Our Tours
Highlights Tour of Cambridge
We pride ourselves on giving tours that are both informative and fun. Our Highlights Tour takes you to the most important sites in Cambridge while telling you all about the City.
The History of the Town
Cambridge existed for over 1,000 years before the University arrived. But how? We reveal how Cambridge began, the different people who invaded, what they contributed to the town and how their legacy shaped Cambridge, all with reference to sites we will show you.
The Rise of the Gown
How did a murder lead to the founding of Cambridge University? What did the townspeople make of these intruders? We explain this and show you some of the key sites where the main events happened.
Kings, Queens and Tudors
How did the royals shape Cambridge and why? We tell you about the foundation of one of the greatest colleges in the world. Why do Tudor roses, royal crowns and coats of arms adorn so many Cambridge colleges? And what do a cookbook and an elephant’s kneecaps have in common?
The Role of Women
Why were some medieval colleges in Cambridge founded by women when only men could study there? Who were these powerful women? We take you to some of the colleges they founded and explain how their influence shaped not only the gown but the town.
The University System
What is the Collegiate System and why is Cambridge University consistently in the top 5% of universities in the world? We’ll take you to the centre of the University where you’ll hear about what the colleges have to offer, their expectations of students and why a university building keeps 6 spare pairs of black socks.
The Modern City
From religious institution to economic powerhouse, we’ll show you where the change started, how a site which had once been a monastery transformed Cambridge into the leading scientific centre in the world and where you might find a unicorn.
… all intertwined with stories about people
Who founded an entire college to pursue his legal vendettas?
What has a chair leg got to do with Henry VIII and our current monarch?
Which well known person invented the catflap?
We reveal the answers to these and other oddities, showing you the sites where these events happened.
… and much more!
The Route
The exact route we take depends upon where the tour starts, how long the tour is and any specific interests of the group. However, a tour would usually include stops at the Market, King’s College*, Senate House, the Old Cavendish Laboratory and a number of other key sites such as Trinity College.
The 90 minute and 120 minute tours can include a visit to a college on request, subject to availability.
*please note that a tour of King’s College and King’s College chapel is available as a separate tour.
