Cambridge University Walking Tour: Uncover 8 Centuries of History and Influence
4.9
200 Ratings
Cambridgeshire
Uncover 8 centuries of history and influence on a walking tour of Cambridge University. Explore the key ideas, people, and movements that shaped this world-class institution. Book now!
Duration:
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

We’ve been leading guided walks for over twenty years and make a real effort to give you the chance to encounter Cambridge in all its fullness. We start at the Round Church, Cambridge’s quirkiest (and, we think, most beautiful) Church building, which predates the earliest college (Peterhouse, 1284) by 150 years. After an introduction to the building’s 800-year history, we venture down to the river, where a clear sense of the town’s origins can be gained at Magdalene Bridge. We are on friendly terms with a number of Cambridge colleges and, while we cannot guarantee college entrance on any given day, most walks enter two to three colleges to gain some perspective on Cambridge’s distinctive, college-based university structure. We aim to give you a feel for some of Cambridge’s most iconic and influential spots, both on and off the beaten track. These include the University Church (Great St. Mary’s), the Senate House, the Cambridge University Press bookshop, the Church of Saint Edward King and Martyr, the Eagle Pub and the Cavendish Laboratory. We are often happy to adapt the places we visit to your interests and, of course, love to attempt valiantly to answer your hardest questions about Cambridge. We look forward to seeing you on the University Walk!

Points of Interest

  • The Round Church
What's Included
  • Entrance fee included for the Round Church Visitor Centre.
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup
Additional Information

Discover how a marshy medieval settlement transformed into a globally acclaimed university city on the University Walk, led by our personable local guides. Learn about the influential ideas, figures and episodes that have shaped Cambridge University and its constituent colleges over a span of 800 history-rich years. Our journey commences at the distinguished 12th-century Round Church, followed by a tour of the city’s historical heart, shedding light on the profound impact of Christianity on Cambridge University’s narrative. The University Walk starts at 2:15pm from within the Round Church, lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours. Entry to the exhibits at the Round Church Visitor Centre is bundled with the walk fee.

Please note: due to college shutdowns during the exam season, our walks are unable to access any colleges from the start of May till the end of June.

  • 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
  • Guides will move swiftly between sights in order to provide a full tour experience: if you require a slower pace, please contact provider to arrange a private walk.
  • Not recommend for those with walking problems.
Location
The Round Church
Bridge Street
We meet inside the Round Church on Bridge Street.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(200 Ratings)
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Ruthl2602
Apr 28, 2024
The best tour we’ve been on. - Bobby gave us a comprehensive and entertaining talk which lasted 2 hours and went by so fast!. He was concise, articulate and knew Cambridge history well. We learned so much and was able to visit 2 university chapels as well as some The Round Church. Superb value. Would definitely recommend. Thank you Bobby.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist67318716040
Apr 27, 2024
Excellent tour - Excellent tour most informative. Would highly recommend. Learnt a lot about the city. Shame some of the colleges where shut but still very good
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Nikharr2020
Apr 22, 2024
Excellent guided walk - The tour was a lovely walk across the campuses with a very knowledgeable and affable guide . Some great history and insights to the different campuses .
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Jennifer-courtney
Apr 17, 2024
Not your typical walking tour - This is NOT your typical tour at all! This tour provided a detailed understanding of Cambridge’s history, seen through the lens of various historical university alumni (e.g., Byron, Darwin) as you stroll around several of the colleges. And, John’s storytelling was witty, interesting, and captivating. Loved how he tied religious ideals with the history of the city.
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Jasenka_n
Apr 9, 2024
…some additional details about the britisch history; amaizing tour! Very inspired for teenager for more motivation… - Fantastic tour with gorgeous very educated guide, John. We found out some more details from the britisch history. For our teenager it was a good motivation to reach A-level to be qualified to study (maybe) od Trinity- or Kingscollege… We are all very impressed of Cambridge.
Review provided by Viator
John_a
Apr 5, 2024
Fantastic walking tour of Cambridge with John. - Brilliant walking tour, John was fantastic, so knowledgeable and made the history of Cambridge come to life. We learnt a great deal and cannot thank him enough.
Review provided by Viator
Sheilaa114
Apr 5, 2024
A fascinating and very informative tour of Cambridge University - This small group tour was led by John a very enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable speaker about the history of Cambridge both a as a town and a seat of learning. We learnt how the university began and its impact on the Christian reformation, ending of the slave trade, scientific discoveries etc including many details brought to our attention on statues and plaques on college buildings. We went inside Magdalene and Sidney Sussex college grounds and chapels. The tour lasted 2 and a half hours and was fascinating throughout and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole group.
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Alan_d
Apr 2, 2024
A walk through history - A great walk full of interesting buildings and stories. Great guide who made the tour very enjoyable I'd recommend the tour to everyone who wants to add to their knowledgr of Cambridge's history.
Review provided by Viator
N2717tjlyndam
Mar 25, 2024
Fascinating tiur! - John, our tour guide, entertained us with many facts and amusing stories about Cambridge's history. He is a dynamic presenter who's passionate about Cambridge. Our sixteen year old granddaughter also thought it was great. We highly recommend this tour!
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Alexandrafq2642fw
Mar 8, 2024
Very informative Tour - Wonderful and very informative tour with John. We learned a lot about the colleges and scholars that lived here and the about the groundbreaking scientific inventions made here.
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1 Adult
May 2024
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