moderate
2hr45 - 3hr45
Suitable for most with average fitness; requires steady walking and ability to remain on feet for several hours.
Discover Cambridge University’s rich heritage through a lively walking tour led by alumni, then unwind on a scenic punting cruise along the River Cam—the perfect blend of history, architecture, and riverside charm.
2hr45 - 3hr45
Embark on a captivating journey through Cambridge's rich history with our walking and punting tours. Led by current students and alumni, explore iconic colleges, stunning architecture, and intriguing tales of famous figures. Experience the charm of punting along the river, making unforgettable memories in this historic educational hub.
Duration
What to Know and Provide
Our guides, Cambridge alumni or students, blend personal experiences with a passion for the city's history and architecture. Our 90-minute tour covers highlights like the Corpus Clock, the Eagle Pub, the Old Cavendish Laboratory, Queens’ College and the Mathematical Bridge, King’s College from the Backs, Trinity College, Trinity Hall and St. John’s College, Gonville and Caius, the Senate House.
Take a fascinating walk through Cambridge, where history comes alive. Be inspired by the colleges of Alan Turing, Lord Byron, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking while admiring stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Marvel at a thousand-year-old Anglo-Saxon church tower and a contemporary (and controversial) clock that doesn’t even tell the time properly. Cambridge is a city full of inspiring, baffling, and downright outrageous stories waiting to be told.
This shared walking tour is conducted in English and takes place outdoors. Indoor access to structures is not included unless specifically booked as an additional option. For possible entry to specific colleges, we recommend arranging this in advance.
Cambridge wouldn’t be the same without its students, and it’s their presence that makes our walking tours so special. Combining a deep passion for the city’s history and architecture with insider knowledge, all our tour guides are either graduates or current students of the University of Cambridge. You’ll hear about what students really get up to— from “college parents” to lavish May Balls and those dreaded all-nighters in between. Discover which college is considered the poshest, which is the richest, which has the most funds, and which serves the worst food. Hearing it all from those who experience it firsthand, you’ll gain a true sense of Cambridge as seen from within the college walls.
Our punting tours offer an excellent way to experience the most famous Cambridge colleges in just 45-50 minutes. As you glide along the river, you'll pass through eight colleges and under nine bridges, including sights like the magnificent King’s College Chapel and the intriguing Mathematical Bridge. The stunning views are the perfect setting for a fascinating and often humorous history of Cambridge. With tales spanning centuries—from tyrannical rulers and student pranks to intellectual giants—this is history brought to life.
Originally used for transporting cargo through the fens, punts are flat-bottomed boats designed for shallow waters, propelled by a long pole. By the early 20th century, punting had evolved into a beloved leisure activity, becoming an iconic part of Cambridge tradition. Today, punting is the most popular way for students and visitors to enjoy the tranquil scenery of the college backs. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this tradition on a shared Cambridge punting tour!
Reserve your spot ahead to guarantee availability on this popular shared tour, especially during peak seasons.
Expect moderate walking over varied terrain including cobblestones; sturdy, comfortable shoes make all the difference.
You cannot consume food inside colleges but snacks and drinks are allowed on the punt; bring refreshment to enjoy during the cruise.
The tour departs promptly from King’s College Main Gate; arriving early ensures a smooth start without missing essential introductions.
Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and many buildings reflect centuries of academic progress and architectural styles.
The river and colleges implement sustainable tourism policies to protect delicate historic sites and local ecosystems.
Needed for walking on uneven paths and cobblestones around Cambridge colleges.
spring specific
Stay hydrated especially during the outdoor walking and the punting cruise.
summer specific
Exposure during both walking and punting necessitates sun protection.
summer specific