Have Some Time To Spare In Cambridge? Visit Cambridge Market!

Have Some Time To Spare In Cambridge? Visit Cambridge Market!
Puja
Puja 
Published
| 3 min read

Cambridge is a wonderful place to visit for a day or two; it is filled with beautiful architecture with classical and historical buildings. It offers some enchanting and quirky streets, the opportunity to go punting on the river as well as walk through the abundance of green and well maintained parks where you can also sit for a while and have a picnic. It is also, of course, known for its colleges and educational spots so these are usually on the agenda for tourists that are visiting. Amongst all the beauty and sightseeing that can be done in Cambridge, there is one specific spot that I would like to encourage you to visit and that is Cambridge Market, which is based in the unsurprisingly, picturesque Cambridge Market Square.

A market that dates back to the Middle Ages

have some time to spare in cambridge? visit cambridge market! | a market that dates back to the middle ages

It is difficult to miss this market as it is in the middle of Cambridge and is an open-air market that provides a real alternative to the high street stores which are duplicated all over England. It is a lovey market with so much character and is open everyday from 10.00 am–4.00 pm and has different stalls contingent on the day of the week in which you visit. If you’re an arts and crafts fan then you may wish to visit the market on Sunday as it especially focuses on providing these types of items that have been made by local artists and craftsmen. This market has a history of its own and it dates back to the Middle Ages. The area in which the market is located is pedestrianised and it is lovely to be able to walk around and up and down the stalls whilst soaking in the atmosphere. You will see musicians performing around the market and there is a real buzz with locals and tourists checking out what is on offer.

A variety of unique stalls to peruse

have some time to spare in cambridge? visit cambridge market! | a variety of unique stalls to peruse

The colourful tents of the market stalls with the backdrop of the gorgeous architecture of Cambridge makes this spot a vivid and colourful one where you can peruse everything that is available for purchase. Whilst the market is not enormous, there are a good variety of 50 stalls that form it. You can find artificial or cut-flowers, mainstream and unique clothes, vinyl records, books which are both learned and popular, as well as a wide variety of loose leaf teas and obscure coffee beans. I especially recommend that you visit the flower stalls as the colours, fragrances and tantalizing odours are worth popping over for. In addition, if you’re looking for some souvenirs or memorabilia, then this place definitely has it on offer. What I really like and feel that you will appreciate is that there is no pressure to buy. The stall owners are happy to simply share with you what they have created and have a quick chat with you about their work and your trip to Cambridge.

Tasty hot and cold food on offer

have some time to spare in cambridge? visit cambridge market! | tasty hot and cold food on offer

If you’re feeling peckish and want some good food, then the market is the perfect spot to be. There are fresh fruit and vegetable stalls as well as several food stalls offering a wide range of cuisine from Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Belgium, Italy and so many more countries. Hot and cold food is available. I would recommend that you visit the Belgian waffles stand, the Chinese noodle hot spot, the Jamaican food and baking stall. The owners are very helpful, have great personalities and the items that they offer are fantastic. You may even be surprised to hear that the Jamaican food stall had vegan options, meaning that this market can definitely accommodate different dietary groups. There are some benches around the market where you can sit and enjoy your nibbles; however, you will find that as there are not many benches, people tend to sit on the side on the pavement around the market and enjoy their items. Alternatively, you can take-away your delicious delights and head over to one of the many parks in Cambridge and have a leisurely picnic with your treats from the market.

Have an ice cream and enjoy this eclectic market

If you’re in Cambridge, I would recommend that you visit this eclectic market in the heart of it. It will be a thriving and welcoming break from the sightseeing and is a wonderful site in which to spend an hour or so walking around and enjoying under the sunshine. If you fancy an ice cream whilst walking around the market, you’re likely to spot an ice cream trolley on one of the four corners, so get your ice cream cone with a chocolate flake and enjoy checking-out one of England’s best local markets. Please note, however, that the historic centre of Cambridge is not designed for modern mobility so those with buggies or in wheelchairs will struggle with the cobbled surface. If you do visit the market, I would advise you to bring cash since not many of the stall owners have card machines. If you forget to bring cash, there are a few cash points located on the streets surrounding the market.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Puja Modha has trained as a lawyer, worked as a compliance officer and is an experienced travel journalist that enjoys writing about her experiences across the world. She was born in England, her...Read more

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