Shopping in Cambridge is a great way to soak in the atmosphere and sights, especially as the city plays host to a treasure trove of shops.
Firstly, its beautiful surroundings make it an enjoyable experience and there are a wealth of high street and smaller boutique-like shops to choose from. Several markets take place including an arts and craft market. Read on to find out about the best places to shop till you drop.
Kings Parade
King’s Parade is not to be missed whilst shopping in Cambridge. This famous Parade is beautiful in all seasons and undoubtedly the best place to capture a photo of the magnificent King’s College Chapel. Aside from its breathtaking beauty, King’s Parade is home to a mixture of boutique-style shops, such as Nomads where you can pick up some authentic pieces of Moroccan-style jewellery. Further along from the Parade is The Cambridge Satchel Company where you can browse the selection of bags. Also located on this stretch is The Parade – a quaint gift shop, which sells a variety of old and new teddy bears!
If you feel you need a break from the hustle and bustle King’s Parade is host to several eateries, including The Copper Kettle, The Cambridge Chop House, and the Fudge Kitchen. Watch the staff make their fudge from the window and prepared to be mesmerized. It is an excellent take-home treat after a day of shopping in Cambridge.
Grande Arcade
The Grande Arcade is the main shopping centre in Cambridge. Featuring an unrivalled mix of 60 premium and high-street retailers all located over two stunningly sky-lit floors. Its light and airy design mean it’s easy to navigate around the stores, which include John Lewis, Ted Baker, Swarovski, Sketchers, and Russell & Bromley.
For anybody with a sweet tooth, there is a Krispy Kreme, Hotel Chocolate, and Chocolat, Chocolat. It’s a great opportunity to let your taste buds do some testing when shopping in Cambridge.
Grafton Centre
The Grafton Centre is a short walk away from the main shopping area. On route you can always stop off at Primark to stock up on those shopping essentials. The Centre itself is home to many high-street chains including H&M, River Island, New Look, and The Entertainer. Any youngster will welcome a trip to The Entertainer to view the wide selection of toys.
Shopping in Cambridge – Secret side streets
Green Street
Green Street is one of those alluring side streets where you can feel the cobbles beneath your feet. It’s a must have place to visit for whilst shopping in Cambridge. Along this Street, you will find The Cambridge Gin Company, which stocks a variety of gins, including their own special Cambridge Dry Gin. You can also book a cocktail-making session in the rooms upstairs, it is a great activity if you want to break up your day of shopping in Cambridge and perfect for a Hen Do.
Rose Crescent
Rose Crescent hosts a delightful selection of shops, including specialist beauty shops Neal’s Yard, Jo Malone, and Molton Brown.
Located along Rose Crescent is the Department of Magical Gifts, an independent shop selling Harry Potter gifts. This is the perfect spot for any Harry Potter fan to indulge in a variety of goods from wands to potion books. It’s worth a trip just to take in the magical atmosphere of wizards, witches, and muggles.
This little Crescent is home to a mixture of eateries including Gardenia’s, which serves a mixture of Greek takeaway food. It’s also a well-known stop with Cambridge students and locals who fancy a late-night snack. La Raza and Pinch are also located along here if you prefer to sit down for something to eat.
Over the Christmas period, Rose Crescent looks particularly atmospheric with its pretty array of sparkling lights.
All Saints Passage
The little side street is located just off Bridge Street and is home to The Cambridge Cheese Company. If delis and cheese are your things this is a particularly good place to visit. The shop stocks a range of farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie, olives, antipasti, wines, beers, chutneys, and preserves from specialists in the UK and around the world.
If you walk towards the end of All Saints Passage you will find All Saints Garden Art and Craft Market. This gem of a market takes place every Saturday and is an award-winning art and craft market. Wander around and take in the atmosphere, from the lovely smell of fresh coffee to the unique range of products on sale, including pottery, paintings, jewellery. Take a look at the Instagram page to find out more.
Cambridge really does have something for everyone, which makes it a fantastic place to visit. Happy Shopping!
Christs College Accommodation
Situated in the heart of Cambridge, Christ’s College is the perfect location to stay in whilst visiting Cambridge. The College is close to the Grande Arcade, and a short stroll from the historic market square, Kings College Chapel, Fitzwilliam Museum, and the River Cam.
Our Cambridge accommodation rooms are modern, and many have an en-suite bathroom. As a guest of the College, you can explore the beautiful grounds which are steeped in history. Our dedicated team of staff recently won a Gold Bid Award for Best Overall Customer Experience 2022, so you can certainly be sure of a warm welcome.
We hold a 4-star Visit England Campus Award. so you can be sure of a warm welcome.
Book directly with us and you will receive 10 percent off our publicised rates and a welcome pack on arrival. Just set up a member login on our website before you book.
