58 Reasons Living In Cambridge Ruins You For Life
Stunning buildings, beautiful views, and delicious pub grub. You can't do much better.
1. Because the scenery is absolutely gorgeous.
Every inch of Cambridge is breathtakingly beautiful.
2. Because everyone cycles everywhere.
Which means the city centre is almost car-free.
3. Because this is what it looks like at night.
4. Because its outdoor market sells everything you could ever want...
Sweets? Check. Fresh orange juice? Check. Gorgeous pashminas? Check.
5. ...and you can't beat the cake stall's gooey chocolate brownie.
6. Because its university is one of the best in the world...
According to the QS University Rankings 2014/15, Cambridge is the second best university in the world. THE WHOLE WORLD.
7. ...with libraries that are stupidly pretty.
That's the Jerwood, Trinity Hall's library.
8. Because even its kebab shops are charming.
The Gardenia, on Rose Crescent, is a Cambridge institution. And if you smile sweetly, its owner, Vas, will put your picture on the wall.
9. Because if you head up Castle Hill, you'll get to Kettle's Yard...
It hosts regular lunchtime concerts and houses a gorgeous collection of 20th century art.
10. ...and if you ask, the staff will give you a key to St Peter's Church.
Which is one of the most peaceful spots in Cambridge.
11. Because Girton College is at the top of the hill.
You'll be able to spot rare black squirrels, wander through the orchard, and relax by the pond.
12. Because its pubs are exceptionally cosy...
And they all have interesting stories to tell. The Eagle on Bene't Street is allegedly where Francis Crick announced that he and James Watson had discovered the structure of DNA.
13. ...and the pub grub is second to none.
14. Because King's College Chapel is widely considered one of England's best examples of Gothic architecture.
It took over half a century to build.
15. Because an afternoon stroll through Granchester Meadows is the finest thing...
16. ...especially if you top it off with a spot of afternoon tea.
17. Because there is literally nothing more delicious than a Chelsea bun from Fitzbillies.
Even Stephen Fry agrees.
18. Because some of the pubs back on to the River Cam.
A burger at Anchor? Don't mind if I do.
19. Because punting is the best way to spend your time.
20. Because all bridges should look like this.
This one belongs to Clare College.
21. Or this.
That's the Bridge of Sighs at St John's College.
22. Because this haunted second-hand book shop is beyond charming.
Tucked away down St Edward's Passage, it's simply delightful.
23. Because this is what it looks like when you go for an evening run.
Sunset on the backs is just glorious.
24. Because a baked potato from Tatties will actually change your life.
And cure your hangover.
25. Because this is where you take a book into the garden to read.
That's one of Trinity Hall's gardens.
26. Because the city's steeped in history.
Three Nobel prizewinners here and seven members of the Order of Merit are buried in the Ascension Parish Burial Ground.
27. Because its museums are incredible.
The Fitzwilliam, the university's art and antiquities museum, is on Trumpington Street.
28. Because you'll never go thirsty.
Cambridge Wine Merchants have three branches in the city and are very reasonably priced.
29. Because what is a summer without a trip to the Fens?
30. Because basically everywhere you turn, it looks like a postcard.
31. Because its music venues are fantastic.
The Junction hosts regular music, comedy, and dance events. And there's the Corn Exchange too.
32. Because this is what it looks like if you climb to the roof of King's College.
33. Because you're surrounded by university colleges that look like this.
34. And this.
35. Because you'll always know the time.
The Corpus Clock outside the Taylor library doesn't have hands or numbers. Instead, flashing blue lights around its circumference show the time.
36. Because bridge-hopping will make your heart race.
Climbing one of Cambridge's bridges from your punt and jumping back into it from the other side is outrageously fun.
37. Because there are hidden gems behind every door.
This is one of Trinity College's courts.
38. Because its libraries never fail to take your breath away.
That's Trinity College's Wren library.
39. Because Trockel, Ulmann & Freunde regularly saves your life.
Their winter soups are unbeatable.
40. Because you'll struggle to beat Cocum's dosas.
41. Because the Round Church is astonishingly pretty.
And being located between Round Church Street and Bridge Street makes it the perfect place to meet friends.
42. Because this is what it looks like when it's misty.
43. Because you'll easily while away hours at Heffers.
The iconic bookshop has been there for 130 years.
44. Because even its high streets are insanely beautiful.
That's Rose Crescent, and wandering down it will instantly lift your mood.
45. Because you're never more than five minutes from the river.
46. And you're only a half-hour drive from the stunning Ely Cathedral.
47. Because you haven't known luxury until you've had a chocolate shot from Chocolat Chocolat.
The boutique chocolate shop is on St Andrew's Street.
48. Because you'll never stop learning.
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology on Downing Street is world-famous.
49. Because it's full of sweet museums.
Visiting the Cambridge & County Folk Museum basically feels like visiting your eccentric aunt.
50. Because you'll never run out of plays to see.
You've got the ADC, the Corn Exchange, and the Cambridge Arts Theatre. What more could you want?
51. Because you'd feel weird if you couldn't pop to the Botanic Gardens whenever you fancied.
It covers 40 acres of land, and you won't find a nicer place to take a picnic.
52. Because once a year, university college boat teams compete by trying to bump into each other.
The Cam isn't wide enough to allow for side-by-side racing, so Bumps were invented in the 19th century.
53. Because the Copper Kettle on King's Parade will cure even the most beastly of hangovers.
Which is necessary after you've spent an evening at the Maypole.
54. Because its arts cinema is exquisite.
The Picturehouse on St Andrew's Street shows live screenings of National Theatre plays as well as recent releases.
55. Because this happens every summer.
The Secret Garden Party takes place just outside Cambridge in Huntingdon every year and is just lovely.
56. Because nothing will cheer you up like a cup of tea at Harriets.
57. Because if you go through here...
58. ...you get here.
That's the deer park behind Peterhouse College.
It would be silly to leave, really? Wouldn't it?
