Cambridge, a city reachable in 50 minutes by train from King's Cross, is actively encouraging Londoners to extend their visits from day trips to long weekends. Mayor Maria Cleminson told reporters that locals receive visitors from the capital with 'enthusiasm,' describing the city as having 'everything to compete with London but in an easy, accessible way.'
The 2021 census records Cambridge's population at approximately 150,000. The city's average property price stands at £571,169, which is £93,793 cheaper than London's average of £664,962, according to the same data.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Cambridge's famous university, established after scholars left Oxford following a dispute, received papal recognition from Pope John XXII in 1318. The university library holds a copy of every book ever published in the UK. Notable alumni include Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, Professor Stephen Hawking, Sacha Baron Cohen, Emma Thompson, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who studied at Fitzwilliam College. Rock stars Syd Barrett and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd grew up and attended school in the city.
Visitors can ascend the 123 steps of St Mary's Church's west tower for a 360-degree view, costing £7.50. The church, originally medieval, was reconstructed in Gothic style after a fire in 1290. Its bells play the 'Cambridge Quarters,' a tune later adopted by Big Ben. The city also features numerous bridges, including the Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, ideal for romantic strolls along the River Cam.
Activities and Family Attractions
Punting on the River Cam offers a classic Cambridge experience. The city's market operates daily from 10am to 4pm, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, selling street food, art, plants, clothes, jewellery, books, and music. For families, the Dinky Doors Tour provides a self-guided hunt for miniature doors using smartphones, costing £8.50 per device.
Mayor Cleminson, who has lived in Cambridge for 14 years and took office in May, highlighted the city's museums. She mentioned the Museum of Cambridge, which documents daily life over centuries, and the Museum of Technology, housed in the old pumping station, covering local industrial history. She also pointed to The Leper Chapel, a 12th-century building near Stourbridge Common, once the site of Europe's largest medieval fair, now surrounded by cows and trees, offering 'natural beauty and biodiversity.'
Local Perspectives and Community
Cllr Rosy Moore, originally from Brixton and a Cambridge resident for 22 years, described the city as 'beautiful' and encouraged visitors to 'stroll around, visit the market, and walk along the river.' She noted that some may be 'surprised' to 'find cows grazing pretty close to the city centre,' referring to the 'docile and charming' animals that are a notable feature. Mayor Cleminson recalled her Russian sister-in-law's shock, saying, 'I thought England was supposed to be a modern country and yet there cows everywhere.'
Mayor Cleminson recommended Mill Road as the 'Cambridge equivalent of Brick Lane,' with restaurants from around the world. She emphasized the city's walkability and bike-friendliness, and mentioned the Society of Cambridge tour guides, all accredited blue badge and green badge guides. Cllr Moore added that the city has an 'interesting, cross-section' of people with a 'very good sense of community,' making it a 'nice, easy, friendly place to live.' She concluded, 'We're very welcoming of Londoners.'
