Cambridge is a vibrant city that fuses together history and modern day life. It is a living city that is still continuing to influence history today. If you go to Cambridge you will be inspired by its historical buildings and surprised by the bustling cafe culture and nightlife. It is a city of contrast.

You can imagine medieval monks writing illuminated texts by the light of a flickering candle. Draughty corridors and high vaulted ceilings depicting stories from the Old Testament where echoes of Gregorian chants can still be heard. Cambridge is steeped in scholastic history dating back to the thirteenth century. Today, the unspoiled beauty offers a refreshing change from traffic chocked cities. The gentle whirr of bicycles passing by or the splashes of oars on the river depict a slice of historic England. Many famous names have passed through these colleges from Oliver Cromwell and Isaac Newton to Prince Charles and Stephen Hawking. The course of history was laid down in this most inspirational of places - a must-see in anybody's books.

A walk into history...

Kings College

Established by Henry V1 boasts fine examples of fan vaulted ceilings and Renaissance windows showing pictures of the New Testament. The highlight being awe inspiring painting by Rubens - Adoration of the Magi.

Queens College

So called because it was founded by two Queens; that of HenryV1 and Edward1V. Look out for the 'Mathematical Bridge'. This bridge was originally constructed entirely without nails using geometric principles. The story goes that it was deconstructed by an inquisitive person during the Victorian period who was unable to reconstruct it without the use of bolts.

Trinity College

Sir Christopher Wren built the magnificent library housed within the college. This is home to a collection of many rare books including Isaac Newton's first edition of Principia Mathematica and an eighth

Century copy of the Epistles of St Paul. The majestic fountain dates to 1602.

St Mary's church

Climb to the top of this tower to experience fantastic views of the colleges and market. This is the official university church of St Mary the Great. The chimes mirror those of Big Ben composed in 1793.

The Round Church

Dating from 1130 this is one example of only four round churches found in Britain. Churches were traditionally built in a cruciform and some believe that round churches were the work of the 'Templars'. As the church's name suggests 'The Church of the Holy Sepulchre' was probably modelled on the church in Palestine.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

This is the largest museum in Cambridge and is owned by the university. It houses a spectacular range of Roman, Greek and Egyptian antiquities as well as collections of paintings and objects of art covering key periods in history.

Cambridge and Country Folk Museum

This museum will appeal to all ages and interests showing how family life has developed over the last six hundred years.

The Scott Polar Institute

Founded to commemorate the explorer Captain Scott the institute houses relics of the South Pole Expedition through to today's modern exploration and research.

The River Cam

Walk along the tow paths or go for a ride in a punt. The river is intrinsically linked with life in Cambridge now and in the past. 'The Backs' passes behind the colleges and proves popular for rowing and canoeing.

Step Back To Today...

Bars, Cafes and Nightlife

Cambridge has some of the best bars and pubs to unwind kick back and leave the day behind. There are cosy historic pubs, chic bars and sultry clubs. Try the Anchor for a traditional setting and views over the river. If you're looking entertainment The Boat Race offers live music everyday of the week. If you're looking for a few cocktails and a dance head down to the very chic HaHa and Coco nightclub. For something a little bit more up tempo try Po Na Na a trendy basement bar that plays club, salsa and house music. If you are looking for something a little bit more quirky you can hire out the Riverboat Georgina for parties and functions. You'll be sailing down the historic river Cam with drink in hand taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Shopping

Cambridge boasts some of the best shopping in the UK. High street shops stand alongside designer shops, independent boutiques and second hand shops. But what makes shopping special in Cambridge has to be the markets. The market place has been here for centuries. From Monday to Saturday the stall holders sell fresh produce, cut flowers, second-hand books, clothing, soap and souvenirs.

...Be Inspired

If you are at all interested in history then you will not be disappointed in the awe inspiring city of Cambridge. Walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest thinkers of the modern world.