STEP INTO CAMBR IDGE CHR I STMAS
Winter wonderland GET INVOLVED IN SOME ICY ADVENTURES AND THEATRICAL FUN
Make a night of it ENJOYING YOURSELF? THEN BY ALL MEANS, ADD AN EXTRA DAY TO YOUR STAY
GONVILLE HOTEL Adorned with glorious Christmas
decorations from this month onwards, the Gonville Hotel is a superbly located choice for those looking to book a festive stay right in the heart of Cambridge. Alongside Parker’s Piece, you’ll be right on the North Pole’s doorstep – and only a stone’s throw away from the city’s shops and attractions. TURING LOCKE For a more flexible stay, head to the city’s new aparthotel Turing Locke, which prides itself on offering apartment-style living. You’ll have plenty of space to spread out and relax after a day of exploring the city’s Christmassy best bits – and you can make the most of the complex’s co-working space, coffee shop and workout studio, too. CENTENNIAL HOTEL Set in six idyllic Cambridge heritage townhouses and located opposite the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the Centennial Hotel offers 40 bedrooms with classic Cambridge charm: a perfect, cosy base for exploring our historic city. The bar and restaurant, open seven days a week, offers a seasonal set menu, changed daily by the team of talented chefs. The lounge meeting room, meanwhile, is a contemporary take on a traditional interior, offering the perfect space to relax and unwind. And if you are new to the city, there’s a bespoke, hand-painted mural map of Cambridge, designed to provide an insight into exploring this charming place.
TAKE TO THE ICE If you’re more of an indoor skating fan – or if the weather just isn’t up to the North Pole’s more exposed set-up – there’s always the Cambridge Ice Arena to hit up instead. The full-size, state-of-the-art ice rink on Newmarket Road offers public skating, ice hockey and figure skating sessions suitable for all skill levels. There are also curling sessions on Thursday evenings (it’s the only ice rink in England where you’ll find them), so you can put on your skates, even if your skills leave something to be desired.
POP TO THE PANTO Chances are, you’ll already have the city’s various pantos on your radar, but keep an eye out for pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Bury St
VISIT THE NORTH POLE From 19 November, you won’t have to trek through inhospitable terrains for hours to reach the North Pole, as it’ll be coming to Cambridge!
Edmunds, too. This year’s show is a classic – Cinderella – and offers the traditional family experience packed with vibrant stage talent and plenty of laughter. Audience favourite Chris Clarkson will be returning to play an ugly stepsister, and the professional cast will be supported by a line-up of young local performers. Catch it from 26 November.
This version is much more sparkly and inviting, though, with the main attractions including an ice rink on Parker’s Piece, and a brand-new ice slide – along with plenty of Christmas market stalls and speciality food nights. You can wrap up warm and get merry to your heart’s content in the ice bar, and get a taste of that après- skate feeling. It’s a seasonal staple!
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021 45
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