Boasting elegant medieval architecture, a slow-moving river and intellectual renown, Cambridge has long been an incubator for some of the world’s greatest minds.
Regency House, Cambridge (Photo: Booking.com)
The city has done a stellar job at preserving its historical gravitas. Centuries old buildings stand as they did when first erected, students still bike through town with half a library in their bag and big ideas are dissected, tossed about and redefined in olde-worlde watering holes. Yet, Cambridge is no museum. Its ancient atmosphere is offset by splashes of cutting-edge architecture, boutique restos and a vibrant night-life. Here, we’ve selected the best guesthouses and B&Bs in Cambridge taking into account quality, location and facilities.
Regency House
Overlooking the green stretch of Parkers Piece, Regency House is a centrally located, five-storey Victorian townhouse. Standout features include high ceilings, sash windows and (in most rooms) wonderful views of Parker’s Piece. Its sixteen rooms and apartments have a clean, simple and ultra-modern design aesthetic, and two have balconies. This stylish boutique guesthouse is within short walking distance of Cambridge’s famous university, as well as museums and galleries, and shops and restaurants. Cambridge’s historical market-place and Corn Exchange are just 10 minutes’ away. Rooms from £55.
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Crown & Punchbowl
The Crown & Punchbowl, Cambridge (Photo: Booking.com)
Located in the quaint and picturesque village of Horningsea, the Crown & Punchbowl is a 17th-century pub, restaurant and guesthouse. Just 4.8km outside Cambridge, there is a regular bus service that will have you in Cambridge in under ten minutes. Rooms at the guesthouse are sleek, modern and fresh, and come with double beds and en-suite bathrooms. The pub and restaurant sections of the building maintain a cosy rustic feel throughout, with stone-and-brick design, beamed ceilings and real fires. Rooms from £73.
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Autumn House
Set on a quiet residential street, Autumn House is a friendly and welcoming guesthouse just 1.3km from Cambridge city centre. This clean and modern guesthouse offers warmth and comfort, coupled with a personal and professional service tailored to guests needs. Rooms are tastefully modern, and possess beautifully tiled bathrooms with spacious shower facilities. Breakfast is a solid English fry-up available each morning. Conveniently situated to explore the Cambridge college and university buildings, shops, pubs and clubs, and everything else Cambridge has to offer. Rooms from £55.
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Worth House
Worth House, Cambridge (Photo: Booking.com)
For those who enjoy bucolic riverside strolls, Worth House is perfectly situated to do just that. Set in a Victorian villa near the River Cam, it’s just a ten-minute walk downriver into Cambridge town centre. Individual bedrooms at Worth Guest House are tastefully designed and each have a large private bathroom. Surrounded by traditional English pubs, and fine restaurants (world-renowned two-star Michelin restaurant “Midsummer House” is just around the corner), the food and drink options are quite something. Full English breakfast or light continental and vegetarian breakfasts are available in the stylish dining room. Rooms from £110.
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Leverton House
Just minutes from Cambridgeshire’s scenic countryside, Leverton Guest House is a welcoming place for those who enjoy peace and tranquillity. Rooms have a fresh, occasionally rustic feel, and are each gifted with private bathrooms. Home-cooked breakfasts are served daily in the bright and airy dining room, featuring fresh local produce. Light continental options are provided, including omelettes, scrambled eggs, salmon and freshly cooked pancakes. 2.4km from the main Cambridge University Colleges, the Cambridge Park & Ride is also close by. Rooms from £98.
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