu into an ethereal plane. Cambridge has many theatres and clubs where live music and concerts hit the stage regularly. It is also home to many cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants that dish out an impressive array of menu besides the native cuisine.

Some of the attractions in Cambridge include The Fitzwilliam Museum that displays an impressive collection of Egyptian and Roman antiquities and art exhibitions. The Wipple Museum of the History of Science, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology among others are some of the other essential stopovers. The 16th century Cambridge and County Folk Museum, takes you through an interesting sojourn through its impressive history of the past 300 years.

There are many rowing spots along the River Cam for water sport buffs. The sheer multitude of choices would make this charming laid back city your favored holiday spot forever!