Private | Cambridge University Tour By Alumni™ & King's Chapel

Cambridge , United Kingdom

Private | Cambridge University Tour By Alumni™ & King's Chapel

Active

(194 reviews)

1h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Walk through Cambridge with someone who knows it from the inside. Our guides are Cambridge students or graduates who combine personal experience with a deep knowledge of the city’s history and architecture. The 90-minute tour includes landmarks like the Eagle Pub, the Mathematical Bridge, King’s College on the Backs, and the Senate House.

The tour is entirely outdoors, focusing on Cambridge’s streets, squares, and college exteriors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to King’s College Chapel, one of the university’s most historic and beautiful buildings.

You’ll stroll along the streets and the alleys, near the peaceful college courts where Isaac Newton, Niels Bohr, Stephen Hawking, Xu Zhimo, Virginia Woolf, and Srinivasa Ramanujan once walked, immersed in their groundbreaking ideas. Along the way, you’ll admire the city’s elegant blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Available options

English tour with King's

King's College Chapel access: The self-guided visit to King’s College Chapel takes place at the end of the walking tour.<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

English Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Spanish tour with King's

King's College Chapel access: The self-guided visit to King’s College Chapel takes place at the end of the walking tour.<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Private Tour in Mandarin

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Mandarin Tour with King's

King's College Chapel access: The self-guided visit to King’s College Chapel takes place at the end of the walking tour.<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Spanish Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

What's included

Cambridge University Student or Graduate Guide

Enter King's College Chapel (WHEN YOU BOOK THIS OPTION)

Exceptional access to college gardens (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)

Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student

Gain an insight into student life at an elite university

Learn about Cambridge history and anecdotes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet your Alumni Guide outside King's College, on King's Parade. Your guide will be wearing an item of royal blue clothing—such as a jacket, scarf, cap, beanie, or polo shirt—with the heraldic symbol of Alumni Tours on it.

Learn about the fascinating story behind the design of this famous clock, noticing the details than an uninformed observer could easily miss!

Visit The Eagle pub—where history lives in every corner, from WWII airmen to the scientists of the nearby Cavendish Laboratory. With over 400 years of history, this pub holds countless remarkable stories.

Discover the place that put Cambridge on the map of the scientific world—a place that changed the history of science and the history of humanity as well.

Listen to your student-guide describe the (somewhat dark!) history of Corpus Christi College, and feel free to ask any questions about the College or student life

Stop 6

Hear about the reason why this is Queens' College rather than Queen's, and discover the myths that abound about the nearby Mathematical Bridge

Walk along by the famous College Backs while you learn about the history of King's College and how it is related to three different King Henrys

Stop 8

Home of some of the most famous Alumni, hear a student's take on the rivalry between Trinity and St John's!

Admire the magnificent profile of St John's College, known for its grand architecture and notable alumni.
A perfect blend of history and beauty along the River Cam.

Get a student's perspective on the practice of the public announcement of grades, and get a glimpse into the particular traditions of the University of Cambridge while you hear about the graduation ceremony.

Stop 11

##IMPORTANT: this option must be selected as an upgrade of the walking tour ticket. Please, make sure that you select it.
The visit of the chapel is self-guided at the end of the 90 minutes walking tour, and it is not supervised by our official guide. The duration of the visit is a basic approximation, but you can leave the chapel when you prefer.

What's not included

Gratuities

Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

188 reviews

5★

175

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

##IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have booked the King’s College option in advance, as it cannot be purchased during the tour—only before or after the walk

Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that some parts of the route may be difficult to access due to uneven terrain, curbs, and other obstacles. We advise caution because of uneven surfaces and potential trip hazards. Please also be mindful of vehicles and bicycles, especially in busy areas

Not recommended for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk

Meeting point

Please meet outside the main entrance to King’s College, on King’s Parade. Your guide will be wearing an item of royal blue clothing—such as a jacket, scarf, cap, beanie, or polo shirt—with the heraldic symbol of Alumni Tours on it.

Important notes

Please present your ticket to your guide at the meeting point in front of King's College Main Gate. The guide will be wearing a blue uniform item, hat, or scarf with the Alumni Tours heraldic crest. We recommend arriving at least 5 minutes early to allow time to locate your guide and check in.

##IMPORTANT: (the company cannot take responsibility for issues caused by not following these guidelines):

Late arrivals cannot be refunded. Once the tour starts, the guide cannot be contacted. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, unless otherwise agreed, especially for large groups.

Snacks and drinks are allowed, but not inside college buildings.

The walk lasts 90 minutes at a steady pace and includes uneven surfaces. Wheelchair users are welcome, but the tour is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.

No scheduled toilet breaks. If you leave the group for an extended time, you may not be able to find them again upon your return. This is at the customer’s own risk.

Dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear. Bring water in warm weather.

Standard tours are conducted in English, but guides come from a cosmopolitan mix of students and alumni; please be prepared for a variety of accents.

Pets are not permitted inside colleges, except for guide dogs.

Complaints must be directed to management by phone or email. Please do not address complaints to the guide, as they are not authorized to handle them.

Follow the guide’s instructions and local safety rules. Inform your guide if unwell

About Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic university city in England's East Anglia region, renowned for the prestigious University of Cambridge. The city is famous for its stunning architecture, rich academic heritage, and picturesque setting along the River Cam. Visitors can explore centuries-old colleges, punting along the river, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Top Attractions

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's most prestigious universities, with a history spanning over 800 years. Visitors can explore its historic colleges, chapels, and museums.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore the grounds; fees for guided tours and museum entries

Punting on the River Cam

Punting is a quintessential Cambridge experience. Glide along the River Cam in a flat-bottomed boat, passing under picturesque bridges and alongside historic colleges.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours £15-£30 per person for guided tours; £50-£80 for self-hire

Kings College Chapel

Kings College Chapel is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of Cambridge's most iconic landmarks. The chapel is famous for its fan-vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows.

Architectural/Historical 30-60 minutes £10 for adults, £8 for concessions, free for under 11s

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of Cambridge's most impressive museums, housing a vast collection of art, antiquities, and manuscripts. The museum's stunning neoclassical building is a work of art in itself.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Cambridge Botanic Garden

The Cambridge Botanic Garden is a beautiful and tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The garden features a diverse range of plants from around the world, as well as themed gardens and glasshouses.

Nature 1-2 hours £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children, free for under 5s

Must-Try Local Dishes

Formal Hall

A traditional multi-course dinner served in the university's historic colleges. The meal is accompanied by formal dress codes and Latin grace.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options are often available, but it's best to check in advance.

Cambridge Pie

A savory pie filled with meat and vegetables, often served with chips and peas. The pie is a local specialty and a must-try for visitors.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.

Eton Mess

A traditional English dessert made with crushed meringue, whipped cream, and strawberries. The dessert is a popular treat in Cambridge and can be found at many cafes and restaurants.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some cafes and restaurants.

Popular Activities

Punting on the River Cam Cycling along the River Cam Hiking in the Cambridgeshire Countryside Visiting the Cambridge Botanic Garden Enjoying a coffee at a local cafe Exploring the University of Cambridge Visiting museums and galleries Attending a play or concert at the Cambridge Corn Exchange

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities and river punting. The city is lively with various events and festivals.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cambridge is generally a safe city for visitors, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bike theft can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure in public places
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

London Stansted Airport • 50 km (31 miles)
London Heathrow Airport • 100 km (62 miles)

By train

Cambridge Railway Station

By bus

Cambridge Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Cambridge is comprehensive, with frequent services covering the city and surrounding areas. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Mill Road Kings Hedges

Day trips

Ely

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

Ely is a charming cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, known for its stunning cathedral and historic architecture. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Norwich

110 km (68 miles) • Full day

Norwich is a historic city in Norfolk, known for its stunning cathedral, medieval streets, and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a mix of history, art, and shopping.

St. Ives

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

St. Ives is a picturesque town in Cambridgeshire, known for its historic architecture, scenic views, and the famous St. Ives Bridge painted by John Constable.

Festivals

Cambridge Beer Festival • February Cambridge Folk Festival • July Cambridge Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Book guided tours and punting trips in advance, especially during peak season
Consider purchasing a city pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions
Explore the city's vibrant street food scene at Cambridge Market and Mill Road
Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum's special exhibitions for a unique cultural experience
Attend a formal hall dinner at a Cambridge college for a taste of traditional British cuisine and academic heritage