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History of Cambridge Old Town Tour

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Cambridge, England
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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Overview

Discover the (almost) complete history of the Cambridge Town (and a bit of Gown) in a fun, unusual walking tour led by our fantastic Experience Leaders - local guides with lived experience of homelessness in Cambridge.

We lead you on a different tour through old Cambridge and discover the Town from the view of the townspeople through the centuries up to today. This is our story, not the standard university history.

Using a 500-year-old map, facts and a big dollop of humour; we'll navigate all around the historic Town and it's politics through 2000 years of history to the City we live in today.

Warning! Contains: Anglo-Saxons, Fires, Beheadings, Vikings, Normans, Town vs Gown fights, Fairs, Kings, Queens, Civil War, Common Land, Churches, Charters, Chancellors, Monks, Mayors, Markets and more.

If you're new to Cambridge you'll come way understanding the story of the Town in a way most visitors never will.

If you think you know Cambridge, you're in for a surprise.

What's Included

  • Historical Humour
  • A copy of a 500 year old map to hep you navigate through the Old Town of Cambridge.
  • Historical Facts
  • We won't be going inside any of the buildings we visit from the outside, including colleges and churches, this tour is all outside.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Cambridge CB2 3NJ
UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Cambridge Market Square

How did Cambridge become a town? How was the market so important? How was the market laid out in medieval times?
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

Originally St-Mary's-by-the-market, now the famous University Church, what's the story behind this building and the arrival of the scholars in Cambridge?
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sidney Sussex College

Monks, monasteries, reformation, regicide, a few beheadings.. what's not to love?[no access to college - we are old townspeople after all]
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St, Clement's Church

Site of the earliest church in Cambridge, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors?[outside only]
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Jesus Green

Common land, enclosure, arrival and kingdom of the East Angles, fairs - who/what set the borders of the old town and what happened outside of them?[also toilet and rest break]
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Magdalene Bridge

Why are we called Cambridge? And Vikings!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. John's College

Cambridge joins the new Kingdom of England. The Norman's turn up. The Round Church is built. The medieval public hospital and monk annoying other monks.[Not entering the college or church - just looking form outside like the common townspeople we are]
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cambridge University Press Bookshop

Old bookshops and the right to print, Dr Caius strange requests, the Senate House, fighting for space and some fun facts about King's College Chapel.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Bene't's Church (Church of England)

The oldest building, Angles again, Corpus Christi College, the secret of life, the Eagle pub, end of the old town and back out into the city.[No entry to buildings - all outside]
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the History of Cambridge Old Town Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5520284P9

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Historical Humour
  • A copy of a 500 year old map to hep you navigate through the Old Town of Cambridge.
  • Historical Facts
  • Guided walking tour of the old Town of Cambridge (aka historic town/city centre)
  • We won't be going inside any of the buildings we visit from the outside, including colleges and churches, this tour is all outside.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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