Cambridge, built upon a reputation of excellence, derived from its world famous university of the same name. First time visitors anticipate elegance, intellect and refinement and now, having visited, I can tell you these expectation are duly met.
Let’s start with the drive, it’s only a 2 hour drive from my home in London or a an hour on the train, so really accessible. Today, I decided to drive, it’s much easier getting around with Nelson and I find you can visit more places. Anyway, the drive was horrendous, rain, traffic and two instances of quit intense road rage. Let’s just say that by the time Nelson and I arrived into Cambridge I wasn’t too happy. Then, upon seeing only loading bay parking outside our hotel – Hotel Du Vin – I thought my couldn’t get any worse.
I pulled up outside and thought I’ll risk the parking ticket while at least get Nelson and our thousand bags out of the car (packing for Nelson is akin to packing for a small child). I’d barely gotten out of the car when, the door staff were there, expecting me by name and taking my bags through, fussing over Nelson (like the Lord that he is) and taking my keys to park my car securely – now that is service.
Adding to this, my room has to be one of my favourite hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. The bathroom was bigger than my entire flat with not one, but two rainforest showers and my all time favourite – a free-standing bath.
Hotel Du Vin Cambridge was an absolute dream to stay at from start to finish. Upon our departure the chef even gave Nelson a bone from the kitchen. Love this place.
When we ventured out into Cambridge the university grounds are everywhere you turn and they are absolutely astounding in their beauty. The architecture here left me standing, staring up like a village idiot while the resident students just walked on by as if it’s all just the norm.
Clare College and gardens was my all time favourite; everything about it was so grand and breath taking.
King’s College Chapel stands proudly next door to Clare College and it is absolutely mind-blowing, inside and out. Founded in 1446, King’s College Chapel has a dizzying vaulted ceiling, has more stained glass windows than you can shake a stick at and is home to the notorious King’s College Choir. (Nb. don’t shake sticks near windows, ever).
A great way to see most of the colleges, there are 31(!), is to take a punting cruise down the River Camb which runs through the heart of Cambridge.
Nelson and I took a romantic punt ourselves, complete with strawberries and champagne – you can view the video here – it’s a fantastic way to look around from a different, relaxing angle. The punters (is that the right term?!) clearly know their stuff, explaining all kinds of information about the grounds and history as you float along. Plus! It’s dog-friendly and you know I feel about dog-friendly activities – high-five! Alright!
Cambridge was an absolute delight from start to finish – I arrived dishevelled and came away feeling refined, relaxed and perhaps even more educated… ok we won’t go that far!