Campervan Hire near Cambridge

Motorhome Hire Cambridge

Cambridge is located on the River Cam, roughly 90 kilometres north of London. It is a small city still ringed by quaint countryside villages filled with thatched cottages, including Great Shelford, the home to ancestors of former US President Barack Obama. The countryside is a perfect place to explore traditional English towns and is easily done with a motorhome rental in Cambridge.  Its status as an outdoor city was cemented when Stage 3 of the Tour de France departed from Cambridge in 2014. Its lack of hills makes the city a favourite with cyclists, while a short distance away visitors will find the likes of Grantchester Meadows, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, and the walking trails of Thetford Forest Park.

Getting to Cambridge

Cambridge is connected to the UK motorway network via the M11, which runs to the north-east corner of London, where it connects with the orbital M25. The A1(M) is a motorway in all but name, and heads north towards Peterborough. Trains from London’s Kings Cross Station take as little as 45 minutes to reach Cambridge, with slower services departing from Liverpool Street. They continue on to the cathedral city of Ely, as well as Norwich and Ipswich. Although an airport lies on the eastern edge of Cambridge, it receives no scheduled flights. However, London Stansted Airport is just 40 minutes south by road, and can also be reached by rail. It is a hub airport for Ryanair flights, and also sees significant seasonal traffic from Jet2 and TUI.

Parking in Cambridge

Driving, and therefore parking, in the historic heart of Cambridge, is limited to residential permit holders only. In any case, finding a parking bay suitable for a campervan rental in Cambridge is all but impossible in the city centre. Campervans are able to park at some (but not all) of the city’s Park and Ride sites. Those without height restrictions include that on Madingley Road, by junction 13 of the M11 to the west of the city, and on Milton Road to the north of Cambridge. Buses then take drivers into the city centre every 10-15 minutes at a cost of around €4 return. Parking for up to 18 hours is free.

Annual Events in Cambridge

• Strawberry Fair, Midsummer Common, June: Held annually since 1974, the fair is a celebration of music and the arts, with the majority of musicians appearing on stage are local bands. Free.
  
• Cambridge Shakespeare Festival: University colleges, July and August. Plays change each year and are performed outdoors in college gardens that are usually closed to the general public. Adult tickets cost €23 per performance.
  
• Open Cambridge: City wide, September. This two-day event provides another chance to explore parts of the city and university that are not normally accessible. What’s more, it’s free.

Camping in Cambridge

•  Tranquility Farm: Roughly halfway between Cambridge and Saffron Waldon, Tranquility Farm sits beside a quiet area of mature woodland. From roughly €29 per night.
  
• Crystal Lakes Caravan Park: Occupying 12 acres of meadowland and lakes, this dog-friendly site incorporates a restaurant, shop, and children’s zone. From €32 per night with electricity.
  
• Meadow View Campsite: A small site within walking distance of Wicken Fen Nature Reserve with free Wi-Fi and showers. From €28 per night.