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
Excellent tour guide
Our tour guide Rita was welcoming. She ensured that everyone who had booked was present before setting off. There was a small group of participants, smaller than I had anticipated, which made it easier for the group to stay together. Rita had a detailed knowledge of the places we visited, including some quirky facts which were fun to learn. This was the free tour, with the ability to give tips at the end. I wished I had more to give as Rita definitely deserved it. The walked lasted just under two hours and was a good experience. I would highly recommend it. The only slightly confusing part was that the initial meeting point didn't look the same as the photo sent by Footprints as the shop fronts have changed since it was taken, so we needed to ask someone which lamppost we should be standing beside.
Mark was a great tour guide
Mark was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining.. He kinda customised his storyline based on where the tourist came from making it very relatable.. I wish him all the best
Great guided tour
Highly informative tour from Hermione. She is highly knowledgeable and it's great to get an alumni perspective. It was a nice smaller group also which made walking around less overwhelming. I would highly recommend this tour for anybody visiting Cambridge.
Historical fun in Cambridge
Fantastic, informative and fun tour led by Mark. He was great with historical facts and visual prompts. Mark rembered everyone's name and country of origin (8 of us). We throughly enjoyed the whole and extended tour.....thank you
Excellent tour guide & tour
The meeting point was extremely busy with several other tours being in the same vicinity. Thanks to a phone call we realised we were only 10M from Rachel our tour guide with this tour, thanks for the call, was very good service. Rachel was excellent, very informative, great sense of humour & personable. The other tours had large groups of people but we were a small group of 6 which made for great conversation & sharing information. The many questions that were asked, Rachel provided lots of detail & great history of Cambridge. It was a really good tour. The Kings college chapel is a must visit at the end of tour if you haven't been before. We wish Rachel all the best in your studies to becoming a vet.