Fancy a night away? Four words that are sure to bring a smile to my face. A few weeks ago that’s exactly what happened and an hour later we were on the train pulling out of London with countryside soon zipping past on our way to Cambridge. No plans, no expectations – I didn’t even know where we were staying – a spontaneous city break.
Sleep
Last minute hotel bookings can be a little bit like running the sleep gauntlet but The Gonville was a great find and somewhere I don’t doubt we will return to. A boutique hotel in the truest sense of the word, it’s independence is obvious – and rightly so – from the moment of check in.
The digital in-room concierge (via iPad) is a an example of how they’ve the attentive without being intrusive service point just right. We happened to make use of it during the night and were pleasantly surprised that a digital request made at midnight was followed up by a member of staff within minutes.
We stayed in a standard room with a bath which was perfect for a short stay – with all the amenities you’d expect.
Our room overlooked Parker’s Piece, a beautiful open space history – regarded as the birthplace of modern football – for the ‘Cambridge rules’ drawn up at Parker’s Piece were used as the basis for the newly formed Football Association’s rules in 1863.
A regret was running out of time to try the residents bar, which looked fantastic – apparently a must try for whisky lovers, however a long day had us heading straight up to our room when we returned after dinner.
Breakfast was reassuringly good – a served hot option in a addition to a light self-serve continental option. we both chose the eggs royale, our go to and weren’t disappointed.
Drink
The Lab is most definitely a high-glamour octave cocktail bar but it is by no means style over substance, the menu is seriously extensive. In the interests of being thorough I opted for a low caffeine option espresso martini something it’s really hard to find and was very welcome and then for my second choice I went for a Sex on the Bench fun to order, a real treat to be served and just as good to drink. A Great destination in the evening be it for a couple as we were or for a big group.
Oh and the funnest toilets for an obligatory mirror selfie…
Eat
Tasked with picking somewhere for dinner (it felt weird that this was the only decision required of me for the trip, can’t lie I could get used to it) I googled ‘best place for dinner in Cambridge’ and The Pint Shop came up almost top and for good reason. A great (take it from the boyfriend) selection of real ales on offer downstairs with a what can only be described as an absolute gem of a restaurant over the two floors above. The food has nothing to do with pints instead think sophisticated well married flavours centred round chargrilled offerings of eastern and middle eastern fusion food. We both had a kebab, the turmeric chicken and deep fried pork belly, both were incredible yet in true Rosie fashion I had plate envy when I saw the burger go past; such is The Pint Shop’s ability to elevate – without overworking – some of the most basic of dishes into the truly sublime flavour combinations. An absolute must if you visit Cambridge.
Explore
Cambridge is alive with history and culture; one one of those compact cities that you will leave with neck-ache from constantly looking up but you’ll be well rewarded.
Bicycle hire is the ‘thing’ but if like me you’re more suited to using your feet, you won’t be disadvantaged. The various colleges are closed to visitors in the daytime during the week, something to bear in mind when planning your trip – however the kerbside architecture is beautiful and consuming enough.
Cambridge city centre is compact, friendly and easy to navigate. There is so much to do but equally you can spend an entire trip doing absolutely nothing. We found it an easy walk from the station to our hotel, and into the city centre – but if it’s bit much or your bags are bit heavy there’s plenty of taxis as you come out of the station.
We ventured to Ely which is about 15 minutes by train from Cambridge and the perfect place for an afternoon exploring – full write up on our afternoon coming soon; highly recommend carving out a few hours for the off the beaten track cathedral city.
This trip to Cambridge was an adult one yet I can easily see myself returning in the summer with Boo; its ease of access from London, its accessibility by foot and general friendliness just makes it the perfect destination for families too.
Whilst a punt wasn’t on the cards for us (boaters raised to anyone who decides to punt themselves it looks absolutely exhausting!) although those braver than us were happy to take their chances on the cold March River Cam we instead opted for a few drinks by the river.
24 hours in Cambridge was enough, but not in equal measures – the sign of a great city break.
Sometimes last minute plans, relying on google and jumping on a train really are the perfect travel tonic.
