Cambridge — Neighborhood Guide
The area along the River Cam — from Magdalene Bridge through the Backs to Grantchester Meadows — is the most quintessentially Cantabrigian landscape, offering punting, riverside pubs, and the famous college gardens.
Quick Answer
The area along the River Cam — from Magdalene Bridge through the Backs to Grantchester Meadows — is the most quintessentially Cantabrigian landscape, offering punting, riverside pubs, and the famous college gardens.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $, $$, $$$, $$$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Staying in The River puts you at the heart of what makes Cambridge special. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of local character and visitor-friendly amenities. Our hotel picks range from intimate boutiques to polished luxury properties, each chosen for its ability to connect you with the authentic The River experience.
Insider Tips
The best dining in The River is usually one street back from the main tourist thoroughfare.
Ask your hotel concierge for their personal favourite spots in The River — they often know hidden gems.
Walking is the best way to experience The River — most attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Hills Road
A charming Victorian townhouse hotel on Hills Road offering comfortable rooms with genuine B&B warmth at notably competitive prices. A 15-minute walk or short bus ride from the city centre — excellent value for Cambridge.
City Centre
A well-positioned independent hotel directly opposite Parker's Piece park, recently renovated to deliver contemporary rooms with good amenities and a rooftop bar with city views. Excellent value for its central location.
Huntingdon Road
A handsome Victorian mansion set in two acres of grounds to the northwest of the city, Hotel Felix delivers a country house experience within easy cycling distance of the university. The Graffiti restaurant with its chef's theatre kitchen is outstanding.
City Centre
Fully reinvented by designer John Simpson in 2018, the University Arms is now Cambridge's finest hotel — a stately Victorian facade opening onto modern rooms of real quality, all overlooking Parker's Piece or the city. The Parker's Tavern restaurant has earned considerable acclaim.
City Centre
A characterful conversion of a former coaching inn on the edge of the central market, The Crown offers well-appointed rooms in a building with genuine Cambridge history. Steps from King's College and the Market Square.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions
Hotels near the river offer the most atmospheric Cambridge experience — wake up to punts on the Cam and walk directly onto the Backs. Limited options but those that exist are exceptional.
Punting from Scudamore's, the meadow walk to Grantchester village (immortalised by Rupert Brooke), riverside pub gardens, and the views of King's and Clare College from the bridges.
The most convenient option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also available and often more economical.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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