Old world charm: why I love living in Cambridge

Cambridge seems to light up in the sunshine. Seems cliché, I know, but few cities in the UK possess that old charm. Here are some of the things I most love about living here.

I live on the edge of a field that is home to a herd of cows when Spring comes, and they are such a part of my consciousness when I’m biking to uni that I get a little sad when I can’t see them.

Last year they actually broke into my neighbour’s garden one night – her back gate was already broken and they were curious. We found her garden the next morning with most of the grass gone and a pile of dung as a thank you.

The parks are beautiful in springtime as well. Parker’s Piece becomes flanked with a line of wavy green trees and the hotel on the edge of the park is like a church with minty green spires. I love to walk through the park and then head down St Andrew’s street to the River Cam.

There’s a bridge with a really nice pub sat on the water’s edge, so when you sit on the terrace you are only an arm’s width from the water and the punters. There are even more cows wandering around: according to the punters, the most photographed cows in the world! They also share the story of when Stephen Hawking had a run in with one- there wasn’t enough room on the bridge for the both of them and there was a stare off before the professor admitted defeat.

There’s more... north of the city centre is Jesus Green. I can spend an afternoon sitting on the water’s edge and watch the swans drift past. One came right up by my feet and started craning its neck onto the riverbank looking for things to nibble. My boyfriend was with me and warned the swan not to be a fool, but he didn’t know they are capable of breaking your arm. There is also an open air swimming pool (time your visit carefully as it gets crazy busy).

The city itself is just a nice place to be. The only way to get to know it properly is to go out and wander. You can sit on the walls outside King’s and Trinity colleges with sandwiches – the blossom trees have bloomed by this point and are sending thousands of petals down onto the countless 'Keep off the grass' signs. I personally like to find a restaurant or café and sit outside with a book, whiling away the day.

In all honesty, Cambridge is too big and too grand to be constrained into one little piece of writing. You want to experience Cambridge? Then come.

I've only covered springtime in this blog. Don’t get me started on summer…