Cambridge really is a beautiful city. Visitors flock to see its stunning architecture, its picturesque river and open spaces and its landmark attractions such as The Grantchester Tea Rooms, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, Botanic Garden and of course the University itself.
So, all incredibly lovely! However, if you are on a mission to discover the ‘real Cambridge’, it’s time to step off the beaten tourist track. From exploring the city centre’s charming, historical side streets and inviting passageways and heading further afield, you will discover a wonderful array of specialist shops, cafes and restaurants – all doing things their own, unique way and doing them very well indeed.
We all love going abroad and discovering something different, something new we can tell our friends about, and this is exactly what you can do by exploring Cambridge. By choosing to shop at independent stores, drink coffee in independent cafes and eat in independent restaurants, you are not only showing your individuality, but you are also enjoying a special experience. Even more importantly, by supporting local traders and producers you are making sure they can continue to flourish on our high streets. Let CambridgeLife show you around.
City Centre
To orientate yourself, head for the main market, near the Guildhall – from here you have a wealth of exploring opportunities and the market itself has a fascinating selection of stalls, from veg to vintage and everything in between. A recommended indie trail is to head to Bene’t Street (just round the corner from the Guildhall), through to King’s Parade to Trinity Street, making sure you visit Green Street and All Saints Passage which will lead you to Bridge Street, Magdalene Street, Sussex Street and on to Hobsons Street and King Street – all boasting an amazing array of independent businesses.
Mill Road
Just a short walk from either the city centre or the central train station will take you to Mill Road – an area renowned for its independent coffee houses and eateries. But there’s more to Mill Road than great food and drink! Amongst the roughly 170 businesses (most of them small traders) you’ll find everything from antiques, tattoos, vinyl records, fine wine, plants and flowers through to key-cutting, bike-fixing, hair-cutting and pretty much everything in between. You’ll also discover a real sense of community (Mill Road runs through the close-knit residential areas of Petersfield and Romsey) culminating in the annual Mill Road Winter Fair, held every year on the first Saturday in December.
Burwash Manor
Just over three miles from Cambridge city centre (a 20-minute bike ride), with a dedicated cycle path and loads of free parking, is the indie shopping haven of Burwash Manor. This group of beautifully converted farm buildings on the edge of the village of Barton, houses a wonderful selection of independent shops, a café, a wellness day retreat and wedding and events marquee. Shopping in this rural setting is a very relaxing and friendly affair. All of the carefully selected independent shops have something very different to offer. The first that’ll draw you in is the spectacular Food Hall which boasts Burwash Larder – a must-visit deli and farm shop. Moving on to explore the two courtyards, you’ll find stores offering designer clothing, furniture, haberdashery, jewellery, toys, gifts, homewares and paints, Persian rugs, art, a florist, and a wine merchant. When done with shopping, the on-site cafe is ready to refresh and refuel you.
This is just a taste to get you started – enjoy exploring the real Cambridge!