26 hours in Cambridgeshire

One of my younger sisters is getting married in August this year. She’s worked close to Cambridge for almost a year and it’s where her fiancé grew up, so they’ve decided to get married in Cambridge. Last Saturday the four of us headed down for a flying visit to have a look around the venue, go through a few things and explore Cambridge.

When we initially planned the visit we were going to stay two nights, but in the end it wasn’t possible. We managed to find a small self catering pad about 20 minutes outside of Cambridge via air bnb, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for us. It’s the first time we have used air bnb and we were so pleased with our stay. We’re definitely going to be using air bnb for our trip to China in a few weeks time.

The drive took just under 2.5 hours, which meant we arrived around 5:30pm on Friday. After quickly collecting the keys and dropping off our luggage we drove to meet my sister, her fiancé and my parents for a bite to eat at The Windmill, just outside Somersham. From the outside it looks like a quaint country pub, but once you go inside you will be surprised. The interior is light, airy and utterly stunning. Cosy cushions, earthenware pots, huge hydrangeas, painted chairs, perfectly placed mirrors and wood panelling. It’s like eating at home, except with tastier food and you don’t have to tidy or wash up. The interiors were done by Hazelmere, in case you’re interested. I just had to ask.

Saturday started off with Park Run in Huntingdon, at the very delightful Hinchingbrooke Country Park. The boys and I played at the park until Jared was finished. We then headed to the Cath Kidston outlet shop in St Neots to meet my Mum and sister. We didn’t buy much, but there is something about looking at Cath Kidston products that is good for the soul! They’re so pretty and playful.

Ru stands all the time, we just can’t get him to venture very far!

Jared then took the boys into Cambridge, and we girls visited five or six Cambridge florists. For lunch I had the most delicious falafel wrap from a street vendor called A Taste of Cambridge – houmous, roasted carrots, harissa paste, cucumber, rocket, aubergine, olives and tahini dressing. Actual heaven.

I then fell in love with two shops – Providence and Oliver Bonas. Both are much needed in Yorkshire. I bought a toilet brush and holder from Providence – glamorous I know, but we need one and I really loved it.

The sun was shining and we thought that going on a punt would be a great way to see the city, and allow us to have a history crash course. It turned out to be a great idea – even though Ru didn’t sit down once (he certainly kept us on my toes) and my Mum slept for most of it.

At 5pm we went to look around the wedding venue to talk about arrangements (mainly floral) and to start thinking about how to use the space. It’s all going to be so perfect! We set off for home around 6pm, stopping off for food on the way home.

For someone who has not been to Cambridge before it was all a little overwhelming. So much beauty and energy, and so much to learn too. The only slight negative was how busy it was – it was heaving absolutely everywhere! I can completely understand why though.

Cambridge thank you – we will be seeing you again, very soon.

E xx