The picturesque city is just a short hop from London, but it’s worth staying for the night to experience the University Arms, a recently renovated luxury hotel, says Matthew Partridge
The historic city of Cambridge is just an hour from London by train and hence makes for a nice day out for harried Londoners. But it’s worth taking more time and at least staying a night, if only to experience the University Arms.
Originally set up as a coaching inn at the end of the Georgian period, it is perfectly located for a city break, between the train station and the colleges. It is now part of the Marriott Hotels’ chain, and was given a complete overhaul in 2018 by interior designer Martin Brudnizki in conjunction with the architect John Simpson, who is noted for his work on Buckingham Palace, the Royal College of Music and Peterhouse College, Cambridge. Simpson’s and Brudnizki’s makeover not only restored the elegant exterior, with its striking portecochère at the entrance, but also completely refreshed the interior, giving it the feel of a smart, but friendly gentlemen’s club.
The 192 rooms and suites are simply lovely. I stayed in the Stephen Hawking suite, which has far-reaching views over Parker’s Piece common – famously the place where the Cambridge Rules were first drawn up, which would go on to form the basis for the rules of modern football. Various spa treatments, including massage and aromatherapy, are also on offer at the hotel, and the hotel’s own Parker’s Tavern is a good choice for your evening meal.
A stroll round the colleges
No visit to Cambridge would be complete for the neophyte without a tour of one of the colleges. The guided walking tour of Trinity College is a good option. You’ll hear a lot in particular about one famous college alumnus – our own King Charles. The then-prince studied there between 1967 and 1970, and the tour has some interesting gossip about him and his bodyguard. The 75-minute tour also takes in the chapel, library, and Great Hal
