Oxford vs Cambridge: which university town is best?

The Varsity Boat Race fosters a strong sense of pride among locals, students and alumni as they gather in pubs and colleges to cheer on either the beloved Light Blues or the OUBC. On race day – which this year is 13 April – giant screens pop up in nearby parks, attracting tourists and locals alike. Both cities have long been hubs for budding rowers, with the next generation of athletes training on the picturesque River Cam or a stretch of the River Thames each day from dawn. But when it comes to a lovely long weekend spent exploring, which iconic university city is the right choice for you? Here we compare their architecture, sights and ambience.

Oxford

Who will love it?
A city littered with historic buildings and winding back lanes overlooked by mediaeval gargoyles, Oxford attracts history and architecture buffs, literary and bookshop lovers and fans of the Harry Potter films and Inspector Morse. And beyond its colleges, museums and galleries, there’s also a thriving city with a vibrant arts, music and restaurant scene.

What to see and do
Start at the domed Radcliffe Camera, Oxford’s most famous landmark, before exploring one of its 36 colleges. Christ Church or Magdalen are two of the most impressive, but their smaller, more intimate companions are perfect for a candlelit Evensong.

Follow up with a wander around the hallowed halls of the Ashmolean Museum, a cathedral of cultural treasures or roam in the half light of the enchanting Pitt Rivers Museum where Igbo masks, Polynesian nose flutes and Guyanese headdresses sit among a vast collection of amulets, charms, spears, tools and clothing from around the world.

If you’re looking for something more contemporary, Modern Art Oxford showcases an exciting range of big-name international artists, while the university’s Botanic Gardens are the oldest in the UK.

For the classic Oxford experience, pick up a picnic from the 18th-century Covered Market then take to the water by punt.

Bucket-list experience
Follow in the footsteps of world leaders, Nobel Prize winners and writers such as JRR Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney and Susan Sontag on a tour of the Bodleian Libraries. See the elaborately decorated 15th-century Divinity School, discover books chained to the shelves in Duke Humfrey’s Library, and get exclusive access to the Radcliffe Camera and the Gladstone Link, an underground library hidden beneath the cobbles of Radcliffe Square.

Unmissable eats and drinks
In the city centre, try the perennially popular and buzzy Quod for the atmosphere as much as its excellent pan-European menu. Wander into No.1 Ship Street for classics such as pork cheeks and stuffed quail or head to East Oxford’s lively streets for classy tapas at Arbequina or authentic Himalayan food at Taste Tibet.

Wash it all down with a pint at the Turf Tavern, a 14th-century boozer hidden down a narrow laneway by the city’s mediaeval wall, or the Bear Inn, a tiny scrap of a pub with huge heart, which has been serving ale since 1242.

On a summer’s day, take a stroll to Port Meadow to enjoy the gorgeous garden and classic dishes at The Perch.

Where to stay
Set in a former department store right in the centre of town, The Store couldn’t be more convenient. Its cosy minimalist rooms, sleek restaurant and spa are topped by a rooftop bar with views of the surrounding colleges.

For old-world charm and a hint of boho chic, the Old Parsonage mixes historic architecture with contemporary design and an impressive art collection.

Best time to visit  
Oxford is worth a visit at any time of year, but May to June and September to October offer the promise of fine weather and fewer crowds than during the summer peak.

Getting to Oxford
London Heathrow is the nearest airport to Oxford with The Airline bus service connecting directly to the city throughout the day and night.

Cambridge

Who will love it?
For those intrigued by history, Cambridge’s rich literary and ground-breaking scientific heritage is a major draw, with connections to figures including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Sylvia Plath. The city is also richly endowed with leafy green spaces and scenic waterways, making it ideal for those who enjoy nature and tranquillity. 

What to see and do
Must-see sites include King’s College Chapel, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the university’s formal gardens. Hidden behind arches and gateways, you’ll find peaceful courtyards, gardens and riverside views. The university is also the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, developed at Christ’s College. The city has made significant contributions to science and technology, with key developments in DNA, black hole physics, AI and biotechnology.

Walking through the cobbled streets is to trace the footsteps of brilliant minds such as Sir David Attenborough, Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking, Lord Byron, Virginia Woolf, AA Milne, and even King Charles III. The city’s mediaeval and Gothic architecture is a dream for history lovers, with highlights including King’s College, the Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College and the storied university colleges.

Enjoy one of the city’s 12 Local Nature Reserves, including Parker’s Piece and Midsummer Common, which are perfect for a lazy picnic. The Botanic Garden is renowned for its rare plants and beautiful floral displays, while Grantchester Meadows offers scenic walks through wildflower-filled countryside.

Bucket-list experience
It would be a crime to visit Cambridge and not enjoy a punt, gliding along the scenic River Cam on a flat-bottomed boat, passing under ornate bridges and past willow-lined banks. Waterways known as the ‘Backs’ in Cambridge offer a unique and picturesque perspective of the city, including the grand façades of historic colleges and other architectural splendour from an angle few get to appreciate on foot. A collegiate university like Oxford, Cambridge University (founded in 1209) comprises 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own traditions and historic buildings.

Unmissable eats and drinks
As a city surrounded by fertile soils, crops and farmland, Cambridge is renowned for its superb local fresh produce. A highly varied food scene caters for everyone, from cash-strapped students and casual cafégoers to fine dining enthusiasts and tourists keen to enjoy a gastronomic splurge. Iconic food spots include The Eagle pub, where Watson and Crick announced their DNA discovery, and Fitzbillies tea room, famed for its sticky buns.

For fine dining, visit Midsummer House, a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering exquisite cuisine on the banks of the River Cam. For top steaks and grills, the Chop House is a city favourite, while The Varsity Hotel’s rooftop bar offers stunning skyline views. For a true taste of local culture, enjoy a pint at the Sir Isaac Newton or The Eagle, where key scientific discoveries were made.

Where to stay
Consider The Varsity Hotel & Spa for modern rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic city views and a luxurious spa, which has Elemis facials and reflexology on the menu.

The Gonville Hotel overlooks Parker’s Piece and is a great option for families, with connecting rooms and plenty of local attractions nearby.

Best time to visit
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for outdoor excursions. Summer (June to August) brings more tourists and a wealth of festivals, outdoor cinema and concerts. Winter (December to February) offers Christmas markets, pantomimes and festive lights, though the weather can be cold and wet.

Getting to Cambridge
Fly to London Heathrow, then take the Heathrow Express to central London stations to pick up a Cambridge service. There are also direct National Express coach services operating between London Heathrow and Cambridge.

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