Things To Do In Cambridge | Luxurious Stay At The Tamburlaine Hotel

Having never visited Cambridge before, I was really looking forward to checking out the city for the first time!  With a couple of days to play with, a stay at The Tamburlaine Hotel was on the cards - a hotel high on my travel wishlist, having seen it described as the most 'Instagrammable' hotel in the area - as well as plenty of architecture (and food!) to take in.  I had prepared myself for plenty of idyllic spots and cosy corners, but I hadn't anticipated the sense of sanctuary and luxury that comes with a cold-weather visit to the university city...

Gown - Bonsoir of London Silk Nightdress

T H E   T A M B U R L A I N E   H O T E L

Alright, I'm biased, but The Tamburlaine Hotel is almost definitely the most stylish accommodation in Cambridge!  Thanks to the rejuvenated station-approach area, wheeling your suitcase over uneven paving isn't something to worry about.  From the moment you're spotted approaching the hotel, doormen and porters dressed in traditional uniform go out of their way to help you - there's a definite sense of old school charm.  If you're looking for a luxurious base for your stay, consider this my recommendation.  A few of my favourite features include the brightly-lit marble bathrooms, themed rooms (more on that below) and ridiculously comfortable beds.

Case - Dulwich Designs Belgravia Jewellery Box

T H E   G A R D E N   R O O M

Recognise the nature-inspired interior design?  The Garden Room is described as having a 'genteel grandeur' and is covered with ornate Victorian wallpaper, silk velvet sofas and gold fittings.  If calm, fresh and minimal spaces tick all the right boxes for you, I'd imagine this would also quickly become a fave place of yours.  Anyone for afternoon tea?  One of my favourite features of any hotel, is when a continuous and yet somehow changing theme runs throughout.  In this case, it's a consistent old school glamour vibe, that moves through different design schemes.  My suggestion?  Take yourself up to the first floor and work through some emails from the comfort of the library - it's like sitting in a Ralph Lauren store.

Psst!  Take a closer look at The Garden Room via The Importance Of Discovering Your Aesthetic (speaking of which, loving the feedback - it's been so interesting reading your thoughts with regard to aesthetic!)

 T H E   R I V E R   C A M

Seeing The River Cam has to be at the top of your list when visiting Cambridge.  Thankfully, it's fairly impossible to miss as it's accessible from so many different routes via the city.  Punts can be seen gliding down the river, filled with smiling tourists and students. Considering how special the river is on a cold and rainy October afternoon, I can only imagine how lovely the experience must be on a summer's day!  Also, make sure you locate the Bridge of Sighs before leaving Cambridge - unlike someone who totally forgot.....

 T H E   F I T Z W I L L I A M   M U S E U M

If spending hours upon hours admiring architecture is your thing, it's a good job you're considering visiting Cambridge, because the city is filled with incredible design.  My advice?  Make your first exploration be The Fitzwilliam Museum.  Should you be venturing from the station (and/or The Tamburlaine Hotel), the museum is a fair trek away (uh, in heels).  However, your journey can be made all the sweeter by heading via the Botanical Gardens - the small entrance fee is more than worth it.

Psst!  Take a closer look at The Fitzwilliam Museum's structure via a recent Architectural Focus.   

C A M B R I D G E   U N I V E R S I T Y   B O T A N I C A L   G A R D E N S

Well, I very much doubt this feature will come as a surprise to you - pretty confident we've now established my love for glasshouses is bordering on obsession!  My visit to the gardens was a fleeting one, sadly.  Though I absolutely plan on returning next summer to enjoy the 40 acres at length.  In the meantime, keep an eye out on A Glass Of Ice later in the month for a closer look at this beautifully fresh space!

K I N G ' S   C O L L E G E   C H A P E L

I'll admit visiting the university colleges wasn't high on my list of things to do, although King's College Chapel was sitting comfortably at the very top.  We're very fortunate to have such overwhelming structures here in the UK, with this one being one of the most impressive. Vast fan vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and a history like no other.  A visit to the chapel is both inspiring and educational - not to be missed! 

Note: the above images of The River Cam were taken out the back of King's College Chapel.  So, if you're short on time, this could be a fabulous way of combining two of the city's main sites.

O T H E R   A T T R A C T I O N S 

It's pretty hard to limit Cambridge to just a few attractions, particularly when there are so many museums to explore - though it all depends on how much information you can absorb!  Thankfully, there are plenty of shops (high-street + boutique alike) and cute cafés down narrow lanes offering relief in the form of sweet treats and other snacks.  My favourite find was Benets Cafe, located opposite King's College Chapel and serving up the most delicious desserts, including Nutella and banana crêpes, mmm...

Benets Cafe

21 King's Parade

Cambridge

CB2 1SP

B E F O R E   Y O U   G O

You've got some time to kill before heading back to the station, you're content but tired and needing a boost to avoid falling asleep on someone's shoulder on the train.  Back to The Tamburlaine Hotel!  Their horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar offers a glamorous end to a stay in the form of refreshments and friendly conversation.  The bartender put together a Hepburn (though don't hold me to that, it may have been a Sophia? Audrey? Loren?), a fresh and beautifully-presented drink and continued to explain how the O'Callaghan Hotel Group had spent over £50 million on the new-build hotel.  One thing is for sure, you can absolutely tell.  Flawless experience, from beginning to end!

I absolutely adore putting together travel diaries and this one in particular was fun to create thanks to the mass of photo opportunities Cambridge offers!  Really looking forward to reading your thoughts on both the university city and The Tamburlaine Hotel.  Have you ever visited Cambridge before?  And if not, would you consider any of the places mentioned above?!

The Tamburlaine Hotel
27-29 Station Rd
Cambridge
CB1 2FB

With love,

Gabrielle x