Cambridge Self Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Cambridge with Helen’s meticulously designed self-guided audio tour. Discover the city's academic spirit and architectural elegance, guided by Helen, a Chartered Geographer with extensive expertise. Starting at the tranquil Christ’s Piece, this 2.5-mile trek passes iconic landmarks like the Fitzwilliam Museum, the medieval Round Church, and the picturesque Backs. As you navigate through cobblestone paths and lush green spaces, Helen’s narrative enriches your stroll with fascinating insights into the storied halls of the University's ancient colleges and vibrant market squares. This tour isn't just a walk; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Cambridge, revealing secrets and stories at every corner.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   The tour starts near the park, where you will get an introduction to the history and past of the city and its surroundings.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   Emmanuel College has a reputation for academic excellence. Many scholars have passed through these gates, including John Harvard, who was baptised at the college chapel and later became a benefactor of Harvard University in the USA.

3. 3

   Parker's Piece

   10 min

   Parker's Piece is a large public park located in the heart of Cambridge. It is named after Edward Parker, who donated a portion of the land to the city in 1613.

4. 4

   Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

   Pass by

   walk through the University’s oldest museum will take you on a 4.5 billion year journey through time, from the meteoritic building blocks of planets, to the thousands of fossils of animals and plants that illustrate the evolution of life in the oceans, on land and in the air.

5. 5

   University Museum of Zoology

   Pass by

   The diversity of animal life is on display in the University Museum of Zoology’s brand new galleries. From moths to monkeys, mammoths to manatees, discover stories of extinction, survival, evolution and exploration. Collection Highlights - Cambridge’s largest resident – the 21m fin whale - The giant ground sloth - One of the most complete Dodo skeletons in the UK - Captain Cook’s conch

6. 6

   Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

   Pass by

   The collections of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology number more than 800,000 objects of outstanding research and historical value. In addition there are over 100,000 field photographs and negatives in the Photographic Archive, and over 30,000 fonds of historical documentary archives.

7. 7

   Whipple Museum of the History of Science

   Pass by

   The Whipple Museum's collection includes scientific instruments, apparatus, models, pictures, prints, photographs, books and other material related to the history of science.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   he Pitt Building was constructed in 1833. It was named after William Pitt the Younger, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

9. 9

   Fitzwilliam Museum

   Pass by

   The Fitzwilliam Museum is a neoclassical building completed in 1848. It has an imposing facade featuring grand columns reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman temples, a majestic dome and grand statues of lions either side of the entrance.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    10 min

    Scudamore's Punting Company was founded in 1910 by Jack Scudamore. Jack was a boat builder who visited Henley Upon Thames royal regatta and saw that punting was popular amongst the upper and middle classes. Hear his history here.

11. 11

    Mathematical Bridge

    5 min

    The Mathematical Bridge is a famous wooden footbridge across the River Cam. It connects two parts of Queen's College.

12. 12

    Corpus Christi College

    5 min

    Corpus Christi College, often referred to simply as Corpus, was founded in 1352 by the Guild of Corpus Christi and the Guild of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    15 min

    Bene’t Street is an old street in the city. It’s not commonly on the tourist trail, but for me, it’s one of the more interesting parts of the city.The street is named after St Bene't's Church.

14. 14

    King's College Chapel

    15 min

    King's College Chapel is one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks in Cambridge. The site was originally the floodplain of the River Cam, and later Medieval buildings.

15. 15

    Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

    10 min

    The Church of St Mary the Great, often referred to simply as "St Mary's," dates back to the 12th century, although the current building mostly dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

16. 16

    Cambridge Market Square

    15 min

    The Market Square is located in the heart of Cambridge's city centre, next to the historic Guildhall. The Square is home to one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country.

17. 17

    Trinity College

    Pass by

    Trinity College was founded in 1546 by King Henry the VIII and is the largest college in Cambridge by both land area and student population.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    10 min

    The Round Church, officially known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was founded in 1130 by crusaders who had returned from the Holy Land.

19. 19

    Senate House

    Pass by

    The Senate House is an example of Neoclassical architecture. It was designed by architect James Gibbs and completed in 1730.

20. 20

    Garret Hostel Bridge

    10 min

    At this point, the surface of the River Cam floodplain is only 4m above sea level, and the riverbed is only about 2m above sea level. The coastline itself lies almost 50 miles away at King's Lynn.

21. 21

    Stop 21

    15 min

    It’s a relatively new building, dating from the early 20th century, but there are some lovely features in the internal architecture.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.