South Cambridge Area Guide

South Cambridge is a mixture of quiet, elegant residential roads, and the busy activity surrounding two major landmarks of the city - Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the main Railway Station. The Biomedical Campus not only encompasses the world renowned Addenbrookes, Rosie and Papworth Hospitals, it is also home to major names in scientific research and development such as Astra Zeneca, Glaxo Smith Kline and the Medical Research Council.

Living in South Cambridge, not only would you have world class healthcare on your doorstep, the campus offers a huge range of exciting employment opportunities.

The Railway Station, with frequent trains to London, Ipswich and Stansted, isn't the only excellent transport link this area offers. The M11 is nearby, and the area is well served by both conventional buses and the new guided busway, the longest in the world, linking Huntingdon, Cambridge and St.Ives with numerous stops at key points throughout the city. Hills Road is the main artery running through this area of Cambridge, and is home to numerous company offices, small hotels and educational establishments. These include Homerton College and Cambridge Assessment, who provide examinations for millions of English learners worldwide, and of course those learning English at the many language schools which give this area of Cambridge a vibrant, international flavour.

For eating out, La Maison du Steak could become your regular for French inspired classics or perhaps Abjad Hawaz, offering an intriguing array of Middle Eastern fare. Or for that extra special occasion you could try the famous tasting menu at the Michelin starred Alimentum. During the day you are bound to find yourself drawn to Balzanos, a hidden gem in Cherry Hinton Road, provider of genuine, mouthwatering Italian food from its bakery, delicatessan and cafe. There's entertainment for all the family close by, with a state of the art cinema, tenpin bowling, gym and The Junction music venue at Cambridge Leisure park, which also has a variety of places to eat.

Reassuringly, this area has a number of GP and dental surgeries to choose from, as well as a vet surgery and hairdressers. Waitrose is this side of town for that all important weekly shop, and there is a post office in Hills Road. And that's not to forget you are only a short drive or cycle ride away from all the shops and facilities of the town centre, in particular a large John Lewis being the first store you see as you enter the centre from the south.

South Cambridge also boasts the delightful Botanical Gardens with its enormous variety of plants, a pleasure to stroll around or share a tea and cake with a friend in the cafe. Or if you want the fun of growing courgettes and wallflowers with a group of like minded neighbours, you could get involved in the Empty Common community garden.