Cambridge Quy Mill Hotel and Spa is a countryside hotel in Stow cum Quy, a village a few miles east of the city. It occupies a converted mill, and the setting is rural and calm, with fields and waterways rather than college walls and bicycle bells. For visitors who find the middle of Cambridge crowded or expensive, the hotel offers a different kind of stay, based around space, easy parking and a slower pace. Rooms vary in size and style, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar, along with a spa that gives guests somewhere to unwind after a day of sightseeing or travel. Prices are generally lower than in the centre, which makes it a good-value choice for people with a car. It works well for families, groups, wedding guests and visitors to the nearby attractions, and it is a handy base for exploring the wider region as well as the city.
Location and getting around
The hotel is roughly five miles from the middle of Cambridge, and the drive typically takes twenty minutes or more depending on traffic. Buses and a cycle route link the village to the city, and taxis are available, but a car is the easiest way to travel, so confirm the parking arrangements when you book. The main roads are close, which makes day trips to Newmarket, Ely and Duxford easy.
What to do nearby
Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust house with large gardens and a working mill, is close by, and the fenland landscape around Wicken Fen, Lode and Quy offers walking and birdwatching. Cycling is popular on the flat lanes, and the path towards the city is a nice option for energetic guests. In the evening, the hotel restaurant and local village pubs provide a quiet dinner, so you will not feel the need to go into town every night.
Who it suits
Drivers, families, couples seeking a calm stay and visitors on a budget who want to avoid central prices. It is less suited to travellers without a car, those who want to walk to the colleges, or anyone planning late nights in the city. Practical notes: check the spa opening times and any charges, allow extra time for the drive into Cambridge at peak hours, and book early for graduation weekends and the summer, when the whole region fills up.
Spring and autumn bring fine walking weather, and the lanes around the village are pleasant for an evening stroll after dinner. Whatever the season, wear comfortable shoes, because Cambridge rewards slow exploring on foot and by bicycle, and carry a small umbrella for the changeable weather of the Fens.
Why stay here
- ✓Converted mill setting
- ✓Spa
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Parking (check availability)
- ✓Countryside walks nearby
- ✓Close to Anglesey Abbey
- ✓Breakfast (check rate)
Good questions
How far is Quy Mill from central Cambridge?+
It is roughly five miles by road, usually a drive of twenty minutes or more depending on traffic.
Is the hotel good without a car?+
It is easier with a car, but buses, taxis and cycle routes can reach the city. Check the current options before you travel.
Is there a spa?+
Yes, the hotel has a spa. Check opening times and whether access is included in your rate.
