Cambridge

Take an English course in Cambridge for a classic British experience

The city of Cambridge is home to one of the world’s top five universities, where around 20,000 students pursue undergraduate and post-graduate studies. It is a bustling city of some 125,000 inhabitants including its students, offering a rich cultural life and easy access to lovely countryside and other British tourist destinations.

The city’s galleries showcase an impressive range of art, from contemporary to classic, and there is a lively performance scene with plays, musicals and dance shows. Live music ranges from internationally acclaimed orchestras to touring pop stars, pub gigs and a world-famous Folk Festival every summer. King’s College Chapel is celebrated for its choral services and there are regular al fresco performances of music in the parks and green spaces.

English language students in Cambridge have lots to do and see in their free time. It’s easy to explore this delightful city on foot or by bike via an excellent network of cycle paths. The University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum is free to enter and houses world-class collections of art and antiquities. Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s finest galleries and a major centre for 20th century and contemporary art, has a wide range of artworks on display, and there are also sculpture trail walks and many smaller galleries. Several local museums present the area’s history and a taste of bygone days.

A visit to one of the 31 Cambridge University colleges gives a glimpse into this world-famous academic institution. It was founded in the 13th century and has launched the careers of many leading scientists, journalists, academics, lawyers and politicians. The Cambridge University Footlights Dramatic Club, known simply as “Footlights”, has produced a long list of famous comedians, dramatists and actors, including John Cleese, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson.

Cambridge has a successful economy - tourism generates over £350 million per annum, and Cambridge and its surrounds are sometimes referred to as Silicon Fen because of the number of high-tech businesses, many originating from the university.

Cambridge and the country of Cambridgeshire rate highly for quality of life and are popular locations for junior summer camps.  Explore the gentle waterways, pretty countryside, historic cathedrals, grand aristocratic houses, bustling market towns and quaint villages. A ride through the fens and tiny villages with a stop at a picturesque pub for a refreshing drink and home cooked food is hard to beat.

Popular Cambridge excursions

Top of the list for local excursions is Ely, a historic small city with a 12th century cathedral that ranks among the very best in Britain. The view from its Lantern Tower is spectacular. Ely is also home to the only museum in the country dedicated to stained glass, presenting the history of stained glass as well as a stunning collection. Further afield, a day trip to London is a must!

Easily accessible from London and especially Luton and Stansted airports, Cambridge is a wonderful place to learn English for all ages.