The Red Lion Hotel
Location: Station Road East, Cambridge, gb
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Bed and breakfasts
About this Property
Historic Charm and Modern Comforts
The Red Lion Hotel, with its 13th-century origins and hand-carved wooden beams, offers a unique blend of history and luxury. Situated near Duxford and just a short distance from Cambridge, this inn provides elegant rooms featuring Hypnos beds for a restful stay.
Convenient Location and Nearby Attractions
Located in Whittlesford Bridge, guests have easy access to explore Cambridge, Saffron Walden, and attractions like the Duxford Imperial War Museum and Newmarket races. With a nearby rail station offering services to London, the hotel is a perfect base for both leisure and business travelers.
Dining Experience and Nearby Amenities
Although the hotel's restaurant has limited hours, guests can enjoy bar and lounge services at the adjacent Holiday Inn Express. For a cozy evening, indulge in a meal at The Red Lion on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.
To experience the historic charm and modern comforts of The Red Lion Hotel, book your stay now.
Important Information
Please note that there is a charge of GBP 10 for an early check-in before 13:00, Parking is free. Please note there is no elevator access to any of the rooms, accessed through stairs only. If you have mobility issues please contact the hotel prior to booking.
Pets are welcome in the hotel and there is a fee of £30.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Parking is subject to availability due to limited spaces.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Pets allowed
- Non-smoking throughout
- Kid meals
- Adult only
- Pet bowls
- Pet basket
- Cashless payment available
- First aid kit available
- Television in common areas
- Free wired internet
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Reception hall
- Japanese garden
- Secured parking
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe Double Room with Bath
Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room consists of a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels a tea and coffee maker and outdoor furniture. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Standard Single Room
Providing free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This single room features a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and outdoor furniture. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Dining area
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Double Room with Private Bathroom
This double room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as outdoor furniture. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Dining area
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Standard Single Room with Shower
These rooms are set in the oldest part of the building. They have a flat-screen TV with Freeview, and a bathroom with power shower or bath. The bathrooms also have heated towel rails, shaver points and complimentary toiletries.
In your room enjoy a selection of artisan teas and coffee.
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Standard Double Room
These rooms have a flat-screen TV with Freeview, and a bathroom with power shower or bath. The bathrooms also have heated towel rails, shaver points and complimentary toiletries.
In your room enjoy a selection of artisan teas and coffee.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Superior Double Room
These rooms have a flat-screen TV with Freeview, and a bathroom with power shower or bath.
The bathrooms also have heated towel rails, shaver points and complimentary toiletries.
In your room enjoy a selection of artisan teas and coffee.
Please Note-
Standard set up is as a Double Bed.
When booking as child the child price will automatically add the additional bed.
If needing the additional bed, please contact the hotel on 01223 832047 option 3 to confirm with the team prior to arrival
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
Guest Reviews
- Harry (9/5): - Leuk, vriendelijk personeel ontbijt omgeving
- Andrew (10/5): Thank you! - Thank you! N/A
- Broncobuster (6/5): An unhappy place with an attitude issue. - Not much. Breakfasts option very limited and not entirely unfriendly but repeated strange reactions by the staff.
Nearing bar closing time, in the evening, totally inappropriate and unfriendly ushering to close early.
- Tillier (7/5): Ok stay - The garden was nice except there wasn’t any place for a non smoker. Our bedroom 28, we found room was far too small, one chair for two, no cupboards, no storage except for a coat hanger which was at the door.
Shower, I found was small as it one which had the shower right above you. I didn’t want to wash my hair and the result, me standing in the corner to avoid water getting my hair wet.
- Véronique (7/5): -
- Natalka N (9/5): An old and lovely hotel next to the train station - It is a lovely old hotel located next to the train station, but kept very well. Very friendly staff, excellent internet and breakfast. One has to appreciate staying in a 500 years old building, but I liked it. I could hear the noise from the busy road not far away.
- David (9/5): Great place to stay . - Room was clean . Had food in the evening , it was perfect. Nice bar and restaurant area . Breakfast was good . When we got there radiator was on full and the one in the bathroom was also on . It was 20 degrees outside . Window only opened a very small amount so it was hard to get rid of the heat .
- M (8/5): - Great location right by the station, and hearty breakfast
- Tim (7/5): -
- Smith (5/5): Glad it was just four nights. - Fine. Good housekeeping. No hanging space for clothes, light shade falling apsrt, little or no worktop in bathroom. Sink too small, no personnel on hand for checkout. Shouting and foul language from adjacent room
- Julie (3/5): Never again. - Its proximity to things and the free car park. Paid for breakfast and on day one the breakfast was swimming in grease and not at all appealing. Day two the breakfast area was licked up and in darkness so we are currently trying to get a partial refund.
- Ndeshipewa Pengevali (8/5): I enjoyed my stay , the location is the best since it was my 1st time coming to Town. - The carpet not cleaned properly under the bed.
- Kevin (8/5): -
- Joe (6/5): Was greeted well and checked in all ok. When I got up for breakfast there was nobody available and had to go without. Un - Nice place
- Adaze (10/5): Marvellous - Everything Nothing
- Helen (8/5): -
- Wayne (3/5): - Location and staff Food was awful, rice came in a block and pretty much stayed that way, breakfast was bad old wrinkled mushrooms, fried bread was drenched in oil, bacon had white slime on it, I ate the sausage.
- paul (10/5): Nice and clean breakfast was amazing - Breakfast was amazing Expensive
- Paul (10/5): -
- Johan (10/5): -
- Andrea (9/5): - Lovely quaint old building. Food was excellent particularly the fish & chips
- John (8/5): -
- Hillary (8/5): -
- Robert (7/5): Good location - Location is good for train connection into Cambridge It’s not the hotels fault but the road into the hotel can back up with traffic
- John (6/5): -
- Charlotte (9/5): Excellent value for money, friendly, clean and a delicious breakfast. - Beautiful old building, very clean rooms, delicious breakfast, friendly staff. NA
- Harvey (5/5): I remember it in the 50s/60s. - TV didn't work and we were moved to a different room. No dinner but breakfast OK It looked very tired.
- Stephen (9/5): - Great location for transport connections. Friendly and helpful staff. Food is good and reasonably priced.
- James (7/5): Friendly station pub , ideal for overnight stay for work - Staff were very friendly
Food was good, not an extensive menu but fine
Breakfast was good Only thing was I needed the tea bags were not replaced for my second night. Not a big issue but something to improve
- Michael (8/5): -
- David (10/5): Just what you need when on the road - Clean rooms, hot shower & good breakfast good food in the restaurant
- Jason (8/5): -
- Dave (8/5): - The room was clean and comfortable and the food was excellent A bit out of the way
- Helen (9/5): Great - Great location for my work. Lovely refurbished rooms with nice bathrooms
Brilliant breakfast and friendly staff Nil
- Roland (8/5): Perfect for a trip to London with very friendly and helpful staff - Comfortable and clean. Friendly staff.
Retains old world charm. Nothing
- Peter (5/5): Disappointing - Location to the train station The place was closed when we turned up with no indication of it being open. No answer from phone calls. Eventually the ring doorbell worked during I’d that they would be open at 12. This meant worry about not being able to register vehicles in the car park Brie or 11:30 train. When we arrived back staff were less than helpful and the only help on site from 10:30 (when the pub shuts) I’d the chef who sorts on site. None else. When I requested poached eggs on toast for breakfast I was looked at like I was speaking another language. I have cancelled another stay I had booked here for next month.
- andy (5/5): Dissapointing - Was close to the job I was on Accommodation was as i was expecting and okay but the food was substandard I have visited this establishment many times before and always left happy this time was not like the others and as a result I won't be back i feel i would get better value at travel Lodge
- John Green (7/5): -
- Catherine (9/5): Nice stay. Would stay again. - Cheap, clean. great quality breakfast. Friendly staff.
- Alexander (1/5): Ein Desaster - Vereinbart war, dass ich nach 22 Uhr einen Zugang zum Haus und meinem Zimmer erhalten würde. Der Zimmerschlüssel sollte sich im Zimmer befinden.
Der Zugang funktionierte problemlos, allerdings wurde ich nicht einmal nach meinem Namen gefragt.
Das Zimmer war auch offen, allerdings war das Bett nicht gemacht und der Schlüssel nicht auffindbar.
Da ich nicht ausschließen konnte, dass jemand vorher in dem Zimmer war und den Schlüssel mitgenommen hat und vom Hotel niemand erreichbar war, habe ich das Hotel noch in der Nacht verlassen.
- Ken (5/5): Would not stay again nobody to complain too before I left. - Staff ok but nobody around early on to deal with problem Room really small. Really poor shower cold water did not come through so only very hot water meant I couldn’t use the shower properly. Breakfast everything really sweet in the cereal and juice selection.
- Sarah (7/5): -
- John (7/5): -
- Mary (5/5): It is a very old building we stayed because it was close to Papworth Hospital - The staff were excellent. The food in the evening was well prepared and presented. Apple crumble came in a dish that was very hot on the outside but unfortunately wasn’t hot all the way through. Quality of crumble was excellent shame it was cold in the centre Our room was cold and in the morning the shower was luke warm. Also didn’t like the service charge on our meal. We spoke to one of the staff in the morning and told him about cold room. He said the room he was in was toasty so guess we must have been unfortunate. Would certainly put us off staying again in winter.
- Margaret (5/5): Disappointed - Car park far away. Not secure.
Broken blind cord.
Chipped glass shade on bedside lamp.
Everything felt a bit grubby.
Long wait for breakfast.
- Irons (7/5): -
- Maxine (4/5): -
- Paul (8/5): More than adequate - Just enough for a one night stay travelling for work
- Julie (7/5): -
- Aled (10/5): -
- Phillip (10/5): -
- Frank (8/5): -
- Neil (5/5): - Breakfast was decent. Didn't see staff until the last day - everything was via a phone number and ring bell service which didn't always work
- Stephen (8/5): Enjoyable stay in moderately updated fifteenth century coaching inn, - Described as a 1th century coaching inn and hence a listed building the facilities are restricted. If you value period features and don't mind the restrictions it is an excellent place to stay. You can walk to IWM Duxford in half an hour: nice if the weather suits! Food and drink excellent Diverse client4ele led to interesting discussions. The shower bath was something of a shock, but acceptable in light of heritage restrictions.
- Peter (8/5): Apart from shortcomings on room service, a very good "pub hotel" with excellent location. - Dinner and breakfast were very good. Chef Phillip is ex-Michellin Star chef and very good Room service. Room was not made-up overnight. This was discussed with the owner, Alex, who is aware of the staffing problem and is taking steps to sort it out.
- Hilary (9/5): Gem of a find ! - Great location for Duxford. Staff pleasant and attentive without being overbearing.
Nice bar, good food.
at dinner and breakfast.
Parking on-site.
Room cosy , clean and warm. Think the tea/coffee on room hadn't been topped up, but not really a problem !
- Daniel (10/5): -
- Linda (2/5): Would never stay again, Campbell was very helpful but couldn’t resolve had bad the breakfast xx - The rooms were warm The breakfast was the worst breakfast I’ve had when I complained we were told the pot wash cooked it as the chief wasn’t in
- James (7/5): -
- Vincent (10/5): -
- Doyst (2/5): I won't be going back. - The stories this Fawlty Towers inspired place has given me! It was poor from start to finish. Freezing cold. Very poor (undercooked) food. Boiling hot shower that literally exploded cold water. No genuine apology until I emailed.
Upon emailing and acknowledging the issues was offered 50% off a next stay!
- Susan (8/5): Great place to stay - It was very well located- lovely staff and comfortable Unfortunately when we stayed the heating boiler had broken. But they bent over backwards to make us comfortable with portable heating.
- Tim (7/5): -
- Kathrin (1/5): Terrible communication - I cannot give any review of the hotel because I was unable to access my room. I arrived at around 10pm having informed them of my arrival time but there was no one there when I arrived and the place was in total darkness. I had no prior information as to how to access the room out of hours. The main door was locked but was opened when I pressed the door bell however no one was inside and reception shut. I tried calling and left messages but no one has responded. I also emailed and phoned again this morning having driven more than 2 hours back home. My plans for today have been ruined.
- Abby (9/5): - Lovely hotel good room with the bath
- Adrian (8/5): Excellent - Location for London train excellent All good
- place (6/5): - Starter was cold, fish wasn't cooked correctly. Really disappointed as I was there 3 weeks ago and the food was amazing
- John (10/5): -
- steve (9/5): Would love to stay here again and would recomend to others- would bring my family here. - Young lady serving at the bar and checking me in was lovely. She managed the bar well and seemed to manage other staff somewhat as they had a big party arriving around 7pm
Lovely rooms decorated well. Clean, warm and comfortable.
Bar and restaurant area very nice Guest wifi poor and mobile signal poor in the area-
- Jennifer (10/5): Ŵould highly recommend - Surprisingly fabulous! Liked everything
- Martin (10/5): -
- David (8/5): A one night stay in a worthwhile hotel. Facilities were perfect for me. - Great bar staff and evening food excellent.
Room was clean and tidy. Really quick hot water for shower.
Breakfast was great.
What more can you ask for? Reasonable prices. Parking is a little confusing.
- John (10/5): - Friendly hard working staff Confusion over parking.
- Sakibu (8/5): -
- place (10/5): - Staff was very welcoming and the food was amazing
- Kerrie (10/5): Would definitely stay again - Was very cosy and welcoming.
Food was amazing Nothing
- Jonathan (8/5): Pleasant. - Friendly staff. Telephone calls prior to visit, and messages left were not answered.
We parked car immediately outside front door on arrival. It was there for 24 minutes as we unloaded and registered. We were then told the car park was at the rear, so moved the car. I have now recieved a parking fine as apparently the space outside Red Lion front door belongs to Holiday Inn.
We saw no sign about parking (it was dark) and I have appealed the parking fine.
This is most unsatisfactory.
- Katharine (8/5): -
- Wilkinson (6/5): OK, but wouldnt choose to stay there again. - They stall tried hard. the location is good and the quality of the food is good. Not well organised. The food in the restaurant was good but many people had to chase their orders. Strarters came out out after mains. 45 min wait for food in a restaurant that was less than a quarter full. A breakfast the policy is one small cup of coffee if you want a refill it costs.
- Ken (6/5): Breakfast service was very poor, run by kids who didn’t have clue - Character
- John (8/5): All good, I'll be back - Loved room 19, infinitely better than the room 13 where I usually end up! Nothing to say here
- Tanya (2/5): -
- Adrian (9/5): - The staff were very helpful. Breakfast was very good The evening meal availability was not explained at all. There was a big party in so I had to wait for my meal. But by the time I'd finished, I couldn't have a sweet. Not sure why.
- helen (7/5): -
- Christopher (8/5): - Shower didn’t drain
- Andrew (10/5): - Nice hotel
- Paula (6/5): - parking was complicated and potentially expensive. we did eventually find a free parking space but needed to register the car first on one screen, which allowed us two hours and then had to move the car and register again on another screen to park overnight. The evening meal was ok although heavy on the salt. Breakfast was disappointing with overcooked egg and undercooked mushroom.
The room was clean but cramped with the tv screen jutting into the en suite doorway
- John (1/5): I was given a refund of the balance against the room I was allocated ( £45) - Nice place, very old. I specifically booked a regency room for my visit. On arrival my room had be given to one of the wedding party guests.
- John (10/5): - This is a delightful old coaching inn, with half-timbered and panelled interiors: very quaint and cosy. Its location on the A505 and next to the railway station is great, and it is not noisy. The garden is lovely too. Breakfast is included in the room rate. If you were to buy breakfast separately in their cafe, as a walk-in customer, it would be £10 each. So that makes the room rate even better value. The dinners offered in the pub restaurant are excellent. We are vegetarians and there were good choices; I expect that guests with other dietary requirements would be well served too. We've stayed here twice now and would do so again, it's a bit of a hidden gem. I can't fault it.
- Noel (10/5): -
- Miss Jane (8/5): - The staff were very friendly and accommodating, and made you feel welcome. Slight hic cup regatding my room, but it was soon sorted and i enjoyed rest of my stay. Thankyou.
- Joss (8/5): -
- Keith (4/5): - 2 girls working in bar were excellent. We found the rest of the staff were not really bothered about guests. Room wasn’t serviced too well, no tea or milk replaced. We were not able to get a meal on our second night as there was a wedding going on and when the chef was asked if we could have meals for 4 adults he refused us, if we hadn’t had a car we would not have had a meal as we had to find somewhere else. The breakfast on the first morning was really awful and not edible by any of us and the service was poor. A very disappointing stay and not really something we would repeat or recommend to others. Really spoilt a good birthday weekend. An amazing building but needs a lot of updates and staff training. We paid a good rate for our rooms and it was not good value in any way.
- Paul (10/5): - Quite a large garden area ideal for exercising the dog comfortable rooms
- Michael (8/5): - Good location although there is a bit of road noise from the A505. A good breakfast was included in the price. Room was clean and comfy.
- Sharon (4/5): -
- Stephen (3/5): would not want to stay here again - Fortunately we did find one young lady who seemed to understand the systems etc. Lack of staff training.
Cremated Breakfast
Car Parking complications
- David (6/5): Okay but things to improve - Friendly staff. Atmospheric traditional hotel. Not all rooms were cleaned (hairs in bed, toilet dirty). Some rooms were very small. Beds fine but not wide enough.
- Stuart (8/5): - Single night stay, fantastic service, fantastic room, glfantastic food.
- Julie (10/5): - Great food at dinner and breakfast however the room was freezing cold as hotel have not turned heat in yet . Portable radiator in room was on high the entire stay. Little things such as toilet running all night , heated towel rail broken. Could stay again IF other rooms had heat.
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