Looking to explore the picturesque city of Cambridge on foot? Walking tours are a fantastic way to discover the hidden gems of this stunning city, from historic landmarks to quaint local haunts. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which tours to take. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the top four walking tours that are not to be missed. Join us as we take a stroll through the charming streets of Cambridge and discover the fascinating history and culture this city has to offer.
The 4 Best Walking Tours in Cambridge
- Historic Cambridge: A Guided Walking Tour
- Explore Cambridge with Family – Walking Tour
- University Walking Tour
- Walking Tour of the Sights and Highlights of Cambridge
The 4 Best Walking Tours in Cambridge
1. Historic Cambridge: A Guided Walking Tour
This private walking tour is the ideal way to learn more about the fascinating history and landmarks of Cambridge. With your personal guide, stroll around the city and visit famous sites including King’s College Chapel, Senate House, Trinity College, and The Round Church Visitor Centre. Along the way, hear insider stories about the city and its renowned university, and discover more about famous alumni and Nobel Prize winners. This tour is an excellent opportunity to get your bearings of the city and see lots of sights in just one day. The meeting point is outside The Cambridge Gift Shop on Rose Crescent CB2 3LL, while the end point is at Th. Tour fee only.
2. Explore Cambridge with Family – Walking Tour
Explore Cambridge’s rich history and beautiful gardens on this family-friendly walking tour. Your certified guide will take you through some of the city’s most stunning green spaces, including the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens. In addition to admission to the gardens for adults, this tour is free for children under 16. Your tour will start at the main entrance of the Botanic Gardens and end at the University Museum of Zoology. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking and cancelations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation. This private tour is perfect for families looking to explore Cambridge’s most beautiful sites.
3. University Walking Tour
Explore the fascinating history of Cambridge University on this walking tour. Starting at the Round Church, a historic building dating back to the 12th century, you’ll learn about how Cambridge became the prestigious university city it is today. Your guide will lead you through the city center, pointing out interesting sights such as the Senate House, the Cambridge University Press bookshop, and the Cavendish Laboratory. With the entrance fee to the Round Church Visitor Centre included, you can skip the long lines and get right to exploring. This tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of this world-renowned academic institution. Hotel pickup is also included for your convenience. Join us inside the Round Church to begin your University Walking Tour.
4. Walking Tour of the Sights and Highlights of Cambridge
This walking tour of the sights and highlights of Cambridge offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s landmarks and history. The tour is designed to provide an overview of the city’s most noteworthy attractions, including its famous colleges, beautiful parks, and charming streets.
The tour includes admission fees to any necessary college visits and offers advice on how to make the most of your time in the city, including recommendations for places to eat and things to do. Meeting points are conveniently located and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transportation adapted to any requirements.
The tour typically begins at 10:00am on weekdays and at 11:00am on weekends, and concludes at Trinity College, where visitors can continue their exploration of the city, either by foot or by taking a boat trip along the nearby river.
Cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s scheduled start time, with a full refund provided. Don’t hesitate to book your spot in advance, and get ready to discover the many treasures of Cambridge!
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cambridge
Cambridge is a historic city located in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. With its stunning architecture, world-renowned university, and notable scientific and cultural contributions, Cambridge attracts millions of tourists from all corners of the globe. In this blog post, we will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cambridge.
1. What is the history of Cambridge?
Cambridge has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. The city was originally a small market town that grew around the River Cam, which gave it its name. In the 13th century, the University of Cambridge was founded, which attracted scholars from all over Europe. During the Industrial Revolution, Cambridge became a center of manufacturing and innovation, with the establishment of the first scientific society in the world, the Royal Society of London. Today, Cambridge is a thriving center of research and development in fields such as technology, biotech, and engineering.
2. What are the top tourist attractions in Cambridge?
Cambridge has numerous attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The most famous attraction is the University of Cambridge, which comprises 31 colleges, including the historic King’s College and Trinity College. Other top attractions include the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and the River Cam, which offers punting tours and picnicking opportunities. You can also explore the various parks and green spaces, such as Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, or experience the historic architecture of Cambridge’s buildings, such as the Bridge of Sighs, the Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College, and the Corpus Christi Clock.
3. What is punting?
Punting is a quintessential Cambridge experience. It involves navigating the shallow waters of the River Cam in a flat-bottomed boat using a long pole. The tradition of punting dates back to the 19th century and today it is a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike. Punting is an excellent way to explore the city and its surroundings, including the picturesque colleges, bridges, and gardens along the river.
4. When is the best time to visit Cambridge?
The best time to visit Cambridge is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. During this time, the city is bustling with tourists and events such as the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival take place. However, be prepared for crowds and higher prices during this time. Alternatively, the spring (April-May) and the autumn (September-October) can also be good times to visit, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
5. How do I get around Cambridge?
Cambridge is a relatively compact city, and walking is the best way to get around. You can also rent a bicycle from one of the many rental shops in the city or use the bus service to get around. Alternatively, you can take a punt on the River Cam or explore the city on a guided tour, such as a walking tour, cycling tour or ghost tour.
6. What are the best places to eat in Cambridge?
Cambridge has a thriving food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. You can find everything from traditional pub food to Asian fusion cuisine. Some of the top-rated restaurants in Cambridge include Midsummer House, Parker’s Tavern, Cambridge Chop House, and The Eagle. You can also find numerous cafes, bakeries, and food markets throughout the city serving everything from artisanal coffee to gourmet sandwiches.
7. What are some fun things to do in Cambridge for families?
Cambridge is a great destination for families with children of all ages. Some of the best family-friendly activities include the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Cambridge Science Centre, and the Cambridge Museum of Technology. You can also take a family-friendly punting tour, explore the botanical gardens, or visit one of the many parks and playgrounds in the city.
8. What are some lesser-known attractions in Cambridge?
Cambridge has many hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Some of the lesser-known attractions include the Cambridge University Library, which houses priceless manuscripts and books, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial. You can also explore the covered market, the oldest market in Cambridge, or visit the gardens and greenhouses at Trinity Hall.In conclusion, Cambridge is a magnificent city with a rich history, diverse cultural offerings, and countless attractions. Now that you have some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Cambridge, you can plan your trip with confidence and make the most of your visit to this stunning city.
The 4 Best Walking Tours in Cambridge- Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge is a beautiful and historic city that’s packed with charm, culture, and attractions, and one of the best ways to explore it all is via a walking tour. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose which one to go on. In this blog post, we will be answering the most frequently asked questions about the four best walking tours in Cambridge, so you can make an informed decision about which one to take.
1. What are the four best walking tours in Cambridge?
The four best walking tours in Cambridge are:
- The University and Colleges Tour
- The Cambridge Ghost Tour
- The Cambridge Food Tour
- The Cambridge Literary Tour
2. What is the University and Colleges Tour?
The University and Colleges Tour is a two-hour guided walk through the stunning University of Cambridge campus. It offers visitors a chance to explore some of the university’s most famous sites, including the Senate House, Trinity College, and the Old Schools Quadrangle. Tom’s Tours offers this tour with enthusiastic guides, and you’ll have to book your place in advance.
3. What is the Cambridge Ghost Tour?
The Cambridge Ghost Tour, led by Madame Butterfly or one of her trusted associates, is a spooky 75-minute walk, and one of the most exciting tours. Visitors will learn about the haunted sites of Cambridge, including St John’s Gardens and the Corpus Christi clock.
4. What is the Cambridge Food Tour?
The Cambridge Food Tour is a three-hour food walk that allows visitors to explore the city’s culinary delights while learning about Cambridge and its history. The tour includes visits to some of the city’s best local food shops, tastings of delicious local produce, and information about the city’s culture and heritage.
5. What is the Cambridge Literary Tour?
The Cambridge Literary Tour offers visitors an insight into the city’s rich literary tradition. The two-hour walk offers a chance to discover the city’s most famous literary connections and locations, including the Eagle Pub, where Francis Crick and James Watson announced the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure.
6. What are the costs of these tours?
The prices for the tours vary for each tour, and we strongly recommend checking each tour’s prices via the official websites before booking. The prices are often affordable, starting from around £10 for some of these tours.
7. Are the tours suitable for kids?
The Cambridge Food Tour and the Cambridge Literary Tour are both enjoyable and suitable for families with children of all ages. However, the University and Colleges Tour and the Cambridge Ghost Tour might not be suitable for younger children due to their length and content. It’s recommended to check the specific tour information and age restrictions on the official tour website before purchasing tickets.
8. How long do the tours take?
The tours can last from 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on which tour you select. The University and Colleges Tour and the Cambridge Ghost Tour are 2 hours and 75 minutes, respectively. The Cambridge Food Tour takes 3 hours, while the Cambridge Literary Tour is two hours long.
9. Is it necessary to book in advance?
It’s highly recommended to book the tours in advance. Several of the tour guides operate at specific times only, and bookings ensure that you get a spot on the tour when it fits into your schedule. You can book any of these tours online or by visiting the tour revenue office.
10. How can visitors get the best out of these tours?
Visitors can get the most out of the tours by dressing appropriately for the weather, wearing comfortable footwear, and bringing a bottle of water in case the walking gets too hot. They can also download tours on their smartphones and wear headphones for audio introduction of the locations.
Conclusion
The walking tours in Cambridge are some of the most fantastic tourist attractions in the city. They offer visitors a chance to explore the city’s history, culture, and cuisine while taking in the sights at the same time. By reading this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect from each tour and which ones appeal to you the most. All that’s left for you to do is pack your walking shoes and head over to Cambridge to experience these remarkable tours for yourself.
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