Marta Sokolowska’s move to Cambridge 19 years ago was a true love story! Since then, she has been immersing herself in everything the city has to offer
I’ve lived in Cambridge for almost 19 years! I’d never actually planned to change countries, but I followed a boy – a story as old as time. I moved out of the city centre four years ago, but I am in Cambridge almost every day, commuting in for my job at one of the university colleges and seeing friends.
I love Cambridge because there is truly something for everyone. We are spoilt for choice: in any given week I might be going to a discussion panel at one of the colleges on a Monday, seeing a drag show at Cambridge Junction on a Wednesday and completing an independent art gallery crawl on a Friday.
Cambridge is where world-leading science, history and heritage meet nature, so I love the city’s many green spaces, including the college gardens, nature reserves and commons. You can have a picnic right next to some friendly cows! When I worked in the Guildhall, I’d visit the colleges during my lunch break to stretch my legs and clear my head. When I really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, I take a walk along the Cam – via Coe Fen and Sheep’s Green – to Paradise, which is a local nature reserve in Newnham.
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend so many amazing events, it’s impossible to pinpoint a favourite. However, some highlights include seeing Six at the Arts Theatre Cambridge before it became a hit; attending a private view of Barbara Hepworth’s exhibition at the Heong Gallery (Downing College); and finally climbing some of the city’s landmarks, including the roof of King’s College Chapel, the chapel tower of St John’s College and the tower of the University Library.
When people ask me for local recommendations, I don’t know where to start. I adore Jack’s Gelato’s unusual flavours and I love a cosy pub for a ‘crafternoon’ with friends over food and drink. My current go-to is the Castle Inn – for me, their nachos with vegan chilli are the best in Cambridge, and in winter they do a spiced Pimm’s. I also recommend attending a choral service in a college chapel, like the Evensong at King’s – everyone is welcome.
One thing I’ve never done here,
but plan to, is to visit David Parr House, a preserved terraced house in Gwydir Street, just off Mill Road. Former resident David was a decorative artist who worked for leading Arts and Crafts and Gothic Revival architects and designers, and he spent 40 years hand-painting the interiors of his house. Recently restored, it now offers tours and workshops to the public.
Share your love story
If you’ve been a Cambridge resident for a year or more and would like to appear on this page as one of our next interviewees, drop the editor a line at [email protected]
Meet another one of Cambridge’s remarkable residents in our interview with Elnara Nazarova