easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; just wear comfortable shoes for walking segments.
Discover Cambridge’s historic sites and scenic waterways with guided walking and punting tours led by university alumni. Experience the city’s rich history through stories and serene river rides that make for a memorable outdoor adventure.
2hr45 - 3hr45 (Depending on whether King’s College Chapel is included in the tour)
Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Cambridge on a guided walking tour led by current students or alumni. Discover iconic sites like King’s College and the Mathematical Bridge, while hearing captivating stories about student life. Enhance your adventure with a serene punting tour along the picturesque river.
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!
You’ll spend a good amount of time walking through historic streets and along the riverbanks, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Cambridge weather can be unpredictable; bringing an umbrella or rain jacket will help you stay comfortable during outdoor segments.
Capture stunning shots of the historic architecture and scenic river scenes during your tour.
Getting to your meeting point a few minutes early ensures you won’t miss the start of your personalized tour led by knowledgeable alumni.
Cambridge's university has been a hub of academic excellence since the 13th century, attracting scholars from around the world.
The tours emphasize respecting the historic sites and the natural beauty of the river environment to ensure sustainability.
Necessary for walking tours to ensure comfort during extended periods on foot.
Layered clothing helps adapt to changing weather conditions while touring.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Sunscreen, hat, or sunglasses helpful for sunny days on the water and walking.
summer specific
Capture the architecture, scenery, and special moments during the tour.