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Down Your Street – King’s Parade

Buzzing with tourists, King’s Parade is one of the city’s grandest thoroughfares with spectacular views of King’s College. Louise Cummings takes in the sights

Dominated by the magnificent chapel, King’s Parade is the bustling heart of the city. Named for its proximity to Cambridge’s most famous college, founded by King Henry VI in 1441, it is home to an impressive array of independent shops. Savour decadent handmade fudge, invest in a one-off piece of art, find exquisite Nepalese jewellery or quaff a glass of chilled champagne. Cheers!

Campkins Cameras

Serving photographers, beginners (and those buying their first camera) for more than 70 years, Campkins Cameras boasts unrivalled expertise. A family-led independent, it offers ‘conversations with passionate photographers who understand your creative vision, backed by generations of hands-on experience and knowledge’. Camera repairs, sensor cleaning and high- quality printing also available.

Visit campkinscameras.com

Byard Art

Step inside this contemporary gallery to find innovative pieces, including jewellery, crafts, ceramics and two-dimensional art. Meet the friendly and welcoming team, led by owner Ros Cleevely, who has been at the helm for 25-plus years. Pop in between February 12 and March 15 to see a captivating contemporary ceramics exhibition.

Visit byardart.co.uk

Fudge Kitchen

Welcome to the Theatre of Handmade Fudge where you can marvel as a tantalising bouquet of flavours are conjured up before your very eyes (often with free samples)! With all-natural varieties including dark chocolate and sea salt, honeycomb and coconut ice, Fudge Kitchen has been ‘making life sweeter’ with its small-batch artisan fudge for more than 40 years.

Visit fudgekitchen.co.uk

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Take a seat at this flagship wine shop, set in a handsome Georgian building, and allow staff to recommend a fine wine, obscure liqueur or specialist spirit from its vast collection, sourced from independent, family-run wineries and distilleries. Since launching in 1990, CWM has become internationally renowned, boasting three Cambridge shops with wine bars, franchises and partner businesses.

Visit cambridgewine.com

Nomads

A small family-run gift shop, bursting with colour, character and charm, Nomads has specialised in beautiful, handpicked items from India and Nepal since 1979. Discover unique pieces, from shimmering silver jewellery to singing bowls, Tibetan boxes to Afghan rugs. Explore two floors full of delightful gifts, textiles and home furnishings from the sub-continent.

Visit nomadscambridge.com

The Copper Kettle

Whether you are in the mood for traditional fare or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, you’ll find them at The Copper Kettle. Menu highlights include a Turkish breakfast, lamb moussaka, house special yoghurt kebab and Moroccan chickpea casserole. Established in the early 1900’s, this friendly cafe is something of a Cambridge institution and a centrepiece of college life for many.

Visit copperkettlecambridge.co.uk

The Cambridge Chop House

With its glass-fronted corner location, overlooking King’s College and the famous ‘grasshopper’ Corpus Chronophage Clock, this is a fascinating place to feast! It specialises in steaks and interesting cuts of meat, sourced in the UK, as well as fresh fish and vegetarian dishes. Book in for a hearty Sunday roast with all the trimmings and a glass of red from the Languedoc-Roussillon region!

Visit cambridgechophouse.co.uk

Campkins Cameras, The Copper Kettle, Cambridge Wine Merchants and The Cambridge Chop House on King's Parade

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Down Your Street – Fitzroy Street

Originally known as Blucher named after Augustus Henry Fitzroy, the 3rd Duke of Grafton. It evolved from a residential area to a major shopping street, which famously housed the Laurie & McConnal department store. Royalty descended on Fitzroy Street in 1984, when Queen Elizabeth II officially opened The Grafton centre, which is now being redeveloped…. View Article read more

Summer in the Square 2026

Every Thursday throughout July from 5pm-7.30pm Station Square will transform into a vibrant atmosphere with live music, entertainment and food trucks, designed to bring people together and celebrate the summer season. We have also brought our pop-parklet back for the summer where you can kick back and relax with picnic benches and giant outdoor games…. View Article read more

Wimbledon returns to the big screen at the station this summer!

Residents, office workers and visitors will be able to experience the prestigious tennis tournament on the big screen, provided by returning screen partner Sundown Cinema. Wimbledon is running from the 29th June – 12th July 2026. Coverage will start at 11am and will finish when the last match of the day ends. Viewers will also… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Trinity Street

Vying for the title of ‘prettiest winding cobblestones and historic buildings, Trinity Street is one of our favourite haunts! Named after Trinity College, it is home to a lovely assortment of stores, from the iconic Heffers Bookshop to indie boutiques, fine- dining restaurants to art galleries. Leading to King’s Parade, it is lined with striking… View Article read more

24 Hours Exploring Quintessential Cambridge

Your Cambridge adventure begins with check-in at the elegant University Arms, the city’s oldest hotel and a true leader in luxury hospitality. Effortlessly blending timeless British style with quintessential Cambridge character, it’s the perfect base for your stay. Kick-start your trip with a flavour-packed visit to Permit Room, tucked along the cobbled charm of Trinity… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Grand Arcade

Officially opening to the public an award-winning shopping centre featuring a wealth of premium stores set over three stunning sky-lit floors. It’s build was nothing short of historic as the 2.8-hectare site was the single largest redevelopment ever undertaken within the city centre (and Cambridge’s largest archaeological dig). Today, anchored by John Lewis & Partners… View Article read more

Down Your Street – The Lion Yard Shopping Centre

Vision Express From opening its first store in Gateshead over 30 years ago, Vision Express has expanded to 550 stores across the UK and Ireland. Customers are offered a personalised service through their eyecare journey, with a range of glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, eye care products and accessories available in-store. Visit visionexpress.com Hotel Chocolat One… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Bridge Street

Welcome to the quintessentially Cambridge Street where you can hop onto a punt for a river-bound tour, savour a glass of wine alfresco or devour a Fitzbillies Chelsea bun! Follow in the footsteps of Bill Gates, Rachel Weisz and the Dalai Lama by visiting the iconic 12th century Round Church or explore an array of… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Burleigh Street

Dotted with bikes, cafes, nail charity shops, Burleigh Street is the eclectic Cambridge thoroughfare where you can savour global flavours, bag a bargain, watch live bands and sink a snooker ball. Joining East Road with Fitzroy Street, it was home to Cambridge Co-operative Society for nearly 100 years. Today it sits astride The Grafton Centre… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Green Street

One of Cambridge’s most beloved thoroughfares, Green Street boasts an enticing array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Here, you can commission exquisite bespoke jewellery, feast on wild Cornish monkfish or sip expertly-crafted hot chocolate. Named after Dr Oliver Green, of Caius College, on whose estate it was laid out in 1614, it’s currently adorned… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Petty Cury

Its name is a tad unusual, but derives stalls’ (a cury) and the French for small, petit. Originally lined with bakeries, by the 15th century, Petty Cury housed most of the city’s inns, though these had vanished by the early 20th century when the area was redeveloped. In the 1970s its south side was demolished… View Article read more

Down Your Street – Sussex Street

A pretty pedestrianised thoroughfare, Sussex Street is rich in history and packed with character, from its neo-Georgian architecture to its quaint covered bridge linking both sides of the street. A shopper’s paradise, over the years it’s housed a German watchmaker, Paris House costumiers, a wool store, master bootmaker and even a bird fancier! Let’s visit… View Article read more

Let’s explore some new businesses in Cambridge!

First stop: I headed over to Bloom Mill Flowers on Trumpington Street, a delightful little shop just opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum. This beautiful boutique is brimming with stunning bouquets, lush plants, and thoughtful gifts. Venture towards the back and you’ll find an elegant selection of hand creams, fragrances, and home décor items. Whether you’re treating… View Article read more

Call for Cambridge Artists: Help Shape a New King Street Mural

Cambridge BID is commissioning a new mural for King Street – a street known for its mix of independents, eateries and hidden gems. Led by street art collective Graffwerk and with the permission of Sidney Sussex College to use their wall, this piece will form part of the Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, bringing a touch of colour and storytelling… View Article read more

Brand-new Sky Garden has arrived on Green Street for the summer

Cambridge BID are proud to present the brand-new vibrant Sky Garden installation on Green Street for this summer! Made up of 100s of hanging flowers, the Sky Garden adds a pop of fun and colour to one of our beloved shopping streets in Cambridge city centre. Becky Burrell (Director of Operations & Development at Cambridge… View Article read more

Grab your popcorn – Cambridge BID’s beloved alfresco cinema is back this summer!

Now in its fourth year, this popular series transforms the usually quiet evening square into a lively hub of family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of free film screenings throughout June, July, August & September, with films starting every evening starting at 6pm. Whether you’re bringing the kids, a date, or just… View Article read more

Cambridge – Flying the Purple Flag

The Purple Flag working group work on a number of initiatives across the nighttime economy, including the following which are designed to keep us all safe on a night out: Taxi Marshals – Providing professionally trained licensed Taxi Marshals on key dates throughout the year helps to ensure people get home swiftly and safely after… View Article read more

Be Our Guest

University Arms University Arms is a landmark hotel located in the historic heart of Cambridge, overlooking Parker’s Piece. Since opening in 1834, the University Arms hotel has played an important role in the history of the city. In 1848, in the shadows of the hotel the defining rules of football were invented by locals playing… View Article read more

Bon Appetit

Street Vendors Whether you arrive by bus, train, car, or bicycle there’s a strong chance you will see a street food vendor within the first few minutes of your arrival. There is so much choice from this fun, affordable food option. There are Tacos, falafel, burgers, hotdogs, crepes, ice cream, traditional Indian food and much… View Article read more

Bags of Style…

Cambridge is spoilt for choice when it comes to unique gifts which can be found in one of the many independent boutiques that you will find spread throughout the city. Head to the historic centre to find those special gifts for your loved ones. Stroll down Rose Crescent and Trinity Street, Magdalene Street, Bridge Street… View Article read more

48 Hours in Cambridge

Friday Afternoon Upon arrival, why not stop at one of the local cafes and treat yourself to a cuppa (or something stronger!) while you wait for your hotel to be ready. If you arrive by train, you can jump in a cab or hop on a bus if you don’t fancy the 10-minute stroll into… View Article read more

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