Cambridge University Walking Tour
Description
We’ve been leading our acclaimed Christian Heritage guided walks for over 25 years, and work with a dedicated team of local guides to bring you a small-group walking experience which is personal, engaging and unforgettable. We aim to give you a feel for some of Cambridge's most iconic and influential spots, both on and off the beaten track. Our approach is a little different from a standard tourist tour: we believe that ideas matter, and focus on how a small number of big ideas have shaped the university over eight eventful centuries. Weaving together stories about the Cambridge characters who transformed the world (such as Isaac Newton, William Wilberforce and John Milton), our guides will lead you through subjects such as the emergence of the university from Christian monasteries, the Protestant Reformation, the development of modern science, movements for the rule of law and religious freedom, and the campaign to abolish the British slave trade.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Please note that the below itinerary provides an example of places often visited on the tour, but the route may vary to provide you with the best tour possible on any given day.
We start at the Round Church, Cambridge's quirkiest (and, we think, most beautiful) church building, which predates the university. The church houses an exhibition and 20-minute film, and access to these are included in guided walk tickets.
We typically start by venturing down to the River Cam, where a clear sense of the town's origins can be gained at Magdalene Bridge.
Tours are sometimes able to go inside 1-2 colleges, but this is not always possible and we cannot guarantee this. Magdalene College, where C.S. Lewis was based during his time in Cambridge, can also be viewed from the Quayside.
We stop to admire the exterior of the chapel and gatehouse of St John’s College.
We view the gatehouse of Trinity College, and Isaac Newton’s apple tree.
We spend some time surrounded by the central University buildings: the University church, the Senate House, and Cambridge University Press bookshop, as well as the beautiful Gonville and Caius College.
Opposite Great St Mary's Church is the University Senate House, where students graduate.
We view the exterior of King's College, including the magnificent chapel, from King's Parade.
We aim to give you a feel for some of Cambridge's most iconic and influential spots, both on and off the beaten track. Tours sometimes visit the Church of St Edward King and Martyr, where it is claimed the first Protestant sermon was preached in England.
We visit one of the newer additions to Cambridge's historic King's Parade and explore its significance.
We stop to admire the tower of St Bene't's, which is the oldest building in Cambridge, dating from c.1020.
Opposite St Bene't's we see The Eagle pub.
We venture to the Old Cavendish Laboratory, site of significant scientific work and discoveries.
Tours are sometimes able to go inside 1-2 colleges, but this is not always possible and we cannot guarantee this.
Tours are sometimes able to go inside 1-2 colleges, but this is not always possible and we cannot guarantee this.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough walkers (2) to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- While we try our best to visit colleges as part of the tour, it is not always possible to go inside college grounds and we cannot guarantee this. Tours will not be able to enter colleges during University exam term (late April to end of June). The tour route takes you through the centre of Cambridge, which includes viewing the exteriors of several colleges.
- Due to college restrictions, visitors with dogs will need to remain outside any colleges visited.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- The tour involves walking at a moderate to fast pace – please contact the provider to arrange a private tour if you require a slower walking pace.
- Not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Reviews(345)
Wonderful tour, Dave was amazing!
We are so glad you had a good time on your tour with us - thank you!
Very interesting. Our guide was so knowledgeable about so much. Wrap up well (we weren’t expecting it to be so cold).
Thanks for your review - we are glad you enjoyed your tour!
A brillant tour with a brilliant guide. Thank you Ian Cooper (i hope i got his first name right) We learnt so much in our almost 2 hour tour.
Thanks for your kind feedback - we are so glad you enjoyed your tour with Ian!
Our guide was fantastic - he was incredibly knowledgeable and seemed truly interested in the history of the area as well as personally invested in the preservation of the church. You simply cannot replicate this via a booklet, AI, or a guide who is blurting out memorized talking points.
Thanks so much for your positive feedback - this is so great to hear! We hope you enjoyed your time in Cambridge.
Delightful walking tour that was really informative. Our guide, John, was a font of interesting facts. As it is exam season we could only go into 1 of the free to enter colleges but found out so much about the history of the Uni and its colleges, alumni and supporters. There were only 7 of us on the tour, and it lasted for 2 hours 15 minutes. I think the instructions say that it ends where it starts which wasn't correct, but it wasn't an issue for us.
Thanks so much for your kind review - we are so glad that you enjoyed your time on the tour!
Excellent guide Jo with a small group. A mix of history and influence of religion- relevant in this seat of learning. Beautiful buildings and good ideas for more activities
Great to hear you enjoyed your tour with us - thanks for your review!
A small group and an excellent guide. Jo gave us a clear and interesting tour making historical and Christian connections.
We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your tour with us last week - thanks for letting us know.
Jon was a fabulous guide. Knowledge and entertaining. Pace was brisk but he allowed for slower walkers in our group. Absolutely loced this tour. Thank you Jon!
Thanks for your review - we are so glad you enjoyed your tour!
An enthralling guide to Cambridge through the ages with expert and engaging enthusiast David. Can highly recommend!
Great to hear you had such a good time on your tour - thanks for passing on your review!
John was an excellent, knowledgable guide who made the tour really interesting and fun. We learned a great deal about the history of Cambridge University and the many students who have made contributions to arts and sciences. Highly recommended.
Thanks for your review!
