Cambridge is a vibrant city that embraces the old and the new. It combines the welcoming feel of a small town with the variety and energy of a larger city.
Getting around
In the city
Most University buildings are in or near the city centre. Students often travel around town on foot or by bicycle.
There are also local bus services you can use to navigate the city. The Universal ('U') bus, stops at various University sites. Check the University Map for details.
Travel to Cambridge
Cambridge is only 60 miles/95 kilometres from London. It is well connected to most of the UK from the main train station.
There are direct trains to Stansted and Gatwick airports. Heathrow airport is easily accessible (via London King’s Cross/London St Pancras).
Check the getting here page for more information.
Entertainment and comedy
Cambridge has a range of theatres, cinemas and entertainment venues. Their programmes include:
- comedy
- drama
- dance
- concerts
- club nights
There are many student comedy groups in the city. Take a virtual tour of the ADC theatre, one of the city's main student performance venues.
Cambridge also attracts some of the top acts in stand-up.
Live Music
Live music is a big part of life here, from buskers and pub gigs, to classical concerts and big name acts. The Corn Exchange (external website) and the Junction (external website) some of the city’s main music venues. You’ll also find a lot of musical events hosted in University theatres and College performance spaces.
The city usually hosts music festivals featuring a wide variety of acts and music styles. This includes folk, jazz, rock, ska, UK urban and dance.
The Folk Festival (external website) is one of the city’s most famous festivals. And if you’re interested in exploring classical music, the Cambridge Music Festival (external website) runs events throughout the year.
Pubs, clubs and restaurants
Cambridge has a great range of pubs, bars and cafés. We have traditional pubs with open fires and modern bars overlooking the river.
There’s a great selection of places to eat. Something for any mood, taste, occasion, and price range. There are lots of discounts and special deals for students at various restaurants and cafés.
The city has a mix of clubs offering a mix of music nights.
Cambridge is also a Purple Flag city. This means that there are initiatives in place to help promote night time safety. You can find out more about the safety initiatives on the Cambridge BID website.
Shopping
Cambridge houses most high street names alongside independent shops and boutiques.
The stalls in Market Square sell clothing, books and street food from around the world.
On the edge of the city centre, you'll find an eclectic mix of shops, cafés and restaurants on Mill Road. This is a great please to shop and eat, with something to suit most budgets.
Faith spaces
There are many faith spaces and places of worship across Cambridge. You can check the University’s Directory of Faith and Belief Communities for information about different faith spaces and communities throughout the city.
Most Colleges also have a faith space and there are multi-faith prayer rooms around the University.
Outside the city
Cambridge has direct rail connections to London, Brighton and Birmingham.
There are also local attractions in the surrounding area, including:
- Ely (historic city and Norman cathedral)
- Shepreth Wildlife Park (external website)
- nature reserves like Wicken Fen (National Trust website)
- heritage properties like Audley End (English Heritage website)
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped the city. Grantchester, a traditional English village, is just up the river. Many students walk there or punt along the river Cam.