Cambridge University Walking Tour

4.9 (377 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

377 reviews

4.9

King's College Chapel — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Guide Ian Cooper enthrals on the University Walk... — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

We’ve been leading our acclaimed Christian Heritage 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.

Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Christian Heritage Cambridge

Ages: Children (1–12 years) · Youth (13–18 years) · Adults (19–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance fee to Round Church Visitor Centre

Itinerary

Round Church Guided Walks

Passing by

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

10 min Admission included

We start at the Round Church, Cambridge's quirkiest (and, we think, most beautiful) church building, which predates the university. The church houses an exhibition and 20-minute film, and access to these are included in guided walk tickets.
Magdalene Bridge

10 min

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

10 min

Tours are sometimes able to go inside 1-2 colleges, but this is not always possible and we cannot guarantee this. Magdalene College, where C.S. Lewis was based during his time in Cambridge, can also be viewed from the Quayside.
St. John's College

10 min

We stop to admire the exterior of the chapel and gatehouse of St John’s College.
Trinity College

5 min

We view the gatehouse of Trinity College, and Isaac Newton’s apple tree.
Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

5 min

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

5 min

Opposite Great St Mary's Church is the University Senate House, where students graduate.
King's College

5 min

We view the exterior of King's College, including the magnificent chapel, from King's Parade.
St Edward's Church (Church of England)

5 min

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

5 min

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)

5 min

We stop to admire the tower of St Bene't's, which is the oldest building in Cambridge, dating from c.1020.
Stop 13

5 min

Opposite St Bene't's we see The Eagle pub.
Stop 14

5 min

We venture to the Old Cavendish Laboratory, site of significant scientific work and discoveries.
Stop 15

10 min

Tours are sometimes able to go inside 1-2 colleges, but this is not always possible and we cannot guarantee this.
Sidney Sussex College

10 min

Tours are sometimes able to go inside 1-2 colleges, but this is not always possible and we cannot guarantee this.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Using your ticket

Your guided walk will begin inside the Round Church Visitor Centre. Please come inside the Round Church and check in at the welcome desk ahead of the scheduled start time. Please note that we do not have any toilet facilities available at the Round Church. Tours last 90-120 minutes.

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements (min. 2 people per tour). In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
While we try our best to visit colleges as part of the tour, it is not always possible to go inside college grounds and we cannot guarantee this. Tours will not be able to enter colleges during University exam term (late April to end of June). The tour route takes you through the centre of Cambridge, which includes viewing the exteriors of several colleges.
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.
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.
Not recommended for those with limited mobility.