Last weekend, I had the loveliest escape with my mom — just the two of us — on a girls’ getaway to Cambridge. No kids, no chaos, just proper quality time with each other, good conversation, and a lot of excellent food. If you’re looking for a mini break that’s easy to get to, full of charm and very walkable, Cambridge is a brilliant pick.
Here’s how we did it — and why I’d recommend it to anyone planning a little one-night escape with their mum, sister, or bestie.
Getting There – Two Full Days, One Night Away
We flew from Shannon to Stansted early on Saturday morning with Ryanair, and flew home again late on Sunday night. It was the perfect setup — two full days away, but we only needed to book one night’s accommodation.
It worked out brilliantly for a short trip without the kids — you’re home in time for Monday, but still feel like you’ve had a proper reset.
From Stansted, we hopped on the direct train to Cambridge. It took just 30 minutes and couldn’t have been easier. No stress, no faff — just smooth sailing (or rather, smooth railing!).
Where We Stayed – The Clayton, Cambridge
After much debating and researching (as always), I landed on The Clayton Hotel on Station Road — and it was absolutely the right choice. It’s definitely one of the boujier Claytons I’ve stayed in: the room was fab, decor was modern but still had great character, and the bar had a lovely vibe for a pre-dinner drink.
The big selling point? It’s literally a two-minute walk from the train station, so we were able to check in, drop our bags, and head straight out exploring — no taxis, no dragging suitcases around the city. Just easy.
What We Got Up To – Relaxed Exploring
Our weekend had the perfect balance of sightseeing, chatting, and pottering about.
We started with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden — a chilled out way to spend an hour or two, especially in June when everything’s in full bloom. At £8 per person, it was great value, and we really enjoyed wandering the grounds.
Next up: punting on the River Cam. This is an absolute must. I booked a shared boat tour in advance — it cost £30 for the two of us, and it was a gorgeous hour drifting along the river, guided by someone who knew all the best stories about Cambridge’s colleges, history, and famous alumni. Total highlight of the trip.
We also explored Trinity Street and Rose Crescent for a little shopping, had a browse around Cambridge Market Square, and stumbled across a lovely art and craft market in All Saints Garden. If you’re in the mood for more high-street bits, Lion Yard Shopping Centre has you covered — all super central and walkable.
Where We Ate – Honestly, We Might Have Been on a Food Tour
The food on this trip? Next-level. We may not have planned an eating tour of Cambridge, but that’s exactly what happened.
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Fitzbillies was our first stop — and I still don’t have the words for their cheesy buns and cinnamon swirls. We sat outside with a coffee and treats, chatted away, and just people-watched in the sunshine. Pure bliss.
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For lunch, we booked a table at SIX, the rooftop restaurant in The Varsity Hotel. I ordered a lobster roll that I’ve genuinely thought about every day since. Stunning food, gorgeous views over the city, and a real treat of a setting.
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I’d also booked afternoon tea at The Gonville on Sunday, but honestly? It was a bit underwhelming. The food was fine but nothing memorable, and the atmosphere felt a bit flat. I’d seen good reviews but wouldn’t recommend it based on our experience — a rare miss in an otherwise delicious weekend.
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We saved the best for last: Sunday roast at Browns. We sat out on the terrace with soft piano music drifting from inside, and it was just one of those perfect meals. Yorkshire pudding the size of my head, perfectly cooked roast beef, and rich, dreamy gravy. Everything about it hit the spot.
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Final food stop (because no trip is complete without ice cream): Jack’s Gelato. The queue on Saturday was hefty, but on Sunday it was shorter — and worth every second. Definitely a must-visit for gelato fans.
Final Thoughts – A Weekend to Remember
This little getaway was exactly what we both needed — time to talk, time to relax, and time to just be together without rushing around or ticking off a list. Cambridge was the perfect setting for it all: walkable, charming, easy to get to, and full of lovely places to eat, wander and unwind.
It would make the ideal mother–daughter weekend, a girly break with friends, or even a boujie hen weekend if you wanted something classy and low-key.
We came home full — of food and that lovely feeling you get after a proper break.
