Blogs Cambridge Christmas Shopping

Down Your Street – The Lion Yard Shopping Centre

The Lion Yard Shopping Centre is a long-established retail hub in central Cambridge, marking over 50 years since its opening. Originally named after the nearby Lion Hotel, it was once known for its large red lion statue, a notable feature for many years. Today, the centre offers a mix of well-known high street brands and independent stores, making it a convenient shopping destination in the city centre. It is connected to other retail areas and attracts a wide range of visitors.

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 of our favourite haunts, Hotel Chocolat is renowned for its exquisite selection of luxurious boxed chocolates and cacao-infused alcohol gifts. The Lion Yard branch has a lovely café with seating so you can nurse a flat white while perusing the advent calendars, Christmas stocking fillers and stunning chocolate wreaths. Visit hotelchocolat.com

Thomas Sabo

The home of innovative, trend-led jewellery, Thomas Sabo features elegantly handcrafted and expressive designs for him and her. Made from 925 sterling silver, each piece is created with precision, craftsmanship and extraordinary attention to detail. Hero collections include the iconic Charm Club, THOMAS SABO Jewellery and Watches Collection and the bold, unisex Rebel at Heart range. Visit thomassabo.com

Flying Tiger

Bold and adventurous, sustainable and diversity-positive, this Danish brand believes in ‘living life to the full’ and its vibrant product line reflects this. Meander through the store’s winding aisles to find modern, seasonal products and contemporary, colourful everyday essentials, from arts and crafts to stationery, quirky Christmas baubles to gingerbread houses. Visit flyingtiger.com

Typo

Encouraging customers to do good and express their individuality, Typo boasts the merch to help ‘vibe check your entire life’, from homeware to tech gear, gifts to craft supplies, desk essentials to boredom busters. Pop in to discover unexpected products and experiences that bring joy to everyday life. Visit cottonon.com/UK/typo-home/

Smiggle

Did you know that a ‘Smiggle’ is where a smile meets a giggle? Certainly, this colourful store, which specialises in backpacks, drink bottles, keyrings and fun gifts, is the source of plenty of beaming grins! The ultimate destination for school, birthday and leisure essentials, it’s a firm favourite with children everywhere. Visit smiggle.co.uk

New Look

Looking for a glitzy sequinned LBD for the office Christmas party or maybe some cute candy stripe pyjamas to snuggle in post-Boxing Day buffet? You’ll find plenty of options at this feel-good fashion store which specialises in on-trend, affordable clothing. Set over two floors, it sells women’s and children’s attire, alongside accessories, lingerie and footwear. Visit newlook.com

Ann Summers

Opening its first store in London’s Marble Arch in 1972, Ann Summers embarked on a mission to put women’s needs first and ‘empower customers in the bedroom’. It has since grown to become a multi-channel retailer, with the Cambridge store offering playful lingerie and nightwear, costumes, novelty accessories, adult toys, games and gifts. Visit annsummers.com

Ernest Jones

Amongst the UK’s leading diamond and watch specialists, Ernest Jones stocks a breathtaking collection of exquisite diamonds, including engagement and eternity rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. There’s also fashion jewellery such as cocktail rings and vintage-style pieces alongside the exclusive Leo Diamond, with its unique, patented precision cut, which produces a superior brilliance and sparkle. Visit ernestjones.co.uk

Ellis Brigham

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or hiking the Three Peaks, Ellis Brigham can kit you out for your next adventure. Though the business dates back to 1933 (beginning as a small shop making and selling boots), the Cambridge store opened in 2015, offering a comprehensive range of quality brands for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, running and skiing for men, women and kids. Visit ellis-brigham.com

Holland & Barrett

Welcome to one of the world’s leading health and wellness retailers supplying customers with a wealth of vitamins, minerals, health supplements, specialist foods and ethical natural beauty products. With more than 145 years of experience in the industry, Holland & Barrett is spreading its optimum health message far and wide. Visit hollandandbarrett.com

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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 – 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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