Famous for its university and colleges; chapels; cobbled courts; bridges and beautiful gardens, Cambridge attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. For those of us with a thirst for architecture and heritage, Cambridge provides the finest examples.
On arrival, I checked into the University Arms, a luxurious hotel, which was established in 1834 and is located on Regent Street. As I entered, I was warmly welcomed and my luggage was swiftly whisked away before being escorted to a spacious terrace suite with a balcony overlooking Parker’s Piece, a verdant park, which is a popular spot for picnics, cricket and football.
The air-conditioned suite with under-floor heating measures 27 sqm, and features contemporary and comfortable seating and a bright, airy bathroom with a free-standing tub. I took advantage of the generous selection of toiletries and climbed into the enormous bed, swathed in cool linens, and I soon succumbed to a deep slumber.
Up with the larks, I headed for the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Parker’s Tavern, which was abuzz with guests. I ordered the first-class eggs Florentine and a piping hot espresso, which were served with style.
With a spring in my step I made my way outside and my explorations began in Cambridge University Library, which is a copyright library with a vast collection of more than seven million books and periodicals and over a million maps.
One of the current main attractions (ends 22/02/’25) ‘Endless Stories: Manuscripts, knowledge and translation in the 17th century’ is absolutely riveting. A collection of unique items reflect a four hundred-year-old quest for knowledge through languages including Persian, Arabic, Hebrew and Malay. Divided into two parts, beginning in the Milstein Exhibition Centre and concluding along the North and South Galleries on the first floor, it is not to be missed.
I then made my way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the ‘round church’, which is right in the centre of the city and is architecturally stunning. One of only four round churches in England, this Norman masterpiece was built in 1130 and is based on the church of the resurrection consecrated in Jerusalem in 335, over the site where Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It is spectacular.
The Fitzwilliam Museum, on Trumpington Street, is a real treat for those of us seeking true art. Highlights in the permanent collection include masterpieces from the fourteenth century to the present day, pottery and glass, oriental art, manuscripts, sculpture and Egyptian antiquities.
There is a vast array of exhibits to feast the eyes upon and limited time meant that I had to be selective as to which rooms to visit, but a stroll around the ‘People’ collection includes the fabulous painting ‘The Betrayal of Christ’ by Bartolomeo Fabri of Cento, which is dated 1621. The masterpiece captures the moment after Judas betrayed Christ with a kiss. I was absolutely mesmerised and moved at the same time. Another treasure is the red granite coffin lid of Ramesses III, which weighs seven tonnes and was transported by the Italian adventurer Giovanni in the nineteenth century.
Pressed for time, I reluctantly tore myself away and once outside my appetite surfaced and I spotted the Little Rose, a gastro-pub opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum. The property dates back five hundred years and has retained many of its original features including exposed beams.
I sat opposite the open fire-place and ordered the pan-fried sea bass fillet accompanied by a glass of chilled house white followed by the delicious and diet-busting double chocolate and marmalade steamed pudding with a white chocolate custard. It was absolutely scrumptious!
Following a long-lie in and a rejuvenating shower I embarked on another packed itinerary and began with the highly popular Cambridge River Tour. The embarkation point is at the Quayside by Magdalene Bridge. Floating sedately by the most magnificent buildings, including the King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and the Wren Library at Trinity College, is the most wonderful way to spend an hour or two in the afternoon. I opted for the ‘chauffeur driven punting experience’ and it was splendid. My ‘chauffeur’ was very entertaining, providing his enthralled passengers with his insight on local history and even a few snippets of gossip.
It was still early in the day and I strolled along to Trinity Street for a spot of retail therapy. Heffers Bookshop, the largest in the city, has been trading since 1876 and it’s a treasure trove of reading material, stationery and games galore. Of course I was mesmerised by the travel section and spent quite some time leafing through an enormous array of subjects and parted with a substantial part of my budget.
Weighed down with my purchases I decided to visit the Eagle public house located on Bene’t Street, a short walk away. The property dates back to 1667 and boasts some very famous regulars including Cambridge scientists James Watson and Francis Crick who discovered the structure of DNA in 1953.
They announced their discovery in this very place, which has a warm atmosphere and is clearly very popular. I ordered the delicious hand-battered Atlantic cod with triple-cooked chips accompanied by a chilled glass of Chardonnay and it was just the ticket.
Back at the hotel I made my way to the bar and ordered an Irish coffee, my favourite night-time tipple. Reflecting on my time in Cambridge and my admiration for the 121 members of the University of Cambridge who have been recipients of the Nobel Prize since 1904 and I held up my glass in honour of those remarkable people and to this wonderful city.
Factbox
For more information on the featured accommodation visit marriott.com, and to learn more about Cambridge’s many attractions go to visitcambridge.org.
