Roses are red, Cambridge is blue… Here’s a round-up of cosy corners and picturesque places to canoodle this Valentine’s Day
Cambridge, with its honey-hued architecture, historic charm and idyllic riverside setting, is one of Britain’s most romantic cities. Whether you’re planning a first date, booking a twilight dinner for two or seeking the perfect spot for summer strolls and leisurely picnics, our city provides a captivating backdrop for love to blossom.
For an unforgettable first date, few places can match the charm of Cambridge’s cobbled streets and pretty riverbanks. Begin your day with a coffee at Hot Numbers, a cosy cafe with artisan brews, to provide the perfect icebreaker. Then wander towards the Backs – the stretch of land behind the iconic colleges – from which you can admire sweeping views of spires, bridges and lawns. Hire a punt from Scudamore’s or one of the many other riverside stations for a quintessentially Cambridge experience. A shared punt along the River Cam, gliding beneath the famed Mathematical Bridge and under the arches of the Bridge of Sighs, offers a leisurely, yet romantic way to enjoy each other’s company. For a light-hearted twist, try punting yourselves – a little wobble or splash could create plenty of laughs. Expect to pay around £80 to £140 depending on the time and day of the week.
The city also excels when it comes to leisurely walks hand in hand. Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece are both ideal for sunset strolls, while the riverside path dotted with willow trees between Grantchester and the city centre offers a sense of escape. In summer, pack a picnic and settle on Grantchester Meadows, where Rupert Brooke once found inspiration, or visit The Orchard Tea Garden for cream teas served with dappled sunlight. Lovers can recline in deckchairs under the apple trees and watch clouds drift lazily overhead.
Our romantic top ten
1 Punt on the River Cam
A quintessential Cambridge experience, punting along the River Cam is a serene and romantic activity. Glide beneath the beautiful Bridge of Sighs, past King’s College Chapel and along the Backs, with views of the college gardens. “February is a lovely time to go punting, as the river is much quieter than during the summer months,” says Caroline Godfrey at Let’s Go Punting. “You can curl up under a blanket with your loved one and a hot chocolate or glass of fizz, and glide along the river in the evening, with the sun sitting low in the sky.”
2 Stroll in the Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat, where you can pause on a bench and listen to birdsong, just as though you were in the middle of the countryside. Take in views of the lily pond, the bamboo grove, majestic redwoods and fountains, or wander through the magical, cosy glasshouses. “There’s an adults-only evening orchid event in the glasshouses on 19 February,” says Katy Lawrence at the Botanic Garden. “We also have some lovely flowers that we make sure to highlight around Valentine’s Day – passionflowers and bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos) among them. I’d also recommend a stroll through the Scented Garden, where you can wallow in the heady cocktail of fragrance that fills the air.”
3 Take tea at The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester
Located in the picturesque village of Grantchester, this historic tea garden is perfect for a romantic escape. Afternoon tea is served from Thursday to Sunday, all year round, and in spring you can enjoy this under the shimmering confetti of apple blossom in flower. In the summer, relax in deckchairs under the apple trees while sipping tea and scoffing scones. Follow it up with a stroll through the scenic Grantchester Meadows and along the river for added charm.
4 Picnic on the riverbank
Jesus Green and Midsummer Common offer expansive green spaces perfect for a romantic picnic or leisurely stroll. Look out for grazing cows on the common – quirky, charming and easy to Instagram! Mill Pond is another lovely spot to relax and watch punts go by. Nearby, The Anchor pub is an attractive riverside spot for a romantic drink or meal, where you can sit outside with views of the water.
5 Settle into a bookshop
If books are your thing, you’ll be thrilled to find plenty of intimate booksellers tucked away in Cambridge side streets – the Haunted Bookshop, Bodies in the Bookshop and antiquarian books at G David Bookseller on St Edward’s Passage. Waterstones even has its own coffee shop, which is handy. They’re the perfect place to exchange meaningful glances with a like-minded bookworm and proven to cultivate enduring new love.
6 Cambridge at night
After sunset, as dusk settles, stroll through the cobbled streets and along the river to see the city bathed in warm, golden light. The reflections on the water and quiet of the evening make this an especially romantic experience when the weather is fine. Finish with a cosy pint in one of the city’s amazing pubs or cocktail bars.
7 Explore the market stalls
The cobbled streets of Cambridge are a fabulous treasure trove of exciting places to pick up bargains, explore artisanal foods and handmade curios, grab street food and buy a bunch of flowers for your partner.
8 Share sweet nothings
Cambridge has some amazing little chocolate shops and ice cream parlours where you can enjoy sweet treats with a close friend. Try the creamy gelato at Jack’s, Aromi or Benets cafe on King’s Parade in summer, or sample a hot chocolate slathered in whipped cream at Café au Chocolat on Green Street.
9 Book concert tickets
Forget the chocolates – music provides more nourishment for love! The city is blessed with music venues of all varieties, from West Road Concert Hall where the Cambridge Philharmonic play, to Cambridge Junction and Cambridge Corn Exchange, where you can see a mix of both new bands and big names.
10 Pop into a cosy cafe
Our favourite coffee shops in the city include not just the big chains, but the independent names too – Hot Numbers, Stir, Benets, Espresso Library, Cafe Foy and Fitzbillies among them. “Over the years, we’ve had lots of wedding proposals in Fitzbillies,” says owner Alison Wright. “We’ll often then make the wedding cake, and sometimes the christening cakes too! It’s an honour to be part of these special moments in people’s lives.”
