Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scott Polar Research Institute Museum
MUSEUM After a £1.75 mil-
lion redesign and reopening in 2010, the only word to describe this unique museum
is cool. Very cool. The history of polar exploration is here and includes the last letters
of Captain Scott, the expedition diaries of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and artifacts from
the British search for the Northwest Passage.
Lensfield Rd.
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01223/336562.
www.spri.cam.ac.uk. Free admission; donations appreciated. Tues-Sat
10am-4pm. Closed Sun, Mon, and public holidays.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
MUSEUM You have to get past
the skeleton of an Iguanodon dinosaur to see the rest of this fabulous collection,
which includes the remains of a 125,000-year-old hippopotamus found in Cam-
bridgeshire. You'll see a treasure-trove of fossils, rocks, and minerals from around the
world as you explore 550 million years of history.
Downing St.
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01223/333456.
www.sedgwickmuseum.org. Free admission; donations appreciated.
Mon-Fri 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. Closed Sun and public holidays.
Where to Eat
EXPENSIVE
Midsummer House
FRENCH This has been the best dining in town for
many years, and it's the only two-star Michelin restaurant in East Anglia. Its lovely
riverside setting on Midsummer Common gives it an extra-special atmosphere. A
two-course a la carte dinner menu costs £55, but on Fridays and Saturday, you must
choose from two more expensive Tasting Menus at lunch and dinner.
Midsummer Common.
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01223/369299.
www.midsummerhouse.co.uk. Reservations essential. Set
lunch £30 for 2 courses, £35 for 3 courses; fixed-price 3-course dinner £73. AE, MC, V. Wed-Sat noon-
2pm; Tues-Thurs 7-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 6:30-9:30pm.
MODERATE
Cotto
BRITISH/CONTINENTAL Cotto offers quality food and on the pricey
side of moderate, but the £40 three-course fixed-price dinners have seasonal menus
and locally sourced ingredients. Main courses such as salt marsh lamb shank or slow
roasted venison daube can't be hurried. Lunch dishes are individually priced and
include the delightful grilled vegetable salad with Wobbly Bottom goat's cheese for
£8.50. Cakes and pastries are also available.
183 East Rd.
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01223/302010.
www.cottocambridge.co.uk. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Fixed-price dinner £40; lunch main courses £7.50-£17. AE, MC, V. Tues-Sat 9am-3pm; Thurs-Sat
7-10pm.
INEXPENSIVE
Browns
BRITISH/CONTINENTAL Browns is popular with students, locals,
and visitors, and very welcome after a day of sightseeing. Once part of the famous old
Addenbrookes Hospital, the wicker chairs, high ceilings, fans, and conservatory-style
airiness create a convivial atmosphere for what is essentially a posh burger restaurant
with classic British fare. Try the Suffolk pork belly, or steak, mushroom, and Guinness
pie. If you're feeling continental, there are steak frites. It's also a good place for break-
fast, brunch, and afternoon tea. Group deals attract students, so it can be noisy or lively
depending on how you feel. Outdoor seating is available.
23 Trumpington St. (opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum).
&
01223/461655.
www.browns-restaurants.
co.uk. Reservations accepted Sat-Sun. Main courses £9-£19. AE, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 10am-10:30pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm.
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