If you’re planning a Cambridge escape and want to do it properly, Wilde has become the city’s smartest base. Tucked into the heart of Cambridge city centre – where jaw-dropping college buildings, Gothic churches and world-class museums jostle for attention at every turn – these 227 beautifully designed studio and one-bedroom apartments offer the kind of space and independence that a standard hotel room simply can’t match. Bespoke interiors, curated local artwork, and an eco-conscious ethos (solar panels, rainfall harvesting, bee hotels – yes, really) make it as considered as it is comfortable.

On the ground floor, Oscar’s sets the tone beautifully. Part boutique café-bar, part social lounge, part co-working spot that somehow always feels like a treat rather than a desk – it’s the sort of place where a light lunch has a habit of drifting into cocktails on the terrace. Warm lighting, carefully chosen artwork and a menu built for every mood make it equally perfect for lazy mornings over breakfast or evenings that stretch longer than planned. There’s even a curated shop stocked with local produce and ready-to-eat dishes for when you’d rather stay in.

When you do venture out, Cambridge rewards every pace. Explore the Backs on foot, hire a bike, or do as the locals (and tourists, let’s be honest) do and take to the river in a traditional punt, drifting beneath those postcard-worthy bridges. Back at base, a 24-hour reception, well-equipped fitness room and in-house laundry facilities mean the practical stuff is entirely taken care of.

Worth knowing: Wilde’s 48 Hours in Cambridge package is a particularly good excuse to book. Two nights, £25 credit per person to spend at Oscar’s, early check-in, a noon check-out, and a complimentary scoop from local legend Jack’s Gelato, because every sunny Cambridge day deserves one. Available until 30th September 2026.