Cambridge University With Alumni: Optional Kings College Entrance
Description
Enter King’s College! Established by King Henry VI, with successive King’s providing more ambitious additions (hence the name). The chapel has the largest vaulted ceiling in the world and even a Rubens, once the most expensive painting ever purchased. It is easy to see why numerous Kings and Queens have visited, and why your visit cannot be complete without entering! This tour will introduce you to the crucial role of Cambridge in world history and highlight the city’s architectural wonders, with our University guides. On top of this, the tour will enter King’s College! Sites covered include the oldest church in Cambridge (1033), the oldest College (1284) and the laboratory famous for the discovery of DNA. Along with Cambridge landmarks such as the Mathematical Bridge and Senate house where graduation has been held for the past 300 years. Additionally, our student guides will share their experiences of the college system and let you into local secrets.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please ensure you are on the correct tour by asking the guide at the start, as multiple tours leave from the same starting point.
- No health restrictions
Reviews(2,298)
Mark gave us a wonderful guide throughout the tour. He gave was interesting and relevant information with a touch of fine English humor and his personal take on events. Our family (including two teenagers) agreed unanimously that this was a very worthwhile experience.
We had the most incredible two hour tour of Cambridge University with Sonia, who was truly exceptional from start to finish. Our group ranged from a 14‑year‑old to a 75‑year‑old, and every single person was completely engaged the entire time — which says everything about how talented she is as a guide. Sonia blended deep, fascinating knowledge with humour, intellect, and brilliant storytelling, making every stop feel alive and interesting. From exploring Trinity College, crossing the bridge to The Backs, admiring the Mathematical Bridge, hearing the history of Queens’ College and wandering past the Cavendish science building where electrons and protons were discovered, she filled the tour with facts and insights that were both captivating and easy to follow. You never felt rushed, and everyone was able to walk comfortably and enjoy the experience. The pay‑what-you-think-it’s-worth model is such a clever and refreshing approach and honestly, Sonia’s tour was worth every bit of praise and more. She was simply outstanding. If you’re visiting Cambridge, do yourself a favour and book a tour with Sonia. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll love every minute.
The Tour was very interesting and Anabelle really knows her business. I would totaly recommend!
Annabell was an amazing, friendly and funny guide who gave us tons of infos while also sharing a lot of entertaining inside infos and was open for any questions. The 2 hours went by really fast. Would recommend!! Thank you Annabell!
A really interesting walk that gave a mix of history, life as a student as well quirky, humorous content. Very enjoyable and well worth the 2 hours of time. Charlotte was an excellent communicator!
Interesting and engaging tour. Mark was very knowledgeable about the history of Cambridge, including its most intriguing and often overlooked details. Overall, this was quite an eye-opening experience.
Cybil (spelling?) was excellent, passionate, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the tour and learnt a lot!
Our guide, Will, was very knowledgeable, well spoken and approachable, it was a great amount of time for the tour and we really enjoyed our time with him.
We had such a wonderful tour of Cambridge with Mark and would absolutely recommend him to anyone visiting Cambridge. From the very beginning, the history was brought to life in such an engaging, relaxed and enjoyable way. Mark is incredibly knowledgeable, but what makes the tour really special is the way he shares that knowledge as it never feels like a history lesson, but rather like a fascinating conversation full of stories, humour and little details that make you see Cambridge differently. It is very clear that Mark not only knows Cambridge extremely well, but truly loves the city and what he does. We laughed so much throughout the tour, learned a huge amount, and honestly didn’t want it to end. The time went by far too quickly. Thank you, Mark, for such a memorable, warm and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It was one of the highlights of our visit to Cambridge and we would happily do another tour with you.
We had the joy of being shown round by Mark. The tour was both engaging and full of an abundance of historical and fun facts!
