Living in Cambridge
If you are thinking about applying for a job at Red Gate and don't already live in Cambridge, you may want to know a bit more about the place. Please find below some highlights and useful resources you may need on the city itself, transport, accommodation, entertainment and nightlife, health and fitness and some links to our favourite places.
We are aware that re-location can be a difficult issue and we are happy to provide advice and support if you are successful at your interview.
The City
Cambridge is a beautiful University town that attracts thousands of tourists all year round. The University was founded in 1209 and much of the architecture dates back to the fifteenth century. At the heart of the city is the original market square and Great St Mary's church. The surrounding streets are occupied by a mixture of shops, cafes and college buildings. The River Cam borders the West of the city, along the backs of the colleges, and flows North towards Ely.
To the East of the city centre is a purpose-built shopping and leisure complex called the Grafton Centre with its own parking facilities. This can be reached via a short walk across a park. In addition, the area of the city near the bus station on Drummer Street is undergoing huge redevelopment to extend the shopping facilities in the town centre, including a large John Lewis department store.
Cambridge is home to approximately 100,000 people with students accounting for nearly 20% of this figure during term time. The city has plenty of green space, with several parks along the river bank. It is possible to walk from one side of the city centre to the other in 20 minutes.
To see a map of Cambridge city, click here (pdf)
To see a map of the city centre, click here (pdf)
Transport
The Cambridge area is well served with local buses, although cycling is by far the most popular mode of transport for locals.
There are regular, fast trains to both King's Cross and Liverpool Street in London. Direct trains are also available to Birmingham, Bury St Edmunds, Ely, Ipswich, King's Lynn, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newmarket, Nottingham, Norwich, Peterborough and Sheffield.
Both Stansted and Luton airports are within 40 minutes' drive of Cambridge, with several low-cost airlines flying to most major European destinations.
For national rail enquiries click here
Accommodation
House prices in Cambridge are high compared to other towns in East Anglia. This is due to its proximity to London and the general appeal of living here. Properties in the outskirts of the city and the surrounding villages tend to be significantly cheaper, but are still within easy reach for a daily 'commute'. Rental prices are reasonable, and significantly lower than central London. You can expect to pay around £300 per month for a room, or £800 per month for a two-bedroom flat.
These agencies deal with a large number of rental properties:
Entertainment & Nightlife
During term time, the pubs and bars of Cambridge are noticeably busier, as locals and tourists jostle for space with students. These days, there is very little divide between 'town' and 'gown' and most bars have a relaxed mix of customers.
It is possible to eat almost any style of food in Cambridge, from the Michelin-starred Midsummer House to a great cheeseburger from Gardenia's after closing time.
There are two theatres in the town centre, the University-run ADC Theatre, which is home to the famous Footlights, and the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Both run a packed schedule of events all year round.
There is a vibrant live music scene in Cambridge if you're prepared to seek it out. Several city centre bars host informal jazz or acoustic sessions, and the Corn Exchange caters for larger audiences and bigger name bands.
In addition, there are three cinemas, a bowling alley, several museums and galleries, and 31 colleges to explore. If you wander around town at the weekend, it will not be long before one of the many punt operators talks you into a guided tour of the river.
For a list of things to do in Cambridge click here
Health & Fitness
There are several private gyms dotted around Cambridge, so you will probably find one that is conveniently located. We have discounted gym membership to the on-site gym at the Cambridge Science Park. There are five swimming pools (including the largest outdoor pool in the country), many public tennis courts, and a council-run sports centre in the middle of town overlooking Parker's Piece.
For a full list of sports facilities in the city click here
Links:
These are links to some of our favourite places in Cambridge: