Holiday rentals and lettings in Cambridgeshire

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Cambridgeshire?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Cambridgeshire: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Cambridgeshire: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Cambridgeshire?

• Choice of accommodation: From characterful cottages to city apartments and countryside cabins, Cambridgeshire suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In the university city of Cambridge, the cathedral cities of Ely and Peterborough, or out among the wide, flat Fens.
• What guests love: Historic colleges, punting on the River Cam, magnificent cathedrals and gentle fenland countryside.
• Best time to visit: Summer for punting and gardens, spring and autumn for the city and cathedrals, and quiet, atmospheric winters.
• Things to do: Explore Cambridge's colleges, punt on the Cam, marvel at Ely Cathedral, visit Duxford and roam Wicken Fen.

Cambridgeshire's holiday lettings span the whole county, from characterful cottages in Cambridgeshire in fenland villages to stylish apartments in the heart of Cambridge and peaceful log cabins in Cambridgeshire in the countryside. Many enjoy period charm or open fenland views, with space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a city bolthole near the colleges or a rural base among the Fens, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• Period features and characterful interiors
• A garden or balcony for warm evenings
• Parking or a central spot near the shops
• Glamping in Cambridgeshire for a relaxed countryside escape

Wherever you base yourself, a college, a cathedral or open countryside is rarely far away. Fancy exploring further afield? You can also compare cottages in Norfolk and cottages in the Cotswolds.

What are the best areas to stay in Cambridgeshire?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: Cambridge is best for culture and history, while the Fens suit peace and countryside. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Cambridgeshire through Holidu often highlight the beauty of Cambridge's colleges, the joy of punting on the River Cam and the grandeur of Ely Cathedral. Many mention the wide, flat Fens, the wildlife at Wicken Fen and the wealth of museums and history, and return for the rare mix of city culture, cathedrals and gentle countryside all close together.

Set in the East of England, Cambridgeshire is a county of city culture, cathedrals and gentle fenland countryside. Its jewel is the historic university city of Cambridge, home to King's College Chapel, the tranquil Backs, punting on the River Cam and the treasures of the Fitzwilliam Museum. Beyond the city rise the magnificent Ely Cathedral, the "Ship of the Fens", and the cathedral city of Peterborough, while the wide, flat Fens and Wicken Fen nature reserve, the Imperial War Museum Duxford and the National Trust's Wimpole Estate complete the picture. Rich and varied, it makes a delightful base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Cambridgeshire?

Most visitors arrive by car or by train from London and across the East of England. Here are the most common ways to get to the county:

• By car: Cambridgeshire is reached via the M11, A14 and A1, within easy reach of London, Norfolk and the Midlands. A car is handy for exploring the Fens, villages and countryside, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Cambridge, Ely and Peterborough all have their own stations with fast services to London and connections across the region. The stations are within easy reach of the city centres, making it a relaxed, car-free way to arrive and explore on foot.

🥗Where to eat in Cambridgeshire?

According to Google Maps reviews, Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge is one of the best rated restaurants in Cambridgeshire. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte rates Hobbson's Restaurant Cambridge: a stylish spot for English cuisine on Trinity Street in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxed meal after a wander among the colleges.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather for punting and gardens, while spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the city and cathedrals. Winter is atmospheric and quiet, with cosy pubs and misty fens.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Punting, gardens and the colleges
• Weather: Warm and often sunny
• Atmosphere: Lively along the river and in the city

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Walking, wildlife and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Cosy pubs, cathedrals and atmospheric walks
• Weather: Cool and crisp, sometimes misty
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Cambridgeshire hosts recommend an early morning stroll along the Backs before the day-trippers arrive, then a punt on the River Cam past the colleges. Ask your host about the best time to visit Ely Cathedral and their favourite hidden fenland pub.

1. Explore the Cambridge colleges
2. Go punting on the River Cam
3. Marvel at Ely Cathedral
4. Visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford
5. Roam Wicken Fen and the Fens

1. Explore the Cambridge colleges

   The heart of the county is the historic city of Cambridge, home to its world-famous university and a magnificent array of colleges. Chief among them is King's College Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling. Wander the ancient courts, admire the Fitzwilliam Museum's treasures and stroll the tranquil Backs beside the river. Steeped in centuries of learning, it is one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities in all of England.

2. Go punting on the River Cam

   No visit to Cambridge is complete without punting on the River Cam, gliding gently past the colleges and beneath the elegant bridges of the Backs. Take the pole yourself or sit back and let a chauffeur do the work while you soak up the views of King's, Clare and Trinity. Relaxing and utterly quintessential, it is the finest way to see the city's grandest buildings from a wonderfully different angle.

3. Marvel at Ely Cathedral

   Rising majestically above the Fens, Ely Cathedral is one of England's great medieval buildings, affectionately known as the "Ship of the Fens". Marvel at its unique octagonal lantern tower, wander the vast nave and climb for sweeping views across the flat fenland countryside. Awe-inspiring and serene, this ancient cathedral has watched over the little city of Ely for nearly a thousand years and rewards every visitor with unforgettable beauty.

4. Visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford

   A short drive from Cambridge, the Imperial War Museum Duxford is one of Europe's finest aviation museums, set on a historic wartime airfield. Explore vast hangars filled with iconic aircraft, from Spitfires to Concorde, and time a visit for one of the spectacular summer air shows. Fascinating for all ages, it brings a century of flight vividly to life and is a must for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.

5. Roam Wicken Fen and the Fens

   Beyond the cities lie the wide, flat Fens, a landscape of big skies, waterways and rich wildlife. At the National Trust's Wicken Fen nature reserve, one of Britain's oldest, follow boardwalk trails through reedbeds and watch for birds, dragonflies and grazing konik ponies. Wild, peaceful and ever-changing, it is a paradise for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers seeking a gentle escape into open countryside.