Cambridge Science Tour: Explore the Legacy of Eminent Scientists at Cambridge University
5.0
31 Ratings
Cambridgeshire
Discover the impressive history of science at Cambridge University. Explore the stories and scientific discoveries of eminent scientists such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, and Stephen Hawking on this engaging walking tour.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Gonville and Caius College - We begin our tour with Stephen Hawking. Outside the college where he was employed, we discuss his life and time here in Cambridge.
- Corpus Clock - Learn about the mechanics of the hypnotic Corpus Clock and the strange creature which eats it.
- The Eagle - Discover the story of Rosalind Franklin and the controversy around the discovery of the structure of DNA at the site where Crick & Watson announced they had found the ‘secret of life’.
- West Hub - Hear about the lab group which has almost thirty Nobel Prize winners to its name at the site where some of the greatest scientific discoveries of the last one hundred and fifty years have occurred. Including James Clerk Maxwell, Ernest Rutherford and Dorothy Hodgkin.
- Peterhouse - Discover the famous alumni and scientists of Peterhouse - the oldest college in Cambridge.
- Mathematical Bridge - Learn about and see an incredible feat of engineering at the Mathematical Bridge.
- Darwin College - Learn about the life of Charles Darwin and his time here in Cambridge at the college where his son and grandchildren once lived.
- King’s College - Overlooking King’s from the Backs, discover the incredible and tragic story of the code-breaker and father of computer science Alan Turing.
- The Backs - We stroll along the idyllic Backs towards the other side of the river and the centre of town.
- St. John’s College - At one of the most famous colleges in Cambridge, hear about the famous scientists and alumni of St John’s including Paul Dirac.
- Trinity College - The college with the most Nobel Prize winners and the college of Isaac Newton, we finish our tour with the breathtaking history of science at Trinity College - right next to Newton’s ‘apple tree’.
What's Included
- Cambridge University Student Guide
What's Not Included
- Entry / Admission to Colleges
- Entry to research facilities / departments
Additional Information
Experience the rich scientific heritage of Cambridge University through our walking tour. Some of the world’s greatest scientists including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, and Stephen Hawking have called Cambridge home. This tour illuminates their journeys, academic achievements, and experiences within this historic city. Witness the location where the atom was first split, and the pub where the breakthrough of DNA’s structure was proclaimed. Also, visit numerous university colleges where these eminent scientists resided and furthered their research. Our tour guides are all affiliated with Cambridge University. We limit our tour groups to 12 individuals to ensure a personalised experience. Further details about private tours can be obtained through our website or by contact via email.
Location
Great St Mary's
Senate House Hill
Our guide will meet you outside Great St Mary's Church. Look out for the white umbrella!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(31 Ratings)
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Scandinavleah
Apr 8, 2024
Great tour guide - The tour guide was so nice and went out of her way to help us meet up with the tour group when we were late. She was so passionate about science which made the tour truly enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
973elsbethd
Apr 6, 2024
Apple myths dispelled! - The walking tour was exactly as described, 90 min + filled with information about the colleges, its history of Royal inception, its scientists, and their achievements. Rowena told the Cambridge story well, balancing fact with historic anecdotes. A few myths were dispelled! Rowena met us exactly on time, doing her very best to contact latecomers, whom she directed to a convenient meeting place rather than delay the start of the tour. The walk was extensive through the town centre, with regular stops outside of Colleges, research bldgs or scenic points. Wear good walking shoes, and feel free to ask questions as Rowena is very knowledgeable, well versed in the history and lore of Cambridge through the ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lessontoolbox
Apr 5, 2024
Fantastic science tour of Cambridge - Very friendly, knowledgable and enthusiastic tour guide. We learned a lot about the history of Cambridge, the university, and the scientific history of the colleges. We highly recommend the tour. It makes so much more of a trip to the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
849alanj
Mar 25, 2024
A must for your Cambridge Visit - We found this really enjoyable. Our guide was super knowledgeable about all the historical achievements made in science at Cambridge University and the history which makes up all the colleges.
Its a great way to understand the city and better than just wondering around with a guidebook.
Would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Cambridge
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabrina_w
Mar 24, 2024
A great science tour engaging and interesting - To see the Cavendish Labs and the Corpus Clock together with all the Colleges and Churches. The guide was very professional, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. A great experience all together.
Review provided by Viator
Ellen_b
Mar 24, 2024
Phenomenal tour. - Phenomenal tour. Rowena was a great tour guide. So knowledgeable about Cambridge University history, the university system and the history of science in Cambridge. Very fun. Great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Sandra
Mar 17, 2024
Brilliant tour - Really enjoyable tour - lots of interesting facts about scientists, history and Cambridge. Rowena was a brilliant tour guide - knowledgeable and captivating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_h
Mar 2, 2024
Cambridge gig and tour - Excellent, from the induction talk, for one and a half hours of the tour containing really good detail information and facts tight up to the end of the tour.
The Guide is a credit to have on your tour portfolio.
Review provided by Viator
Lynsx5319gk
Feb 26, 2024
Fantastic tour - Fantastic tour, really interesting, well presented and organised. Very friendly tour guide and lots of opportunities to ask questions. Thoroughly enjoyed by adults and teens. Well worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawn_c
Feb 24, 2024
Very interesting and informative - Our tour guide, Rowena is so knowledgeable and she shares her knowledge with such joy and genuine interest. I learned and saw so much that I would not have had I self-guided with a book or Google. After the tour, I walked it again on my own to absorb more of the information she shared with us. Our tour was just 6 people which was nice. I saw some of the other much larger tours and was grateful for ours. We had lots of time to ask questions and hear the historical stories. Very highly recommend.
Dawn from Canada
Review provided by Viator
