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

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
(223 Ratings)
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Navigate02302417350
Sep 18, 2024
Round church walking tour - Our guide Dave gave us a wonderful insight into the history of Cambridge and the colleges. He was excellent and paced the tour so well . We left feeling much more informed with anecdotes and facts and much food for thought. Thank you Dave.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonasst4914iz
Sep 16, 2024
Dave was great! - Dave was an amazing guide! His knowledge on Cambridge is incredible. If you want to have a funny and informative tour, I recommend this one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hila_z
Aug 30, 2024
Family friendly tour - Thank you for a wonderful day in Cambridge. As a young family with two young children, we really enjoyed hearing the stories about Cambridge. Although our son asked us a lot of questions during the tour, we felt comfortable and happy to continue with the group.
Review provided by Viator
Juan
Aug 10, 2024
Must-do Tour in Cambridge! - This tour was amazing! I learned a ton about English history. Dave was a great tour guide — very knowledgeable, a great historian and amazing story teller. We saw some great sites all around Cambridge! Would recommend, must do if in Cambridge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brad935
Aug 3, 2024
Terrific Tour and Walk around Cambridge - This is one of the most enjoyable walking tours we've done. Dave was a wealth of knowledge about Cambridge, past and present. It's a lovely walk around town, and it's not too physically demanding. I think it's a must-do tour, as the history and background of Cambridge are fascinating and go all the way back to the Bronze Age.
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Emily
Aug 2, 2024
Informative and Affordable - Lengthy and informative tour from our clearly passionate tour guide, Dave. He was able to keep my attention for nearly two hours, showing us all around Cambridge. Perfect for folks like me who knew nothing coming into it. Questions were encouraged and he had plenty of local knowledge! Highly recommend for the low price point as well.
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Nomad33465945758
Aug 2, 2024
Excellent guided walk in Cambridge - John enlivens the history of Cambridge from Romans into modern time under the influence of Christianity with his vivid ,passionate talk and profound knowledge. A must do when you come to Cambridge. He really knows his stuff!
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Anna_t
Jul 23, 2024
Wonderful Cambridge overview - Jon was a fantastic tour guide! He moved the tour at a good pace and was able to provide valuable context at each stop along our tour. We visited during a Cambridge University graduation day and due to Jon's professionalism, this did not detract despite how busy the streets were. Well worth your time and money to help understand what you're actually walking by and the historical significance of the city and buildings within. I only wish we had more time built into the tour to actually engage with the round church content/videos. I was running late due to flight delays and Jon was very responsive to my inquiries into delaying for a day etc with plenty of understanding and suggestions to help.
Review provided by Viator
Narbonbean
Jul 19, 2024
Cambridge tour - John was an excellent guide, passing on his knowledge of the influence of christianity on the Cambridge University. He made everyone feel welcome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_m
Aug 18, 2024
Engaging and interesting - Slightly different perspective to most of the standard tours. As this is provided by the church the focus touches more on the religious origins of the university than talking about famous alumni.
Review provided by Viator
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