The best Airbnbs in Cambridge for 2026: houseboats, hot tubs & more

Did someone order a peaceful stay in Cambridge near a farm with a hot tub? Coming right up. You have every right to be excited about the bubbling jacuzzi with UV filters and complimentary fluffy bath robes, that's not all this place has to offer. It's set amidst the rolling countryside, with a fully equipped kitchen boasting large glass doors, giving you the perfect views across the green, taunting you to go and frolic in the fields and have your own Sound of Music moment. 

Time Out tip: Foxton has plenty to offer. You could explore the village, walk the local heritage trails, or hunt for the Louis Leakey blue plaque, commemorating the world-famous paleoanthropologist who once lived in the village. 

Location: Foxton (Cambridge centre is just 10 minutes away by train)

Sleeps: Two rooms. Sleeps five guests.  

Perks: Hot tub, countryside views, spacious kitchen and living spaces, big garden, terrace.

Price: From £255 a night.

Make the most of the city's beautiful riverside location with a stay in a perfectly polished boutique houseboat. Hosted by a man who once worked as a boat builder, this wide-beam vessel has been transformed into a very classy home for two. Here, you get to experience the best of both worlds: it’s a short walk into the city centre along the river and it’s moored just opposite Stourbridge Common, where you can watch the cows, cyclists and occasional horse riders enjoying the open space. It's certainly the best Cambridge Airbnb for those who prefer water to land. 

Time Out tip: If you haven’t had your water fill with the canal, this area has one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in England, Jesus Green Lido. But remember, it is only open through the summer months, from May through to September.

Location: East Chesterton

Sleeps: One room. Sleeps two guests.  

Perks: Located by the river, has a private mooring, lawn and decking area,  hand built solid hardwood kitchen, full size bath, master bed 3000 pocket sprung mattress. 

Price: From £255 a night.

Many of the more prettified properties available to book in Cambridge are located on the outskirts of town, but this boutique retreat in a lovingly maintained townhouse puts you within a stone’s throw of the centre of the action. Victorian grandiosity and strong colour schemes have been swapped here for a neutral palette of dove greys, sparkling whites and sprinklings of soft pinks and blues. Regain your sense of peace before heading out for cream teas and/or pub lunches.

Time Out tip: This Airbnb is literally across the road from the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens. They have a tonne of events throughout the year, with live music or even a garden gnome lights display. Some of these require tickets, so make sure to check the website beforehand. 

Location: Hills Road Neighbourhood

Sleeps: Two rooms. Sleeps four guests.

Perks: Smart TV, DVD player with huge movie collection, ensuite bathroom, free parking space, 10 minute walk from city centre, outdoor patio, children’s books and toys, coffee maker.

Price: From £218 a night.

A self-contained attic property, this home offers a neat taste of the old-school English vibe Cambridge is famous for. It has an eclectic feel with a lovely wooden desk, a typewriter and vintage accessories dotted throughout, while remaining uncluttered and modern. Extra points for that porthole window with garden views, which you can sip your coffee at before renting a bike and exploring the colleges.

Time Out tip: If you like gothic architecture, you are not far from Kings College Cathedral. Attend a chapel service or just take a look around at the beautiful location.

Location: Newnham 

Sleeps: One room. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Bikes to hire, HD TV, free parking, work station and desk, fast wifi, coffee maker.

Price: From £120 a night.

This self-contained apartment sends you outside of Cambridge and into the village of Impington. It’s a great opportunity to explore the wider Cambridgeshire countryside – and frankly, you should be. The area is known for having open fields and green spaces ideal for peaceful country walks. Inside the home, you can find clean, neat, dark features, while outside you’ll find a sweet garden area that's perfect for summer evening drinks. 

Time Out tip: Histon and Impington Farmers’ Market held every third Saturday of the month. Skip the Tesco and get yourself some fresh products and homemade goods.

Location: Impington

Sleeps: One room. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, private back garden, free private parking, bookshelf with plenty to read, dishwasher.

Price: From £101 a night.

While there is so much more to Cambridge than the university that is synonymous with its name, it’s impossible to deny the status and prominence of the world-famous institution. For those looking to get a little taste of student life, a stay in Christ’s College might be just the ticket. Only available outside of term time, the one-bed student rooms aren’t, internally, much to get excited by, but the college grounds are delightful. As for cheap Airbnbs in Cambridge, you couldn't get much cheaper. 

Time Out tip: You’re right in the centre of town and, if you purchase breakfast tokens from the Porter’s Lodge, you can start the day with some hearty fare in the attractive dining room. 

Location:  University of Cambridge

Rooms: One room. Sleeps one guest.

Perks: Cheap price, on Cambridge University grounds, city and garden views, workspace, luggage drop off, garden views.

Price: From £70 a night. 

Located north of Cambridge in the village of Cottenham, this quirky home is a former photography studio. As you can imagine, that means the light inside is excellent with a stripped-back Scandi feel in each room. Stay here if you’re planning on splitting your time equally between the more cosmopolitan pleasures of Cambridge and the quintessentially East Anglian countryside (flat, very flat) that surrounds it. Pack picnics or look up country pubs and head out into the green.

Time Out tip: Get your national trust cards out, as the Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill are a short drive away. Explore the beautiful Jacobean house, browse the second-hand bookshop and grab a bite to eat at the Redwoods Restaurant. 

Location: Cottenham.

Rooms: One room. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: 43-inch HDTV with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, free parking for two, luggage drop off, a dedicated workspace, free washing machine.

Price: From £92.50 a night. 

You’ve got me. Barrington is outside of Cambridge, but only a little bit (I promise). It could still be a great alternative for a rural escape in Cambridgeshire, but further away from the buzz. And what better way to do it than stay in a converted stable that has not only a gorgeous swimming pool, but a hot tub for a nighttime dip. This home definitely encourages self-care, also boasting a home gym with a treadmill, stationary bike and free weights. And before you say, does this place want a medal? It already has one – a Visit England 4 Star Gold Award to be exact. 

a medal? It already has one – a Visit England 4 Star Gold Award to be exact. 

Location: Barrington.

Rooms: One room. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Home gym, garden views, free parking, hot tub, allows pets, EV charger, 32-inch HDTV with standard cable/satellite, swimming pool, nintendo wii, table tennis table, boardgames, barbecue utensils.

Price: From £166 a night. 

Trot on up the lavender-lined walkway and find yourself inside a lovely, one-bed apartment in north Cambridge. Stylishly decorated with some modernist furniture, this generously sized home is the perfect base for a short, or long-length stay in the area. There’s a nice little patio area in the garden which you’re welcome to use, perfect for a chill evening hangout thanks to some well-positioned lights.

Time Out tip: If you feel like giving your legs a rest from walking into town and want to exercise your mind instead, go to the nearby Science Park. They have pop up talks and Wildlife Trust events to sink your teeth into. 

Location: North Cambridge

Rooms: One room. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Free parking, fast wifi, garden, dog friendly, large outdoor seating area, close to city stops, close to pubs and supermarkets.

Price: From £135 a night. 

When you’re telling others about Cambridge, historic would be a solid choice of descriptor. Don’t underestimate how fast the city is growing though, as it's evolved in recent years through projects like the Eddington development. If you’re wondering what this actually means, Eddington is a new district created with sustainability in mind. It’s located two miles outside the city centre and is home to Turing Locke, a boutique aparthotel. Inside, you’ll find chic contemporary living spaces with plenty of millennial pinks, Insta-friendly rose gold and – of course – house plants. We love the kitsch tiling in the bathroom that cries out for someone to karaoke it up in the shower. 

Time Out tip: Bring your bike as there's secure storage on-site and it's only a ten-minute cycle into the centre of the city.

Location: North Cambridge

Rooms: One room. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: King sized bed, dishwasher, rainfall shower, Kinsey Apothecary toiletries, smart HDTV, fast wifi, Welcome Kit full of goodies. 

Price: From £95 a night.

Looking for a bit of an unconventional getaway? This barn renovation combines aspects of the original building with a bit of contemporary elegance. It’s located in the village of Horningsea, a quaint spot to the northeast of the city centre. There’s an outdoor seating area surrounded by plants, and inside the furniture gives a very cosy feel to the place. Plus, there are two local pubs down the road for when you get thirsty. 

Time Out tip: Baits Bite Lock is a beautiful walk that isn't too far away. Go on foot, or tell your hosts your plans in advance as they offer bikes for guests. Then you can cycle past the old Lock Cottage and towpath.

Location: Horningsea

Rooms: Two rooms. Sleeps four guests.

Perks: TV, bathroom toiletries, bath, hairdryer, washing machine, books to read, close to pubs, free parking. 

Price: From £120 a night.