If you’re looking for a day out, I can’t recommend the city of Cambridge enough, and there’s an area that’s well worth exploring that all the locals know about, yet tourists often miss
For years, I’ve spent countless weekends in Cambridge, but there’s something tourists always miss.
The city is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to visit in the UK, with its scene of punts on the River Cam, the majestic King’s College Chapel and the historic Mathematical Bridge, along with a popular outdoor market and the sprawling Parker’s Piece in its bustling university city. Yet there’s always been some rivalry between Cambridge and Oxford.
Tourists often have a favourite destination, while the two prestigious universities of each historic city battle it out every year in the notorious Boat Race. But their rivalry is hardly surprising when they share such similar characteristics, with magnificent medieval architecture and scenic riverside locations, set against their rich histories.
But for me, Cambridge will always be my favourite, and one of my preferred pastimes is spending a day in the city. There’s certainly plenty to do in the city, with tourists often flocking to book a punt boat, climbing the stairs at Great St Mary’s Church for panoramic city vistas, exploring the Fitzwilliam Museum or booking tickets for the Botanic Gardens.
For me, I’ll spend my days away from the tourist attractions. I’ll walk along the River Cam, passing houseboats and rowers, grab a flat white at Bould Brothers Coffee, wander around the shops, pick up lunch from Cambridge Market Square and play tennis at Jesus Green.
It’s certainly worth exploring the city beyond its popular activities and a little farther from the main drag. So, for anyone planning a visit, there’s one area I highly recommend exploring, and it often gets missed by tourists, yet locals all know about it.
Around a 20-minute walk from the city centre of Cambridge is Mill Road, an area packed with independent cafes, restaurants, bakeries and shops. It’s a bustling area with a strong community spirit where you can taste flavours from around the world and experience its lively energy down a street that’s a far cry from the historic lanes elsewhere in Cambridge.
I’ve often wandered away from the city centre to spend time along Mill Road, ditching the tourist crowds for a local and friendly atmosphere. After all, there’s plenty to love about this area.
Mill Mediterranean Coffee Spot is a great place to start; it’s a welcoming cafe serving a wide range of Greek pastries, crepes, and Mediterranean dishes, with a charming outdoor courtyard. Also top of my list is Steak & Honour, which offers the tastiest burgers I’ve ever had in its funky setting, with colourful posters decorating the walls.
Mill Road really is a foodie haven, with Mexican restaurant Mr Taco, North African dishes at Al Casbah, and the Afghan, Noshe Restaurant and Coffee House. With so much choice, it certainly warrants more than one visit.
One local hailed Mill Road as “Cambridge’s most characterful street” on TripAdvisor, while another shared: “One of my favourite streets in Cambridge, you must take time to explore fantastic cafes and bars, interesting shops, and really good food.” A third said The Brook Indian Gastro Pub was “the best place to try weekend brunch in Cambridge”.
So next time you’re in the city, look past the city centre and wander a little further afield, especially if you’re eager to experience Cambridge like a local. But of course, still try out a punt tour if you can, after all, it’s somewhat of a tradition for anyone visiting the historic university city.
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