Cambridge

Photo of a bike leaning against a brick wall in Cambridge. Photo of a bike leaning against a brick wall in Cambridge.

Home to one of the top five universities in the world, Cambridge is a world famous leafy green city one-hour north of London. While Cambridge is renowned as a scholarly destination, the city has a fascinating identity beyond books and punting on the River Cam. Wander around this ideal weekend destination taking in sights including The Backs, post-war structures, and the historic spires breaking through the canopy of city trees.

Snooze among the scholars

While students may be napping in morning lectures, you can instead get comfy at Hilton Cambridge City Centre, a 5 star rated venue on Euan’s Guide. One reviewer told us "there is a lift which is big enough for my manual wheelchair and four people".

For those looking for budget accommodation, YHA Cambridge is listed on Euan's Guide saying: "we have three en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor. One of these rooms is accessible with an accessible bathroom." 

Photo of the dining room at YHA Cambridge.

If you’d prefer something a little quieter, Fuller’s Hill Cottages are self-catering accommodation on a working farm that is just twenty minutes from the city. The cottages are listed on Euan’s Guide and are awaiting their first review!

Photo of a sitting room in Fullers Hill Cottages.

Explore the city's attractions

Enjoy some afternoon fresh air at Cambridge University Botanic Garden which has 40 acres of gardens and glasshouses housing plants from all over the world. One reviewer gave this attraction 4.5 stars and said, "with wide paths and good access throughout, it’s a lovely place for a day out all year round. It’s almost entirely wheelchair accessible including the excellent café".

Photo of Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

Head to Trumpington Street and explore the artists’ haven that is The Fitzwilliam Museum. The building has been called ‘one of the greatest glories of the University of Cambridge’, and is a 4 star rated venue on Euan’s Guide. One reviewer told us "there is level access at one of the entrances, and a lift to all floors. Wheelchairs and an induction loop are available for the use of visitors, and assistance dogs are welcome".

Food and drink in Cambridge

Cambridge is a comfortably flat city, but sightseeing is still tiring! Take a break and tuck into some good food. Michaelhouse Café has a 5 star review and one reviewer told us "it has been excellently adapted to provide full wheelchair access". Alternatively, Carluccio’s is an Italian restaurant which was described as "a great accessible place to eat in the city centre" by one reviewer who gave it 4.5 stars.

If you find yourself in search of a good coffee, Espresso Library on East Road has been described as "an accessible coffee shop in central Cambridge". The owners describe their shop as 'a fusion of a cycling cafe, art gallery, speciality coffee shop, restaurant and a bar'.

Enjoy a show

Photo of the Cambridge Corn Exchange.

Cambridge Arts Theatre has a 4.5 star review where "there is an infra-red hearing enhancement system, and regular BSL, captioned, audio-described and relaxed performances". The Cambridge Corn Exchange is also listed on Euan’s guide and is the city’s biggest venue for music, comedy and entertainment.

Put away the books

Whatever your reason for visiting Cambridge, be sure to let your hair down and experience the nightlife during your visit. Ballare is a nightclub that's great "if you like your mainstream pop, RnB, hip-hop and cheese". This venue has a 5 star review with one reviewer telling us that although the main entrance is up a large flight of stairs, "for wheelchair users, the entrance is via the side door to the bottom right of the stairs – there is then a lift to take you up to the club".

Photo of the Cambridge Junction.

Another popular music venue is Cambridge Junction which according to one reviewer "as venues go, its access is among the best I’ve come across" where "the flexible nature of the design means plenty of space for wheelchairs, as well as level-access seating".

Have you been to Cambridge?

If you’ve visited or lived in this city, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us your pictures and reviews of accessible places in Cambridge.

Last Updated - June 2017