Towns Worth Seeing - by station King's Cross CambridgeCambridge
Cambridge is known internationally for its university and closely linked to Oxford University, it likewise 
features many specialist colleges, located across the city, the first of which (Peterhouse) was formed in 1284. Although a city, Cambridge does not have a cathedral, the usual requirement for city status and did not formally become a city until as recently as 1951.
The city of Cambridge is in the country of Cambridgeshire and is also home to many high-technology businesses, earning it the nickname: 'Silicon Fen' (second only to 'Silicon Valley in California, for technology investment and start-ups). The surrounding area is fenland, originally reclaimed by Dutch engineers, employed by the Earl of Bedford in the 17th Century. It lies below sea level and flooding is averted through the construction of ditches and dykes, in a similar manner to the polder reclamation in the Zuiderzee, Netherlands.
Cambridge itself is situated on the River Cam, where students and tourists can punt during the summer months. As with Oxford, the university dominates the town, and is especially noted for its alumni. Isaac Newton (laws of motion), Darwin (evolution by natural selection), Turing (computation) and Crick and Watson (DNA discovery) - made globally significant scientific contributions while attending the university.
All colleges within the university are independent, with their own property and income - and appoint their own teaching staff and fellows. They also decide which undergraduates to admit and are responsible for student and staff welfare while they attend, or are employed by the university. The University of Cambridge currently has 31 colleges. In 2000, Bill Gates CEO of Microsoft endowed the University with $210m, for 
the 'Gates Scholarship'. Permitting students outside the UK to complete postgraduate studies in the university computer laboratory. The laboratory offered the world's first computer course, in 1953.
Despite the considerable number of visitors, Cambridge has never lost its charm or appeal and descended into the tackiness that can accompany large tourist volumes. It's a relaxing, but vibrant town, with matchless architecture and plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels. A day trip is fine, if that's all the time you can spare, but taking an overnight stay will give a better flavour and understanding of this ancient city.
Train services run from Kings Cross Station in London - 50 mins (and Liverpool Street Station, stopping service - 90 mins).
Cambridge is 50 miles from London.
