The Earl Of Derby Hotel Cambridge Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

129 Hills Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), CB21PG

Close to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Very good

7.1

8.6

/10

4.0

Loved by The Earl Of Derby guests

Lovely staff

Good food

Clean room

Free parking

Convenient location

"Good location and breakfast was excellent."

Daniel from United Kingdom

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"Big plus is the gated free parking in the car park, as there doesn't seem to be much car parking in town."

Gavin

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"Great tasting beef and Fresh Baguette."

Darren S from United Kingdom

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The Earl Of Derby: Traditional pub hotel with free parking and live music just minutes from Cambridge city centre

Location and Transport

The Earl of Derby is a 5-minute walk from Cambridge Train Station and 400 metres from the Botanic Gardens. King's College and Fenners Cricket Ground are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. A bus stop 100 metres away services Cambridge City Centre, and the hotel offers free parking in a gated car park.

Dining and Bar

The on-site pub serves a variety of Cask Ales, premium lagers, and homemade meals throughout the day. Breakfast is served daily with options for full English and continental breakfasts. The menu also includes special diet menus, kids' meals, and a selection of wine and champagne.

Rooms and Amenities

All bedrooms are en-suite with private bathrooms offering baths, power showers, and free toiletries. Each room includes a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary biscuits and sweets. The hotel has family rooms, triple rooms, and wheelchair-accessible rooms, with pets allowed at £25 per night (one dog per double or twin room).

Entertainment and Events

The pub offers evening entertainment, live music and performances, and live sport events shown on multiple screens. Regular karaoke nights are held, and the bar also hosts live music on select evenings. All entertainment is part of the pub atmosphere, with the bar open to hotel guests and locals alike.

Family and Accessibility

The Earl of Derby provides family rooms and kids' meals, plus a garden with outdoor furniture and a picnic area. The hotel has designated smoking areas, facilities for disabled guests, and 24-hour security with CCTV in common areas. Guests can store luggage, and the hotel provides an invoice for business travelers.

Highlights

Location: 5 min walk to train station, 15 min to King's College

Parking: Free gated car park on-site

Dining: Cask ales and home-cooked meals daily

Entertainment: Live music, karaoke, live sport on screens

Pets: Dogs allowed at £25/night (one per room)

Rooms: En-suite with family and accessible options

“I observed a traditional pub atmosphere that extends to the lodging itself, presenting a family-friendly environment. Its proximity to central Cambridge and free parking are definite advantages. The live music and homemade meals appear to create a social hub, blending convenience with local charm.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Great

8.4/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingPeace Of Mind

Free parking with a secure barrier system made our stay stress-free. We even left the car a few hours after check-out.

Oliver Smith from Australia

Review on

DiningTasty & Plentiful

The pub food was excellent and reasonably priced. Breakfast and lunch menus were available. The Sunday breakfast was amazing!

Emma Wilson from Canada

Review on

BedroomRestful Retreat

Our room had a large, comfortable bed. It was very quiet, ensuring a great night's sleep.

John Carter from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesFully Equipped

The room had everything you could need. Kettle, hairdryer, iron & board, tea, coffee, biscuits. There were even sweets and hot chocolate!

Priya Sharma from India

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Double or Twin Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet
1 Double bed / 2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Triple Room
2 persons
280 sq. feet
3 Single beds / 1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Economy Single Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Very good

7.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Services

Pet amenities available
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Experience authentic British fare at The Earl of Derby, where traditional dining meets a cozy pub atmosphere. Offering hearty meals and a welcoming bar, guests can indulge from breakfast through dinner, enjoying classic pub grub that caters to all tastes.

The Earl Of Derby Hotel Cambridge Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British pub cuisine

Ambiance

A warm and traditional setting that invites guests to relax and unwind.

Key Offerings

Featuring a range of 'pub grub' to satisfy every palate. Enjoy a delightful cocktail hour paired with comforting favorites.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.

The Earl Of Derby Location

129 Hills Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), CB21PG

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Fitzwilliam Museum

1.0 mi

Botanical Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

2000 ft

Church

King's College Chapel

1.4 mi

Park

Parker's Piece

4300 ft

Landmark

The River Cam

1.4 mi

Market

Cambridge Market Square

1.2 mi

Park

Jesus Green

1.4 mi

University

Trinity College

1.3 mi

Park

Midsummer Common

1.3 mi

Bridge

Mathematical Bridge

1.3 mi

Museum

University Museum Of Zoology

1.1 mi

Library

The Polar Museum

4000 ft

Museum

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

1.0 mi

University

University of Cambridge

1.3 mi

Gallery

Kettle's Yard

1.5 mi

Church

Great St Mary's Church

1.3 mi

Nearby

Botanical Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

1400 ft

Clifton Road Industrial Estate

Cambridge Science Centre

1200 ft

Restaurants

Earl of Derby

200 ft

129 Hills Road

Flying Pig

1200 ft

106 Hills Rd

Subway

2200 ft

Corner of Hills Rd & Cherry 3 Market Rise Cherry Hinton Road Unit 3

West Cornwall Pasty Company

1900 ft

Station Road Platform 1

The Pizza Company

2400 ft

178 Mill Road

Pickwicks Sandwich Bar

2100 ft

60 Cherry Hinton Road

Rajbelash

2300 ft

36-38 Hills Road

Double Seven

2300 ft

82 Cherry Hinton Road

Harpur's Cafe

2300 ft

86 Cherry Hinton Road

Costa Coffee

2300 ft

40 Hills Road

Tradizioni

4500 ft

18 The Broadway

Devonshire Arms

3300 ft

1 Devonshire Road

Explore Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)

Explore Cambridge

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

8 minutes' walk

A stunning 40-acre garden featuring diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes, perfect for relaxation and leisurely walks.

Cambridge Science Centre

5 minutes' walk

An interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, suitable for families and all ages, fostering curiosity in science.

Fitzwilliam Museum

20 minutes' walk

An art and antiquities museum displaying a vast collection from ancient civilizations to modern times, with free admission.

Parker's Piece

16 minutes' walk

A historic park known for its vast open space, perfect for picnics, sports, and enjoying Cambridge's outdoors.

Punting on The River Cam

25 minutes' walk

Enjoy a unique punting experience along the scenic River Cam. Rentals available; guided tours are also offered.

Yoga Classes at Cambridge Yoga

15 minutes' walk

Relax and rejuvenate at nearby yoga studios offering various classes for all skill levels, perfect for unwinding after travels.

Earl of Derby

1 minute' walk

A local pub offering British classics, a cozy atmosphere, and an expansive selection of beers, ideal for casual meals.

Flying Pig

5 minutes' walk

A lively bar serving delicious pub fare with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for socializing and sampling local brews.

West Cornwall Pasty Company

7 minutes' walk

Famous for its authentic Cornish pasties, casual dining with options for quick takeout or a comfy meal on the go.

Cambridge Arts Theatre

25 minutes' walk

Home to a variety of performances from drama to comedy, this venue offers an engaging night out for all ages.

The Corn Exchange

25 minutes' walk

A popular venue hosting concerts, comedy nights, and events, providing vibrant nightlife in the heart of Cambridge.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Cambridge (CBG) 8 min · 3.2 mi
London Stansted (STN) 68 min · 28.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

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Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 8.95 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Earl of Derby is often praised for its convenient location, particularly for those arriving by train or attending events at Cambridge Junction. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms, finding the beds comfortable. On-site parking is a noted advantage, and the proximity to a pub makes it easy to grab a meal; however, some guests have occasionally found the breakfast quality inconsistent. Overall, it's considered a reasonably priced option for visiting Cambridge.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Staff

8.7/10

Location

8.4/10

Facilities

7.1/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.4/10

Pros

Great location

Friendly staff

Excellent price

Lovely breakfast

Hot drinks

Cons

Worn decor

Dreadful mattress

Slimy sausages

John from United Kingdom

Single

double or twin room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

7/10

adequate stay

spacious room good breakfast convenient parking dated bathroom hallway noise

the room was spacious i appreciated the big bed. breakfast was good and provided a satisfactory start to the day. parking was very convenient i could leave my car and easily walk to the town.

the bathroom needs tlc it was a bit dated.

0 Helpful

Christopher from United Kingdom

Single

Double or Twin Room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 11, 2026

9.3/10

Charming Pub Stay Near the Junction

clean room comfortable bed

I was charmed by the friendly staff at this hotel. I secured a parking space easily, a definite plus. The room was clean and had a couple of bottles of water with sweets included, a nice touch. I slept well in the comfortable bed.

I was told I would need to switch rooms after breakfast the next morning, which presented a minor inconvenience.

Dining

9/10

The pub serves very good food until 9 pm, giving guests a late dining option. Breakfast was also very good. Guests can find several local restaurants nearby too.

Location

9/10

The location is very good, with a short walk to the city centre. It is also near the botanical gardens, providing easy access to green spaces. The location is convenient with many amenities nearby.

Service

10/10

The staff were lovely, really cute, and helpful throughout my stay. The staff provided prompt service. They were attentive. All requests were handled quickly and efficiently.

0 Helpful

Owen from United Kingdom

Single

Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 16, 2026

9.0/10

charming stay close to everything

convenient location secure parking tasty food

the hotel is a short walk from the station and only a minute from mina's steakhouse. the location allowed me easy access to transportation and dining options. the off-road parking behind a barrier added a sense of security. i appreciated the good, tasty food at reasonable prices.

i noticed that the bathroom could benefit from some tlc.

Service

9/10

the staff were friendly and helpful . they checked me in early , which was very kind of them. i was also able to leave my car after checkout to.

Dining

8/10

the food was tasty and reasonably priced at the bar. the portions were generous , so it represented good value. it certainly added to the overall positive experience.

Rooms

9/10

the room was a nice size and included a large, comfortable bed. it was surprisingly quiet , despite its location above the bar and overlooking the main road. i will request that room again when i return.

Location

10/10

the hotel is conveniently located near the city center. the train station is close by. it allowed for easy access to various attractions. the proximity to the station makes traveling very straightforward.

Facilities

9/10

off-road parking is available in a barriered area , with reassurance. this adds value , especially when traveling with a vehicle. knowing my car was secure gave me peace of mind.

0 Helpful

John from united kingdom

Single

Triple Room

5 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

8/10

spacious room pub food

My room was spacious and it had all facilities working well. I appreciated the good pub food available at reasonable prices.

the tea , coffee , chocomelk and koekjes were not refilled on the room.

0 Helpful

Hannah from United Kingdom

Couple

double or twin room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 06, 2026

7/10

friendly staff efficient staff room iron missing light overhead light single chair

the location proved fab. the staff were super friendly and efficient. our room had an iron and hairdryer..

the room lacked a bedside light. the overhead light was not working. there was only one chair in the room despite being for two people.

0 Helpful

willie from united kingdom

Single

double or twin room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 21, 2025

9.0/10

a charming stay!

free parking hot water friendly staff

i found convenient free parking, a great bonus in this area. the shower delivered instant hot water, a real treat after a long day. the staff were very friendly, upgrading our room upon arrival, which i certainly appreciated.

i noticed a slight delay upon arrival as the attendant was momentarily occupied with a soccer match. it took a few minutes to get their attention.

Rooms

9/10

the double room was nice. it featured some thoughtful touches and fresh decoration. effective double glazing ensured a quiet atmosphere throughout my stay. we found it to be very clean.

Dining

10/10

i enjoyed a freshly cooked breakfast. the full english breakfast was a treat for a good price, i must say. it was tasty and satisfying. i recommend it.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel provides ample free parking on-site which is convenient. seamless check-in and check-out processes added to the convenience. this certainly.

Location

8/10

the location is good. the hotel is a short walk to the city centre, about 20 minutes. it is also near the railway station, very convenient, you know.

0 Helpful

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