The Original Uncomfortable Cambridge Tour™: An Academic Exploration of Historical Controversies
4.9
38 Ratings
Cambridgeshire

Our exploratory trips are based on academic studies and steered by authorities in the field. They involve lively debates about historical recollections, contentious figures and items, and the effects of colonial rule on the city and university.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • King’s College - Meet your student guide at the front of King’s College
  • Great St Mary’s Church (Church of England) - Our first stop is Great St. Mary’s Church to learn about the medieval tensions between the city and the university
  • Trinity Hall - In front of the Old Schools building, we will discuss problematic donations to the university
  • The Backs - Learn about the English Civil War and the legacy of Oliver Cromwell
  • Darwin College - Review map of Colleges, opposite site of former New Hall College, now Darwin College, and learn about the journey of women as they fought to become full members of the university
  • Queens’ College - Discuss the history of black students at Cambridge University
  • St Catharine’s College - Stop at St. Catharine’s College to discuss controversies over histories of enslavement and object repatriation
  • King’s College - Finsh where we started to discuss LGBTQIA+ histories and memory
What's Included
  • Exclusive insider access to Cambridge University with a student guide
  • Discover the university’s history, architecture, and student traditions
  • Unique anecdotes and personal stories from your student guide
  • Visit famous colleges and landmarks including King’s College Chapel and the Senate House
  • Opportunity to visit the interior of selected colleges, subject to availability
  • Gain insights into the daily life of Cambridge students
  • Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience
  • Question and answer session with the student guide
What's Not Included
  • Admission to Trinity Hall, Newham College, Queens’ College, St. Catharine’s College, King’s College
Additional Information
  • Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty walking
Location
King's College, Cambridge
King's Parade
Guide will be wearing a green vest and carrying a tote bag with the Uncomfortable Cambridge logo.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(38 Ratings)
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Valentingienal
Apr 2, 2024
Great tour to learn MORE about Cambridge - Great insights across Cambridge its history and also wider UK! Peach was very knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jesslc353nb
Mar 31, 2024
Great way to explore Cambridge in an unconventional way! - The tour was wonderful. We actually signed up without reading detailed descriptions so we didn't know what to expect on the day. The tour lasted for 1.5 hours and was very informative. A friendly tour guide Peach uncovered the 'ugly' history of Cambridge while walking us through the stunning views. Any discussions and opinions are welcome during the tour and this is a great way to learn more about this city and reflect on its history. Definitely recommend it to all who want to explore this city in an unconventional way!
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P6465puvalentinal
Mar 9, 2024
High quality tour that touches the major highlights of Cambridge but doesn't tell you the usual stuff. Totally recommend - Our guide was super competent and entertaining! Would recommend this tour to anybody who wants to know more about the uncomfortable truths behind the city of Cambridge and explore the origins of the town vs gown frictions.
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I1378mrandrewh
Oct 15, 2023
An excellent informative and provocative tour. - Our guide, Rose, was well prepared and very informative. In addition to providing information, questions were asked of the tour group that required them to reflect on the moral and ethical issues raised by the tour. In particular these were in relation to historical sexism and racism at Cambridge, and the university’s links with slavery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H7797fxnataliam
Oct 9, 2023
Loved it. Want more. Thank you!!! - Thank you! It was an engaging and inspiring tour. I loved every minute of it. Hope I can attend more.
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Erc0lan0
Oct 1, 2023
Insightful, informative and enjoyable tour - Our guide, Rose, was excellent, leading a fascinating, thought-provoking tour with interactive discussion and debate, examining the history of this 800 years old institution and some aspects of its "uncomfortable" past.
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Y8889hmlizm
Aug 14, 2023
Empire tour. - An excellent tour on the theme of Empire. I enjoyed the way it was presented as a discussion rather than a lecture. I came away with much to think about.
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Christianeax5664mw
Aug 9, 2023
A different way to see Cambridge - Disclaimer: I am definitely someone who has and to a certain degree still does romantise Cambridge. Thus I wanted to go on this tour as I am well aware that there is more to Cambridge that what first meets the eye. This tour gets you thinking and gives you another perspective on Cambridge. I enjoyed that it was not just a tour but we were asked our opinions. It added an extra dimension listening to my fellow participants and. their views. I definitely recommend this tour for everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolasf610
May 8, 2023
A different way to see Cambridge - We did the British Empire tour as a family with our 3 kids aged 25,22 and 18. Very interesting perspective on the history of Cambridge and very good discussions with Ranjini. We recommend.
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Londonevi
May 1, 2023
Great and unique experience - Knowing Cambridge from visiting as a tourist a couple of times and then as a parent of a student I was not sure what to expect from the tour. The existing positive reviews on Trip Advisor fueled my anticipation and expectation and I was not disappointed. Our guide used his knowledge and narrative to help us see the city and its history from a different perspective. The interactive element was also great as it added to the engagement. Our guide was knowledgable and provided us with a wealth of information, also asking our take on various topics brought up. People who had an opinion offered it to the group, lots of food for thought. I learned as much from the guide as from the other people who came on the tour! I loved the content, it covered different themes e.g. slavery, gender, race and more! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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