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Looking for the best Cambridge walking tours? Look no further! As a self-proclaimed Cambridge enthusiast, I’ve scoured the streets and picked out the crème de la crème of walking tours in this beautiful city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, there’s always something new to learn on a guided walking tour. And, let me tell you, Cambridge walking tours are some of the highest-quality tours I have ever seen!
From the stunning architecture to the fascinating history of Cambridge University, these tours cover it all. I’ve been to Cambridge more times than I can count now since my boyfriend’s family lives there, and even as a semi-local myself, I learned so much from taking one of these tours.
In a hurry, and just want to know what the best walking tour in Cambridge is? Here’s the ultimate Cambridge walking tour that will leave you feeling like a true expert on all things Cambridge.
Top Pick: Best Cambridge Walking Tour
> Cambridge University Alumni-led Colleges Tour
Includes: 90 minute walking tour & entry to 3 Cambridge University colleges
So, let’s get started! I’m going to share my favourite group and private Cambridge walking tours and share what makes them unique and special, to help you decide. And who knows, you might even end up discovering hidden gems that even the locals don’t know about.
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Best Cambridge Walking Tours
1. Cambridge City & University Tour with King’s College
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
This awesome city and university tour is a fantastic way to learn about the long history of Cambridge and its contribution to the world. During your 2-hour Cambridge University walking tour, you’ll get to visit one of the most famous colleges in Cambridge – King’s College – and even enter the beautiful King’s College Chapel.
But that’s not all! You’ll also get to explore the secrets of the city with a passionate and knowledgeable Cambridge University student guide. They’ll share insider stories about what Cambridge University life is like, how the Cambridge college system works, and why on Earth there’s such a rowing frenzy at Cambridge.
Plus, your entrance to King’s College and King’s College Chapel is included in the price! That means you won’t have to worry about any hidden fees or extra costs.
“Without this type of tour we would never have learned as much as we did during the two hours. We particularly liked that our guide was studying at one of the colleges, which gave her first-hand knowledge and experience.”- GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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2. Cambridge University Alumni-led Colleges Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5-2.5 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
On this alumni-led tour of Cambridge University, you’ll get all the juicy details of what it’s really like to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
If you’re a budding Cambridge student, this is the perfect Cambridge walking tour for you. You’ll get the opportunity to ask your guide anything you like – including what the admissions process is like, and any tips they have for scoring a spot at the Uni.
This is my favourite Cambridge walking tour if you’re looking to tour Cambridge University. Not only does it take you to the most famous and beautiful Cambridge colleges, including King’s College, Corpus Christi College and Pembroke College, but you’ll also get to delve deeper.
As well as checking out the colleges, you’ll also get to see the Senate House, Great St Mary’s Church, and The Eagle pub where Watson and Crick announced they had “discovered the secret of life” after they came up with their proposal for the double-helix structure of DNA.
“During our trip to the UK, this tour was the best thing we did. We highly recommend it.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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3. Cambridge Guided History Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the historic heart of Cambridge! On this unique history tour, you’ll get to visit three incredible colleges that aren’t on all Cambridge college tours – St John’s, Trinity (home to an astonishing 34 Nobel Prize winners!), and Gonville & Caius. And that’s just the beginning!
You see, Cambridge’s history goes much further back than the university. You’ll get to visit what may be the oldest building in Cambridge – the 11th-century Church of St Bene’t, where locals have been gathering for worship since its construction in 1030!
Then, you’ll head to the delightful King’s College Chapel, the historic Eagle Pub, the Corpus Christi clock, which was officially unveiled by Stephen Hawking in 2008, and a very unique attraction indeed – the old Cavendish Laboratory. This building is known as “the home of modern physics”, and is where 29 Nobel Prizes were won. Wow!
“Johnny delivers with such enthusiasm an abundance of information, folklore, ghost stories, university facts and history. A very enjoyable whistle-stop tour around the town bringing Cambridge to life.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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4. Cambridge Walking & Punting Tour with King’s College
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-4 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
This walking and punting tour of Cambridge is one of the most popular, and that’s because it combines an educational tour around the city with one of the most famous traditions in Cambridge – punting!
As well as an alumni-led walking tour around all of the top colleges and Cambridge highlights, you’ll continue your tour on the water enjoying one of Cambridge’s most traditional experiences – a punt ride!
As you punt along the River Cam you’ll get to check out some of the city’s most gorgeous landmarks from a perspective that few others can, and you’ll get to snap photos without hundreds of other tourists in the way.
“Our tour guide, Chris, was extremely well versed in all things Cambridge!” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
On the walk, you’ll visit some of the most iconic chapels and libraries in the city, and along the way, you’ll hear fascinating anecdotes about their history. You’ll also get to see where some of the world’s most famous alumni, including King Charles, Sir Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking studied!
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5. Original Uncomfortable Cambridge™ Walking Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
For a Cambridge walking tour with a twist, look no further than this one, which is perfect for those visiting Cambridge for the second or third time and who want to delve deeper into its history.
Sure, you get to check out the city’s most iconic landmarks like King’s College, Great St Mary’s Church and the Corpus Clock, but you’ll look at all of these things from a different perspective.
You see, this eye-opening tour examines Cambridge’s history through the lens of empire, inequality, race, class, and gender, highlighting how these legacies have an impact on modern Cambridge.
It’s worth noting that you don’t go inside any of the colleges on this tour, so it’s probably best that you’ve spent at least one day in Cambridge beforehand to do this before joining the tour.
“Very interesting and thought-provoking.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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6. Cambridge Heritage Pub Guided Walking Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Alright, it’s time to take a break from Cambridge University and do as the English do best – go to the pub! On this guided walking tour, you’ll get to visit 3 of Cambridge’s most historic pubs, learning about British pub culture along the way.
Learning about local history and lore from your guide, you’ll wander through the city as you hop from pub to pub, checking out some of its coolest historic buildings along the way. Then, you’ll get to taste authentic British ale, cider and lager at three English pubs that have all contributed to the story of Cambridge throughout the years.
It goes without saying that The Eagle, the pub where Watson and Crick came up with their proposal for the double-helix structure of DNA, is included, but what about the other two pubs? That’s all part of the surprise!
Since you’ll be visiting pubs and drinking alcohol, this tour is for travellers ages 18+ only.
“My partner and I had the absolute best time. The guide was super friendly and ensured that he talked about all aspects of Cambridge including the areas we were most interested in personally.” – Chelsea (Read More Reviews).
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Best Cambridge Private Walking Tours
7. Cambridge University 2-Hour Private Walking Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Why explore Cambridge with a group of strangers when you can head out on a private walking tour of Cambridge led by a student guide. This private option is perfect if you have plenty of questions you want answered because your guide will be able to give you their undivided attention.
Costing around £99 for a group of two people, with the price-per-person decreasing the larger your group is, this private tour is far more affordable than you may have expected.
Taking in the top Cambridge colleges, the city’s oldest church, the most famous laboratory and the most popular photo spots, you’ll be able to take your sweet time on this private tour. Oh, and since it’s just for you and your group, you’ll be able to customise the itinerary, pick the start and end times, and focus on areas of special interest for you.
You can make this tour whatever you want, whether that’s focusing on the university’s academic history, scientific achievements, or the many outstanding women who changed history at Cambridge.
“This walking tour was FABULOUS! We toured this campus as a potential student for our daughter and the one-on-one interaction really helped her be able to ask so many more questions than if we were in a group setting.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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8. Cambridge Women’s History Walking Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Feminists, women’s history enthusiasts, and pretty much anybody really will find this women’s history tour of Cambridge totally fascinating. Instead of the generalised tours of Cambridge that you may be used to reading about by now, this tour is super unique – because it focuses on women’s history in Cambridge!
Led by Cambridge alumni, on this private tour you’ll learn about the essential role Cambridge played in the movement for women’s education and suffrage. You’ll stop at Millicent Fawcett’s House, Newnham College (the oldest Cambridge college run by women) and the Senate House.
There’s no doubt about it – the stories of the incredible women of Cambridge will inspire you as you tour the campus.
“Ben gave us a really interesting and enjoyable tour today - he was very knowledgeable and personable and we would highly recommend booking a tour.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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9. Cambridge LGBTQIA+ History Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
This is the first walking tour in Cambridge dedicated to Queer history – a side of Cambridge’s history overlooked and forgotten. But not today!
On this private Cambridge walking tour, you’ll learn all about the famous Queer alumni of Cambridge. Your student guide will provide personal insight into the history of queer life and activism at the University. They’ll also bring the streets to life with readings from books written by queer alumni.
As you squeeze through secret entrances to the city’s old queer pubs and hotels, check out where Alan Turing, Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry studied, and learn about the Lesbian Line, the creation of Stonewall, Cambridge’s major gay pub Turk’s Head, you’ll agree that this is probably the most fascinating and unique of all Cambridge walking tours.
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Best Places to Visit on Cambridge Walking Tours
King’s College
King’s College in Cambridge has a fascinating history that dates back to the 15th century! It was founded by King Henry VI to educate priests and scholars. The college has since become one of the most prestigious and famous educational institutions in the world. It’s also one of the most-visited colleges in Cambridge.
King’s College Chapel
The King’s College Chapel in Cambridge was built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Its stunning architecture and intricate designs are a huge draw for tourists in Cambridge, but its most famous attraction is the King’s College Choir.
This prestigious choir has been performing in the chapel for centuries, and you can check out performances for free.
Trinity College
Trinity College in Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the world! It was founded by King Henry VIII in the early 16th century and boasts an impressive list of alumni, including famous scientists, politicians, and writers. In fact, Trinity College has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other college at Cambridge University, with a total of 32 laureates!
Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock in Cambridge is a relatively new addition to the city, having been unveiled in 2008! It was designed by John C. Taylor, a local inventor and horologist, and features a unique and intricate design that has captured the attention of people from all over the world. The clock is located on the outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College.
The Eagle Pub
The Eagle Pub in Cambridge has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 500 years! It was originally called the Eagle and Child and is famously known as the place where Francis Crick and James Watson announced their discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953. The pub has become a beloved institution in Cambridge and continues to be a popular spot for locals and visitors alike!
Mathematical Bridge
The Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge is a unique and odd-looking bridge that was first built in 1749! It spans the River Cam and connects two parts of Queen’s College. Legend has it that the bridge was designed by Sir Isaac Newton himself, but this has been proven to be a myth!
This is one of the top attractions to see when you’re punting in Cambridge.
Pembroke College
Pembroke College in Cambridge was founded in 1347 and was originally called “Broadgates Hall”. It was originally used as a hostel for law students, before being bought by the Earl of Pembroke and turned into a college. Famous alumni include poet Samuel Johnson, author J.R.R. Tolkien, and William Pitt the Younger, Britain’s youngest-ever Prime Minister.
FAQs About Walking Tours in Cambridge
What are the benefits of taking a Cambridge walking tour?
Cambridge walking tours will give you a local’s insight into the history and traditions of Cambridge, most of which you’d never find out about by visiting the sites of Cambridge independently. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have to a local.
What should I wear on a Cambridge walking tour?
Comfortable shoes are essential on a Cambridge walking tour because there are quite a few cobbled streets in the city and, obviously, since it’s a walking tour, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and walking. Cambridge Walking Tours go ahead rain or shine, so pack waterproof clothes!
Is there a bad time to take a Cambridge walking tour?
I do not recommend taking a Cambridge walking tour in May. That’s because most of the Cambridge University colleges are closed for university exams. During tours at this time, you’ll only be able to check out the colleges from the outside.
Final Thoughts: Best Cambridge Walking Tours
For many of you, visiting Cambridge will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you should do it right and join a walking tour to get the most out of your trip!
My number one pick for the best walking tour of Cambridge is the Cambridge University Alumni-led Colleges Tour.
You’ll check out all of the coolest spots in Cambridge, led by a Cambridge University student, on the top-rated and #1 reviewed walking tour in Cambridge!
Once you’ve completed your Cambridge walking tour you’ll probably be ready for a break. You’re in luck! Cambridge has plenty of great afternoon tea venues that you should check out if you have time.
