Cambridge in U.K. tourist spotlight

Old university town will be getting lots of visitors
now that it's linked to Kate and Will.

When the Queen bestowed the title of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on her grandson Prince William and his new bride Kate Middleton, she unwittingly – or maybe wittingly – cast the tourist spotlight directly on the university town with the ancient history.

Cambridge is one of the loveliest towns in Great Britain and is sure to become a destination of choice for many tourists wanting to see all things relating to Will and Kate.

So, knowing this, Ted Flett, the congenial Public Relations/Communications Manager for VisitBritain – the U.K.’s fine tourist organization – thoughtfully forwarded me the best attractions Cambridge has to offer tourists. And they are:

- The famed university itself, the second oldest in the English-speaking world, where most guided tours of the city start. A two hour city tour costs about $20 CDN and covers all the major sites. For information, go to: www.visitcambridge.org/TicketServer/DailyTours

- Magnificent King’s College Chapel, which is seen by millions every Christmas who watch the Carols from King’s service. Visits to the chapel usually include a performance by the choir at Evensong. www.kings.cam.ac.uk

- Punting in a square-ended wooden boat on the River Cam – or let a professional do the work and you enjoy the ride.

- The Fitzwilliam Museum, home to a world-class collection of art work that spans centuries and cultures. Highlights of this museum include treasures from the 14th century and antiquities dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

- Kettles Yard, an art gallery displaying modern art in a unique homey setting. www.kettlesyard.co.uk

- Cambridge Botanic Garden, which features over 8,000 plants displayed in 40 of the most pristine acres this side of Eden. The garden is located right in the heart of the city.

- Take a walk along the Cam to the nearby village of Grantchester and the Orchard Tea Rooms, frequented by poet Rupert Brooke and others.
www.orchard-grantchester.com

- Duxford Air Museum, part of the Imperial War Museum, which is located a short distance from the city centre. www.iwm.org.uk

- Note: Cambridge holds a number of festivals annually, one of the most famous being the Cambridge Folk Festival in late July. www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk/

- The Scott Polar Research Institute, an amazing place where secrets of the polar explorer are on display.

- The Eagle, a traditional English pub dating back to the 16th century with many historical features, including its RAF bar with its world famous ceiling. It even has a resident ghost.

For more information on the city now ruled by the newly crowned Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, go to www.visitcambridge.org