Cambridge University Walking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore historic King's College Chapel
- Learn about famous alumni like Sir Isaac Newton
- Discover the secrets of the Mathematical Bridge
- Stroll through the picturesque Backs of the colleges
- Hear intriguing tales of student life and traditions
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour with a Cambridge alumnus
- Optional entrance to King's College Chapel
- Insightful commentary on university history and architecture
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Itinerary
Without a doubt, the highlight of your tour will be entering the stunning King’s College Chapel. The foundation stone was laid by King Henry VI himself, and successive English kings providing more and more ambitious additions (hence the name!). The chapel is home to the largest fan vaulted ceiling in the world, its is adorned with majestic stained glass windows, and there is even a Rubens painting (once the most expensive painting ever purchased).
Peterhouse was the first College of the university, funded in 1284. The group will stop outside where you can admire the splendid College Chapel and learn more about famous students such as the poet Thomas Gray.
The tour will stop outside of Pembroke College - the third oldest College in Cambridge - where our knowledgeable student guide will tell you about its history, including details about the College's Chapel, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. While admission is free the College doesn't admit groups larger than 6, hence we suggest that you return here after the tour with all the historical insight in mind.
First we will have a look inside the Great Court of Corpus, then our student guide will tell you about the history of this famous College.
The Mathematical Bridge is one of the most recognized bridges at Cambridge and it has a rather strange origin story. Our student guide will tell you the popular legend, then clarify what the actual origins of the bridge were.
The group will stop by the entrance to Clare College on the 'Backs' - the local name of the path leading behind the central Colleges - where you will learn about its history. Additionally at this stop, our guide will highlight the University Library just across the road.
This bridge provides a beautiful view of the River Cam. On the right hand side you will see the bridge of Clare College, the oldest bridge of Cambridge. Straight ahead there is the stunning Jerwood Library of Trinity Hall, which was designed to look like a ship! It's a must do photo stop!
Outside the Senate House our student guide will tell you all the peculiar details of the graduation ceremony in Cambridge, which have been held in Senate House for the past 300 years.
The famous neighbor and rival of Trinity College. Here you will learn about its reputation and about the special privilege the College's fellows share with the Royal Family.
The tour will finish by Trinity College where you will learn more about famous alumni such as Sir Isaac Newton and Prince Charles. You will see 'the apple tree' and hear the comically unbelievable story behind the statue of Henry VIII above the gate.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
- Optional entrance to King's College Chapel may require an additional fee.
- Meeting point details will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestone streets.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Please ensure you are on the correct tour by asking the guide at the start, as multiple tours leave from the same starting point.
Traveler reviews
Disappointed
Solomon We left the tour after 5 minutes due to his attitude. Trying to do comic turn rather than a tour. Of the 13 at the start of the tour we saw him with only four people and dog later.
Fantastic tour with Mark
Our tour with Mark was excellent! Mark really brought the city to life with great facts and surprising stories that you won’t forget. The tour was an extra half an hour so we really felt like we had had the chance to explore the area fully. Mark was funny and incredibly knowledgeable! Remember to take cash as he really earned his tip.
Unique walking tour of Cambridge
Mark is an excellent guide: charismatic, well-informed, engaging and passionate about Cambridge and its history. He fully engaged the entire group throughout his talk and his humour, anecdotes and wit were ‘second to none’! !
Mark is Phenomenal
Mark was a fantastic guide in Cambridge! My family and I were thoroughly entertained! Mark is not only knowledgeable about the history and kept us interested, but personalized the tour based on the group we had. Best walking tour we’ve ever been a part of.
Great time in Cambridge
We just finished the tour with Mark who made the whole experience wonderful!! The tour was engaging, funny, and full of history of Cambridge , the city and the university. Mark does an amazing job interacting with the tour group and holding everyone’s attention for the entire two hours. His pride in Cambridge makes the experience very personal . I would highly recommend this tour .