Cambridge University Walking Tour: Uncover 8 Centuries of History and Influence

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Cambridgeshire

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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: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Round Church Guided Walks - 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.
The Round Church Visitor Centre - We start at the Round Church, Cambridge’s quirkiest (and, we think, most beautiful) church building, which predates the earliest college by 150 years. The church houses an exhibition and 20-minute film, and access to these are included in guided walk tickets.
Magdalene Bridge - 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.
Magdalene College - 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 approximately two colleges. As well as admiring the beautiful courts and chapels, we hope to offer you some perspective on Cambridge’s distinctive, college-based university structure.
St. John’s College - 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 approximately two colleges. Outside of university term time, this often includs St John’s.
Trinity College - We stop outside Trinity College to admire the gatehouse and Isaac Newton’s apple tree.
Great St Mary’s Church (Church of England) - 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.
Senate House - Opposite Great St Mary’s Church is the University Senate House, where students graduate.
King’s College - We view the exterior of King’s College, including the magnificent chapel, from King’s Parade.
St Edward’s Church (Church of England) - 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.
Corpus Clock - We visit one of the newer additions to Cambridge’s historic King’s Parade and explore its significance.
St Bene’t’s Church (Church of England) - We stop to admire the tower of St Bene’t’s, which is the oldest building in Cambridge, dating from c.1020.
Eagle - Opposite St Bene’t’s we see The Eagle pub.
Old dsCavendish Laboratory - We venture to the Old Cavendish Laboratory, site of significant scientific work and discoveries.
Christ’s College - 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 approximately two colleges. As well as admiring the beautiful courts and chapels, we hope to offer you some perspective on Cambridge’s distinctive, college-based university structure.
Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge - 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 approximately two colleges. As well as admiring the beautiful courts and chapels, we hope to offer you some perspective on Cambridge’s distinctive, college-based university structure.
Sidney Sussex College - 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 approximately two colleges. As well as admiring the beautiful courts and chapels, we hope to offer you some perspective on Cambridge’s distinctive, college-based university structure.

What's Included

Entrance fee included for the Round Church Visitor Centre.

Additional Information

We’ve been leading our acclaimed Round Church 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.

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.
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.
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.
Not recommended for those with limited mobility.

Location

The Round Church

Bridge Street

We meet inside the Round Church on Bridge Street. Upon arrival, please come inside the church and check-in at the welcome desk.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.9

(222 Ratings)

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Francespoole

Jul 2, 2024

Excellent walking tour of the colleges - A very interesting and enjoyable tour. Our guide Ian was a mine of information and really brought the history to life. Although it was closed season for visits to colleges, he still managed to get us into two.