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Being famous for the most legendary university in the World, Cambridge is one of the most famous cities in England. The city has a very popular getaway-spot for Brits and tourists along with greenery galore and beautiful old buildings as far as the eye can see. It has the reputation of being the slightly quieter destination in addition to charm and beautiful scenery with hidden gems of architecture.
Brief History of the city
Danes conquered Eastern England Cambridge was founded. They built a fortified town called burgh from which the word borough was derived. Later, in the tenth century, the city was captured by Saxons. Not long after, returning Danes set fire to its thatched roof buildings, burning it to the ground. However, a period of rebuilding soon saw the city flourish. The church St. Benet was built in 1025, being the oldest in the town. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the city grew to a population of about 2,000 – a medium-sized town by the time’s standards.
Reasons to love the Cambridge City
Many tourists visit the city and fall in love with its culture, cuisine, architecture, etc. Let’s explore the reasons to love the city.
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- Language: Traditionally the city has a kind of standard English accent which has changed over the years, however, this is the best location if you are willing to learn quintessential British English. It is a blend of estuary English, East Anglian English and Queen’s English and you will notice the change in the language once you pass the borders of the city.
- Culture: Every city is culturally unique and nurtures its distinctiveness throughout the years. Along with remarkable buildings and greenery, the city represents an awe-inspiring piece of British Tradition. Being home to one of the most famous Universities in the world, once you enter into the city, you won’t leave from here without a sizeable dose of good old Blighty culture
- Museums: The museums in the city speak about its legacy and the history. There are collections of historic artefacts spanning from over two million years. Moreover, if you want to get a little dose of scientific knowledge you can visit the Whipple museum. Fitzwilliam Museum is known for historic art, here you can get mingled with the city’s enriching history.
- Cycling: The city is also known as the cycling city, as people prefer cycles over any other transportation. Mostly, students comprise the major part of the population, the city’s architecture is bicycle friendly and as a result you won’t see any traffic congestion here. This would be so rare in any metro city, isn’t it?
I bet you don’t know these things about this city:
A plethora of amazing and weird facts from the city add to its charm and character due to which you are absolutely wondering about its presence in the country.
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- Till 2024, as per the recent records, 89 Nobel Prize winners are from Cambridge (Oxford has only 58) of which 23 are in Physics, pretty intelligent!!
- It is the birthplace of football, the game for which many of you stay up all night and cheer for your favourite team. Back in 1863, “The Cambridge Rules” influenced the Football Association’s original rules due to which these new rules were added: no carrying the ball, no “hacking” (kicking the shins) and no loitering between “the ball and the adversaries’ goal”
- Students in the University aren’t allowed to keep dogs and hence the poet Lord Byron once kept a bear in his room instead!
- In very early days, the settlement was known as Grantabrycge, which meant bridge over the river Granta. A few years later, the name was changed to Cambridge, based on the rover Cam.
- Due to its reputation in the industry of technology and innovation, nowadays, the company is known as Silicon Fen. There are around 3000 science and tech businesses based in the city.
Things to do in the city:
Students all over from the world come here to learn and advance in their career. They can try these things in the city to get rid of homesickness and build some new connections that may last for long.
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- Once your routine is set in the hostel and you have attended classes in the University, it’s the time to grab a drink on the weekend. Say hello to the city’s best- loved bars. They are waiting for you to relax and release tension. With a great selection of food and drinks and a chilled-out atmosphere, this artsy bar is always a highlight on Saturdays.
- You can chill in the botanical garden that is tailor-made for outdoor types and packed with exotic plants in a greenhouse with vibrant flowers. This garden tour will make you educated about different types of flora and fauna.
- The city has got something for book lovers too. You can check out the University’s library where you will get to read many interesting books. The Wren Library is the must-visit one thanks to its original manuscript of Winnie the Pooh and Isaac Newton’s notebook, which just so happens to contain a lock of his hair!
- If not a book lover, for movie enthusiasts, you can visit Grantchester meadows that transform your alfredo summer entertainment for an outdoor cinema watching experience. These could be your getaway place in the evening to spend time with friends or with your date. Moreover, Grantchester meadows makes a prime location for a spot of stargazing after the credits have rolled too!
FAQs
1. What is Cambridge famous for?
The city is renowned for its prestigious University of Cambridge, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s also known for being a hub of innovation and technology, often referred to as “Silicon Fen.”
2. Can I visit the University of Cambridge?
Yes, many of the Universities are open to the public, though some may charge an entry fee. It’s best to check individual college websites for visitor information and opening times.
3. What events can I attend in Cambridge?
The city hosts various events throughout the year, including the Folk Festival, the Science Festival, and the Literary Festival. There are also numerous theatrical and musical performances at venues like the Corn Exchange and ADC Theatre.
4. What is the best time to visit?
Spring and summer are popular times to visit the city due to the pleasant weather and the abundance of events and outdoor activities. However, each season offers its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.
5. Where can I enjoy nature in the city?
For nature enthusiasts, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Parker’s Piece, Jesus Green, and Grantchester Meadows are excellent spots to enjoy green spaces and natural beauty.
