Car Hire Cambridge - Mini guide to Cambridge

Although Cambridge is more than 2000 years old it’s rise to prominence was accelerated by the establishment of a university 800 years ago by some disgruntled Oxford students. Typified by wide-open greens beside the idle river Cam, and marvelous gothic buildings, it is a popular tourist destination in the UK.

Romans, Saxons and Normans raised fortifications around the lowest fording point of the river Cam, but today the modest river is best known for punting. Several wonderful pubs line the river, with terraces best enjoyed on sunny summer days, while the ‘backs’ are grassy knowles that follow the river past some of its most historic college buildings. King’s College Chapel is perhaps the most impressive, but there are several other stately courtyards and college grounds open to the public. Some 30 colleges make up Cambridge University the oldest, Peterhouse dating back to 1284. Other famous colleges include: Christ’s College, Corpus Christie, Girton, Jesus and Magdalene. Between them they boast alumni that include Sir Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, Charles Darwin and Oliver Cromwell (to name a few).

Other attractions include: the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Corn Exchange, University Botanical Gardens, and several museums and galleries. Being a student town, it also has a lively atmosphere in the evening and some wonderful pubs.

The major suburbs in Cambridge are: Barnwell and Chesterton.