The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Cambridge, England

When most people picture a B&B, it tends to be relatively small, but this is not always the case. Regency Guest House, which sits overlooking Parker’s Piece, has 16 rooms spread over five floors, and while that might make it sound more like a hotel, it still retains all the trappings of a great B&B. The beds have duck-down duvets, all the rooms come with flatscreen TVs, and the breakfast options are varied and interesting. The location is central enough to get you into the heart of the city in just 10 minutes.

A personal touch can make all the difference between a good or bad experience when staying somewhere overnight. Acorn Guest House is a family-owned establishment, and great care has been taken by proprietors Helen and Andrew to ensure that a personal feel is delivered. Acorn is situated on the banks of the River Cam, a 15-minute walk north of the city centre. The rooms, which are split across a main house and an annex, are decorated with traditional furnishings, and everything is geared towards a classical, wholesome vibe. Traditional cooked and continental breakfasts are both offered.

Located in Trumpington, Anstey Hall is the place for you if you want to bask in opulence. Everything in the hotel, from decor to food and service, is geared towards classical luxury, as befits a Grade I-listed building dating back to the 17th century. There’s even croquet on the lawn. The rooms offer a range of luxurious amenities including roll-top baths and four-poster beds. Afternoon tea and breakfast are both offered, and the establishment is a gateway to attractions across Cambridge, many of which can be booked with the hotel.

Another family-owned spot, Victoria Guest House is located near Milton – a bit further afield but offering some idyllic, rural surroundings without sacrificing ease of access to restaurants and other attractions. Each of the eight rooms has its own fireplace and coffee and tea making facilities, as well as flatscreen TVs. There’s a common dining area for breakfasts where guests can get to know each other and, thanks to the location, the house is very quiet and peaceful at night.

Thorn House isn’t in Cambridge proper; it sits around 15 minutes’ drive outside the city in the village of Fen Drayton. It offers two rooms, the Lodge and the Cottage, which are both self-contained dwellings, removed enough from the main house to offer absolute privacy, but close enough to ensure that door service can easily be arranged. The Lodge has an en-suite bathroom, and the Cottage has a wet room. Cooked and continental breakfasts are offered, and Fen Drayton offers a great local pub, the Three Tuns, as well as an RSPB-run nature reserve within walking distance of the hotel.

Riverside Inn is actually located in Ely, 30 minutes north of Cambridge. If you can manage the drive, this offers the best of both worlds, enabling you to explore two historic English settlements instead of just one. To sweeten the deal, the guesthouse sits right on the banks of the River Ouse, and is tantalisingly close to lots of countryside walking routes and cosy pubs. The house itself was built in 1888, with three rooms furnished with an eye for warmth and comfort. Guests will find a complimentary basket of fruit and snacks in their rooms, and breakfast can either be served in the lounge or in bed.

Mill Road is one of the best-known and most-loved streets in all of Cambridge, lined with cafés, restaurants and independent shops. Parkview Guesthouse sits at the end of it, a half-hour walk from the centre of the city, making it an ideal location if you fancy exploring on foot. It has five rooms with modern amenities and breakfasts delivered to the door on request. On the lower end of the scale price-wise, this is a great option if you’re planning on spending most of your time out and about, and simply want somewhere to drop anchor at the end of a long day.

If you’re coming to Cambridge via train, A&B Guest House is perfectly situated mere yards from the station. If that doesn’t sound particularly tranquil, don’t be alarmed, it’s removed enough from the bustling commute to be peaceful, and a 20-minute walk will land you in the centre of the city. All 10 rooms are en-suite, with charming decor and smart TVs. Cooked and continental breakfasts are both offered, and the owners are friendly and attentive to guests’ every need.