How to spend 72 hours in Cambridge

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Cycle to Cambridge with Freddie Grub

Looking for an authentic Cambridge experience? Make like every local and university student by hopping on your bike to explore the city. Compendia’s steed of choice is a Freddie Grub 5-speed – which, we must say, looks the part, too.

Check-in and settle in at Turing Locke

Whether you opt for a Locke studio or suite, all our chic apartments have more space than your average hotel – with a king-size bed, comfy sofa, dining table and fully equipped kitchen as standard. Unpack and bed in.

Treat yourself to a coffee (and haircut) at Douce

These Airstream-inhabiting coiffeurs-cum-barristas have moved into a design award-winning bricks ‘n’ mortar spot at Turing Locke. Sip on the perfect flat white while perusing their concept store. Need a trim? They do that, too.

Pedal into the Cambridgeshire countryside

Cambridge is surrounded by pedal-perfect countryside. Cycle 3-4 miles from Turing Locke to the historic Grantchester Village or 4-5 miles to Coton Nature Reserve. Then bask in your virtuousness for the rest of the day.

Dinner at The Astronomer

For dinner, make the long trip (we kid) downstairs to our on-site restaurant and bar. Tuck into small plates or feast on hearty mains like Dedham Vale beef rossini or miso-glazed coal-roasted celeriac, washed down with craft beers and interesting wines.

Watch a movie in your apartment

Ever arrive on holiday to realise you’re utterly exhausted? This is your sign to relax and do as little as possible – at least for the first night. Snuggle up on the sofa and put on a film, then get a great night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s exploring.

Day 2: Cultural & City Immersion

Cycle to Stir for brunch

Just 15 minutes of pedal power gets you to this award-winning bakery and the nose-hugging smell of freshly baked artisan bread. Brunch can be anything from warm banana bread to Welsh rarebit, huevos rancheros to courgette and feta tartine. Yum.

Wander around Cambridge Botanical Gardens

Whether you’re green-fingered and searching for inspiration or just fancy some forest-bathing, this peaceful place will hit the spot. Meadre among the lush greenery and vibrant flowers, or tuck into a picnic or book in a hidden corner.

Discover an art haven at Kettle’s Yard

A must for modern and contemporary art fans. See the permanent collection in the house – once the home of Jim and Helen Ede, displaying their collection of twentieth-century art, furniture, textiles and ceramics – or visit a temporary exhibition.

Grab lunch at Bread & Meat

Does what it says on the tin – and very well, too. Drop by for honest, excellent food showcasing a love of fine roast meats, sourdough bread, poutine, craft ales and great coffee. (Don’t fret, veggies: there are options for you, too.)

Go indie-store shopping

Like menswear? Dogfish stocks the freshest street- and workwear-inspired brands alongside timeless classics. For womenswear, saunter 10 minutes to Fridge for preloved street styles influenced by Japanese, Korean and Italian design.

Get your caffeine fix at Bould Brothers

All that shopping zapped your energy? Make a beeline for this snug little joint started by brothers Max and Alex. Seating is limited but you might get lucky, or you can grab and go. (This one also appears on our ‘Autumn in the city’ and dog-friendly guides to Cambridge – have a read for more reccos.)

Slam slices at Oscar’s Pizza

Born in lockdown when Oscar started cooking pizzas for his neighbours, this three-joint restaurant is now a Cambridge institution. Great news, V-symbol seekers: every flavour is available vegan or vegetarian. Also, there’s merch.

Toast your trip at Dutch

One of the many delights of staying at Turing Locke is this resident cocktail bar, serving classic and re-imagined tipples in a high-design space with neighbourhood vibes. You can even order cocktails for collection – perfect for sipping on the sofa.

Day 3: Wellness & Adventure

Start the day right at The Brew Project

“Live fast, die caffeinated” – The Brew Project’s motto says it all. This lot know their speciality coffee, sourcing direct and supplying cafes, delis and restaurants across the city. The good news is, now they have their own digs at Turing Locke.

Relax with a sauna at Paus

Saunas are so hot right now (sorry). This oasis of calm in the Cambridgeshire countryside is inspired by the Scandinavian philosophy of balance, offering a beautiful space to leave the noise behind and bathe, eat, join a class, or just breathe.

Scoff brunch at Scott’s All Day

Inspired by the cosy dives in New York’s avenues, Scott’s is a home-from-home for locals with comforting dishes created by Scott Holden – formerly top dog at The Pig and Butcher, Smokehouse and Heirloom. It sounds promising because it is.

Feed your curiosity at The Fitzwilliam

Housing a world-renowned collection of over half a million beautiful works of art, masterpiece paintings and historical artefacts from antiquity to the present day, you can’t not be fascinated at The Fitzwilliam. Don’t miss the top-tier gift shop.

Float down the River Cam with The Traditional Punting Co.

It’s a little-known law that you can’t visit Cambridge without punting. Sort of. See the city from a different angle when you climb aboard a long, flat-bottomed boat while a master punter propels you down the river with a long pole. 

Choose your flavour at Jack’s Gelato

If you want to see dedication to frozen dessert, Jack’s is it. Open from 10am to 11pm (midnight on weekends) 364 days a year, this place has your back whenever you get a sudden craving. All we can say is, good luck choosing just one flavour. 

Savour a plant-led dinner at Vanderlyle

It’s your last night, so it’s time for a treat. Vanderlyle takes a different approach to fine dining, working directly with farmers, growers and producers to create plant-led, ingredient-centric dishes and matched drinks inspired by the seasons. Delicious.

Catch a show at Cambridge Corn Exchange

From Monty Don to The Darkness, Madama Butterfly to Menopause The Musical, we’re not exaggerating when we say there’s a show for everyone at this lively venue. What better way to end an epic weekend?

Where to stay in Cambridge

However you spend your Cambridge days, spend your nights at Turing Locke. Chill in your own apartment, or head downstairs for coffee, cocktails and co-working. Welcome to your calm but connected retreat, just a 10-minute bus or short cycle from the city centre.