Adventure Collective
Cambridge Walking & Punting Tours with Alumni Tours - London

Cambridge Walking & Punting Tours with Alumni Tours

Cambridgeeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; just wear comfortable shoes for walking segments.

Overview

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.

Boat Tour
City Tour
History Tour
Walking Tour
Cambridge, England

Shared • Combined Cambridge University Walking & Punting Tour Led By University Alumni

2hr45 - 3hr45 (Depending on whether King’s College Chapel is included in the tour)

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Adventure Photos

Shared • Combined Cambridge University Walking & Punting Tour Led By University Alumni photo 1

About This Adventure

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.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

Duration

  • 2.45 hours outdoor walking tour (King’s College Chapel not included)
  • 3.45 hours partially indoor walking tour (King’s College Chapel included)

What to Know and Provide

  • IMPORTANT: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and functional within the UK.
  • You may bring your own snacks and drinks, but they are not allowed inside the colleges, but they can be consumed on the punt.
  • The tour is of moderate pace. Please stay with the group and remain within sight of the tour guide. The guide will not wait for individuals who fall behind. Consider this before booking.
  • Use the restroom before the tour, as there are no scheduled toilet breaks.
  • Pets are not allowed inside college premises, except for guide dogs. Small friendly dogs are allowed on punts.
  • Our tours are conducted in English, but be prepared to hear various accents, as the city is a global educational hub.
  • Direct any complaints or observations to the managers by calling or sending an email. Guides and sales representatives are not authorised to handle such issues.
  • Select the corresponding option if you wish to visit King's College Chapel.

LIVE THE HISTORY

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.

THE STUDENT’S STORY

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.

A CRUISE THROUGH THE CENTURIES

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.

A TRADITIONAL CAMBRIDGE PASTIME

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!

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll spend a good amount of time walking through historic streets and along the riverbanks, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Check the weather forecast

Cambridge weather can be unpredictable; bringing an umbrella or rain jacket will help you stay comfortable during outdoor segments.

Bring a camera or smartphone

Capture stunning shots of the historic architecture and scenic river scenes during your tour.

Arrive early

Getting to your meeting point a few minutes early ensures you won’t miss the start of your personalized tour led by knowledgeable alumni.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mallard ducks
  • Swans along the river

History

Cambridge's university has been a hub of academic excellence since the 13th century, attracting scholars from around the world.

Conservation

The tours emphasize respecting the historic sites and the natural beauty of the river environment to ensure sustainability.

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Adventure Hotspots in London

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for walking tours to ensure comfort during extended periods on foot.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Essential

Layered clothing helps adapt to changing weather conditions while touring.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Sun protection

Sunscreen, hat, or sunglasses helpful for sunny days on the water and walking.

summer specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture the architecture, scenery, and special moments during the tour.