A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Medieval Cambridge

Cambridge is a city steeped in medieval history, and through its colleges, chapels, and churches, we will investigate that history. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass through five centuries of medieval history. The tour starts at the Corpus Clock, and our first building is the Anglo-Saxon church of St Bene'ts, the oldest building in all of Cambridgeshire. You'll visit the wonderful and often missed Queen's College, before taking in the more famous colleges of King's, Trinity, and St John's. You'll journey from the Anglo-Saxon age and work your way through to the Tudor period of the 16th century. You'll learn the history of Cambridge and how this small market town came to hold a monopoly over education in England, alongside Oxford. You'll see the curious Round Church, before finishing the tour over on the other side of the River at the castle mound. This walk takes you through some of Cambridge's most beautiful streets, and down the hidden, quaint back lanes too.

1. 1

   Queens' College

   Pass by

   Enter Queens' College, the best preserved medieval college in Cambridge. You'll wander through its stunning Tudor Cloister Court, one of the most authentic medieval spaces in the city.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   Admire the famous King's College, with its imposing street-facing chapel and grounds. You'll learn about the architecture that has made this college one of Cambridge's most recognisable landmarks.

3. 3

   Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

   Pass by

   Pass Great St Mary's, the university church at the heart of Cambridge. You'll hear how this building has long served as a focal point for both the university and the town around it.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   Walk by Gonville & Caius College, one of Cambridge's older and quieter colleges. You'll discover a piece of the city's academic history often overlooked by visitors rushing between the bigger names.

5. 5

   Trinity College

   Pass by

   Take in Trinity College, one of Cambridge's grandest and most famous institutions. You'll learn about the architecture of its impressive street-facing buildings, built to project power and prestige.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Continue to St John's College, another of Cambridge's iconic medieval foundations. You'll explore its historic street frontage, a striking example of the university's medieval architectural legacy.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Visit the curious Round Church, a mysterious medieval building with links to the Crusades. You'll puzzle over its unusual circular design, rare among England's medieval churches.

8. 8

   Magdalene College

   Pass by

   Pass Magdalene College, one of Cambridge's smaller and lesser-visited colleges. You'll get a quieter glimpse into medieval college life, away from the university's busiest streets.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Climb the forgotten remains of Cambridge Castle at Castle Mound. You'll take in a unique vantage point over the Cambridge skyline, finishing the tour with the city laid out below you.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.