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Golden Ball Hotel

Name: Golden Ball Hotel
Address: High Street, Cambridge, GB

★★★★·8.8/ 10Recommended

·Inns

Birdwatching nearbyFree WiFiBreakfast available (surcharge)Birdwatching nearbySmoke-free propertyFree wired internetAll 7 facilities +

Review

Guest scores & sentiment

From 175 guest reviews · multi-source · as of 2026-07-23

Guests praise warm service, authentic food, and peaceful rural setting. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Main drawbacks include poor soundproofing, dated facilities in some rooms, small spaces, and heat in summer due to lack of AC.

Dimension scores · cross-source

Service9.2

Location9.2

Rooms9.1

Cleanliness8.9

Facilities8.6

Value8.3

＋ PraisedExcellent views and peaceful setting · Friendly and helpful staff · Dog-friendly policy · Good value for money

－ ComplaintsCompact and cramped space · Overheating in summer/lack of fans · Poor maintenance and worn fixtures · Cleanliness issues in some units

KEYIdeal for those seeking quiet countryside and traditional dining. Expect varied room conditions; check ventilation for summer stays.

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DiningSights

Midsummer House

Creative · ★★ Michelin

££££

In an idyllic location overlooking Midsummer Common, inside an equally beautiful Victorian house, you'll find this stylish, long-standing restaurant. Over 20 years into its lifetime, the dishes are continually evolving thanks to a kitchen which is not afraid to push the boundaries. Every course is packed full of personality and originality, especially the stand-out desserts like delicious coconut parfait served in a mock-coconut shell made of Nyangbo chocolate. Luxury ingredients are generously used, flavours are measured and there’s an appealing range of different textures.

12.0km

Restaurant Twenty-Two

Modern Cuisine · ★ Michelin

££££

This Victorian townhouse has hosted a restaurant for many years and has long been a feature of Cambridge’s dining scene. Its current guardians are Sam and Alex, who have really made it their own. Sam’s food is poised, detailed and very precise, with his technical skill shining through in beautifully presented dishes such as roasted quail with a buttery vin jaune sauce. The house has a bright, understated style and the enthusiastic service team – who explain the make-up of the dishes in full – keep the atmosphere welcoming and relaxed.

11.7km

Margaret's

Modern British

£££

A labour of love from the owners behind Restaurant Twenty-Two – and located right next door – this soothing space comes with plenty of neutral tones, giving it a simple, relaxing elegance. The opening selection of breads, dips and nibbles is a brilliant way to start, featuring highlights such as a beautifully made focaccia and a creamy whipped butter bean dip. Across the menu, the vibrant cooking moves with the seasons and pushes delicious natural flavours to the fore. The wonderful service team are engaging and knowledgeable in equal measure.

11.6km

Mercado Central

spanish

£££

Located a stone's throw from Trinity College, this brightly decorated townhouse is home to a Spanish restaurant exuding a warm, buzzy vibe – whether you admire the open-flame cooking on the ground floor or sit in the quieter upstairs dining room. Northern Spain has the largest influence on the menu, with Galicia and the Basque Country featuring prominently among dishes built around proudly sourced produce of great quality, such as wonderfully marbled presa Ibérica. Save room to finish with the 'tarta de Santiago'.

11.7km

Vanderlyle

Vegetarian

£££

A large, open-plan kitchen takes centre stage at Vanderlyle, which blends shabby chic styling with designer comfort. The well-balanced tasting menu is all about showing off the power of vegetables with imagination and creativity, along with a passion for seasonal produce – all evident in dishes like roasted wild mushrooms with Roscoff onion and Bordelaise sauce. The friendly service team run the restaurant well and the wine or soft drinks pairings enhance the experience. It’s a popular spot, so book in plenty of time.

12.9km

Fancett's

Classic French

££

The vibrant Mill Road is a focal point for Cantabrigians looking for everything from independent eateries to small antique shops, and this friendly restaurant brings a generous dose of enthusiasm to the area. The eponymous Dan Fancett and his team demonstrate both great care and skilled craft in their preparation of generously portioned dishes that are French to their core, such as the terrific twice-baked cheddar soufflé and the pear tarte Tatin for dessert.

13.3km

Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton

Modern British

£££

What was once a historic village pub is now this intimate restaurant providing a platform for Chef Mark Poynton. Housed inside a 16th-century building, it's a cosy space with a rustic touch to the décor. Poynton and his brigade offer three lengths of set menu and the dishes shine at their simplest, when the high-quality produce provides plenty of flavour. Modern, simply furnished bedrooms are available so you can stay overnight and make your visit a real event.

14.5km

Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.

Golden Ball Hotel

Guest scores & sentiment

Room types · 2

Executive Double Room, Ensuite

Superior Double Room, Ensuite

Facilities · 7

Nearby & map