Interestingly enough, Cambridge University was in fact the second college to be built in the city and the first, Peterhouse, is actually the oldest existing college in the world! Education and the city of Cambridge have a symbiotic bond that is rivaled by few cities in Europe and in addition to these two esteemed universities one can find King's College, Magdalene College, St. John's College and Trinity College within the city limits of Cambridge. The Cambridge Science Park, while not a college, is one of the most beloved learning sites in England and the St. John's Innovation Centre is a leading establishment for the furthering of mankind's intellect. All across the city you can see the love of higher learning in the hearts and minds of the people of Cambridge but don't let that detract you from visiting in the fear that you'll be constantly assailed by eggheads. Cambridge is home to a great many people who aren't associated with the esteemed University and the city has many industries and trades that have nothing to do with learning.
One of Cambridge's biggest claims to fame actually has to do with computer technology. Silicon Fen is a nickname for Cambridge and a play on California's Silicon Valley. This is because Cambridge is home to many technology incubators and similarly high-tech buildings and factories. Microsoft's United Kingdom headquarters are located in Cambridge as are offices by companies like Sinclair and ARM. Marshall Aerospace is another incredibly important company that is based in the city and, despite the high cost of tuition for most of the colleges in Cambridge, these hi-tech businesses make up the meat and potatoes of the city's economy.
It can be argued, however, that the most influential and important aspect of Cambridge is neither its reputation for education nor its innovative companies. Instead, many sports fans hold Cambridge in the highest honor because the official rules of Football were drawn up in the city in 1848. Few cities can claim to be the home of an entire entertainment industry and Cambridge receives due praise for this fact. To put it simply, Cambridge has much to be proud about yet never lets one accomplishment outshine the other. A visit to the city will leave you breathless in wonder at the fact that such a city still exists and it isn't in Athens.
Dialling the UK from Abroad
To dial the telephone and fax numbers shown from outside the UK, dial your international access code (check with your telecoms provider if you do not know what to dial), then 44, then the rest of the number except the zero shown in brackets.
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Other accommodation close to Cambridge:
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| Peterborough hotels | St. Ives hotels | St. Neots hotels | Wisbech hotels |