Cambridge University Self-Guided Tour: King's, Trinity, St John's

See Cambridge through the eyes of someone who studied here and long-time resident, this self-guided walk leads you through the heart of the university at your own pace. Begin outside King's College, then follow past Great St Mary's Church to Trinity College, founded by Henry VIII, and Christopher Wren's celebrated library. Continue to St John's and Magdalene, cross the River Cam at Garret Hostel Bridge, and climb Castle Mound for sweeping views over the city's spires. Along the way, hear how centuries-old traditions still shape student life, and discover the stories of the people who walked these streets before you, from Isaac Newton to Stephen Hawking. It's the insight of a private guide at a fraction of the price. Highlights - Hear the inside story of Cambridge from a former student who lived and studied here. - See King's College Chapel, Trinity College, the Wren Library and St John's in one easy walk. - Take in panoramic views of the city's spires from the top of Castle Mound.

1. 1

   University of Cambridge

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   On this tour you explore the centre of Cambridge through three of the university's colleges.

2. 2

   The River Cam

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   You start the tour next to the ticket station for The River Cam boat trips with the option of ending the tour with one of the boat trips.

3. 3

   King's College

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   The tour starts in front of the main entrance and gatehouse of King's College.

4. 4

   Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

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   You're invited to stop and take photos at this location.

5. 5

   Stop 5

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   The round, squat building is appropriately named The Round Church. Once you've had a look, turn left and keep walking, leaving the church behind you. The Round Church was built around the year 1130, which makes it the second oldest building in Cambridge. It is one of only 4 surviving medieval round churches in England. The church was too small for Cambridge's growing population, so the congregation have moved to a larger space. This building now hosts exhibitions and concerts.

6. 6

   Trinity College

   2 min

   You stop briefly outside the Great Gate of Trinity College.

7. 7

   King's College Chapel

   1 min

   King's College Chapel is one of the most famous pieces of Gothic architecture in the world, and probably the most famous building in Cambridge. You'll stop outside the chapel to admire it before continuing the tour.

8. 8

   Stop 8

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   top here for a moment, and look at the magnificent gateway in front of you. These gates are part of Gonville and Caius College. Look through the gates. Can you see something set into the floor? It's a long strip of marble with a round plaque. This is a memorial to Francis Crick, a member of Caius College and co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. Crick and his colleague James Watson later won the Nobel prize for this discovery. Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist, is also a fellow here. In fact, I have seen Stephen Hawking while eating at Caius dining hall. Caius is notorious for serving the worst food of any Cambridge college, but it's worth it to be able to claim to have had dinner with Stephen Hawking.

9. 9

   St Giles' Church

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   It was founded in 1092 by an endowment from Hugolina de Gernon, the wife of Picot of Cambridge, baron of Bourn and county sheriff. According to the 12th-century writings of Alfred of Beverley, Hugolina had been suffering from a long illness. The doctors had been unable to treat her and she had prayed to Saint Giles on her death bed promising to build a church in his honour if she were to recover, which she did. The church was rebuilt in 1875 as part of the Catholic revival and now has a rather plain exterior. The interior, however, is well worth a visit as it contains elements from the original church alongside beautiful panelling, glass and statues from the 19th Century.

10. 10

    Magdalene College

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    The tour takes you passed the grounds of Magdalene College.

11. 11

    St. John's College

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    This tour takes you passed the Great Gate at St John's College

12. 12

    Garret Hostel Bridge

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    You'll cross over the bridge on this tour.

• 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.