Top Experiences in Queens' College

In this Original Cambridge History Tour we cover a thousand years of Cambridge history from the invasion of the Romans, to the arrival of the students to the Second World War. Discover how Cambridge and the university has influenced the fields of art, literature, science, politics and religion. From the Tudor Reformation to the English Civil War to the Suffragettes, Cambridge has often found itself at the centre of change. Follow the lives of the likes of Isaac Newton, Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell, Millicent Fawcett and Stephen Hawking and hear what university and town life is like today from guides based at Cambridge University. Our tours are restricted to a maximum of 12 people so small groups are guaranteed. We also offer private tours, please see our website or email us for more details.

Hear the stories of the women of Cambridge including the first leader of the Suffragists, the first female British Nobel laureate and the first person to win an Oscar for both acting & screenwriting. Discover the shocking stories about the resistance women faced from the university as they struggled to achieve equality and the same rights as men. Follow the journey's of the women of Cambridge including Millicent Fawcett, Virginia Wolf, Dorothy Hodgkin, Rosalind Franklin & Emma Thompson. All our tour guides are based at the University of Cambridge and our tours have been carefully researched. Our tours are restricted to a maximum of 12 people so small groups are guaranteed. To arrange a tour outside the scheduled time, please contact us via our website and we can arrange a private or group tour.

Shared punting tours in Cambridge are available by purchasing a private seating area for up to 2, 3 or 6 people. Along a two mile stretch of the River Cam, customers will experience the most beautifully scenic route along the backs of seven Cambridge Colleges including the likes of St Johns, Kings and Queens to name but a few. At the, Traditional Punting Company, both the customers experience and saftey are our top priority, so measures have been implemented to ensure punting is COVID-19 safe during this time. Boats are celaned and sanitised before every tour and our virtual queue system will prevent crowds at the departure location. It is the best way to see Cambridge at a reduced price.

Private Tours are a wonderful way to have a unique tour of the river, the guide will cater to your specific needs, have a busy group who just want to chat - no problem. Got special visitors who want to know everything about Cambridge, the University and the river - we can do that too. Private tours give you a personal experience and no sharing with other people, so ask questions, just sit back and listen, bring food and drinks. This is the 10/10 way to see the river.

Customers can purchase tickets for up to 3 or 6 people on a shared tour. Enjoy the College Backs of Cambridge on a guided punt tour. Up to 3 people will have an entire row, up to 6 people will have an entire section. These tickets comply with the government guidelines on social distancing.

To avoid a long wait time please ensure you call us in advance to secure your booking time.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views from the comfort of your own punt. Your private chauffeured punt tour for up to 12 people will last for approximately 50 minutes and cover the college "Backs". Whilst punting your chauffeur will provide and interesting an informative tour. During the tour you will pass famous sights including Kings College Chapel, The Bridge of Sighs, The Wren Library, New Court St Johns and the Mathematical Bridge.

Punting is a very relaxing way to see the seven riparian Cambridge University colleges which are steeped in fascinating history and the majestic Kings College chapel which provides the most iconic visual imagery for one of the most esteemed educational institutions in the world.

COVID-19 - Under current guidelines groups should be a maximum of 6 unless all of the same households. Boats are fitted with perspex screens to meet social distancing guidelines.

We regularly provide private tours for organizations and assorted schools from around the world. Having shown tens of thousands of students around Cambridge, we have the diverse skill set needed to ensure that students both understand the tour and genuinely enjoy it.

Our student guides have a great insight into Cambridge. They have detailed knowledge of the University's incredible history combined with personal experiences about how this ancient institution really works. While there are plenty of details to cover, we are committed to providing interesting and enjoyable tours rather than reducing the city’s fascinating history to a dry collection of dates that puts people to sleep.

As this is a private tour, we can completely tailor the experience to the needs of your group. You can specify convenient meeting points and themes you'd like covered. If requested, tours can also include special features, like quizzes and competitions, to entertain younger people and keep them engaged.

Enjoy a tranquil and personal experience on your own private punt. By selecting this private tour option, you and your group will have the luxury of the entire punt and the full attention of our experienced chauffeur. See some of the most famous Cambridge Colleges such as King’s, Clare, Trinity and St John’s as you and your group are punted along the River Cam by your very own private chauffeur.

****This Tour is SHARED with other customers - NOT A PRIVATE TOUR****

Boats leave at the scheduled times. LATE ARRIVALS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE NEW TICKETS. WE DO NOT HOLD BOATS TO WAIT FOR LATE CUSTOMERS.

You will receive a personal and detailed historical tour from our knowledgeable guides. You will be told about all the bridges and buildings you pass. Hearing about the famous colleges, their history, some funny anecdotes and all about our famous University Alumni. Our guides will be happy to answer your questions on the town, colleges and whatever else you are curious about. The tour covers the 1-mile stretch of the River Cam, known as The Backs. It will last approximately 45 mins.

Indulge in a romantic two-hour walking tour of Cambridge, discovering the city’s captivating charm and historic landmarks. Begin at Market Hill, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and explore local markets. Admire the grandeur of Great St Mary’s the University Church, a magnificent setting for weddings and concerts. Experience the breathtaking beauty of King’s College Chapel, with its exquisite architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Pass by the picturesque grounds of King’s College and discover the iconic Corpus Clock, a mesmerizing timepiece that blends art and science. Discover the heritage of St Catharine’s College and the historic Corpus Christi College, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Cambridge’s academic legacy. Conclude your tour after discovering stories behind enchanting Queens College and the charming Finella at Gonville and Caius College.

Our walking tour is one of the most unique and spellbinding experiences Cambridge has to offer: an entrancing walking tour among the most famous spots as well some hidden gems that our local tour guides will reveal.
Grab yourself a tea or coffee for the journey and meet us at St Mary's Church and be prepared to follow in the footsteps of Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, Oliver Cromwell, John Cleese, Isaac Newton, M.R. James and Lord Byron. We will show you the landscape that inspired some of the greatest works of mankind, the University that nurtured the greatest minds and even the pub where Crick and Watson announced one of the greatest discoveries ever.
As Cambridge locals ourselves, we take great pride in showing people from across the world our city and welcome you and your family to join us. It's our responsibility to look after you and avoid the signposts and scripts and leave you with unforgettable memory of the best City in the world.

BESPOKE TOURS
Tailored to your needs and objectives your private tour can be completely personalised visiting your specific places of interest. Or you may stick with our classic tour route.
You can request a private tour in the following themes:
Oxbridge Applications
LGBTQ+ History
Women’s History
Alternatively, let us know what you are looking for and we will do the rest. If you would like to personalise your private Cambridge tour, please get in touch here.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
A private walking tour of Cambridge is perfect for prospective students who would like to understand the application process, what to expect in the interview or have any questions about student life. The tour is led by current students & graduates who have applied or graduated successfully. Your guide helps you in any way they can to make sure you are moving forward with your application. We will also try to find a guide that has studied the same subject of your interest.

We love Cambridge and cannot wait to share its stunning colleges, beautiful pubs, and gorgeous views with you. After meeting your guide at King's Cross Station your guide will whisk you away via train to the stunning city of Cambridge where you will have the chance to explore some of the most renowned colleges, linked to one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

In Cambridge, you will have the chance to explore Kings College and its awe-inspiring chapel, see an original copy of the King James Bible (one of the most important Christian documents in the world!), visit a pub which was popular with RAF crews during the Second World War, and learn how a group of Cambridge graduates, known as the Cambridge Spy Ring, almost destroyed the 'special relationship' that exists between the UK and the USA during the height of the Cold War!

Taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the east of England, your guide will return you to London making this trip stress free.

A current student or graduate-guide from Cambridge University will take you on a 90-minute enthralling journey through time as we recount to you the colourful story of Cambridge and its famous university while providing an authentic insight into student life.

Explore the world’s most haunted university

In just an hour, go in search of ghosts and the supernatural stories of Cambridge. See where Wordsworth made ghost spotting scientific, find the origin of the phrase ‘the skeleton in the cupboard’, and hear about the modern ghost story that made the national press. Find out why you might see horses floating around King’s Chapel, see if you can espy Oliver Cromwell’s ghost, and end up in the most haunted place in Cambridge. The age of the university, the even older age of the city, and the dank fens surrounding the city, are the perfect ingredients for spooky events.

See the best of Cambridge on a 90-minute Cambridge Highlights Tour with Cantab Tours! Fully qualified guides will ensure that you have an entertaining and informative tour that covers all the city centre’s must-see sights. From the famous historic colleges to Senate House, the Corpus Clock and the Cavendish Laboratory - there is plenty to see! While you’re here, spot students heading to class, retrace the steps of your favourite alumni, and take in the enchanting atmosphere.

Perfect for short visits or as an introduction to Cambridge. The Cambridge Highlights Tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to make the most of their time during their stay.

All Cantab Tours' guides are professionally trained and hold either a Blue or Green Badge awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding and are members of the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides.

On this self-guided walking tour, you'll meet the colourful characters that shaped the university‘s 800-year history. Embark on an enchanting journey through the charming cobbled streets of Cambridge, where you‘ll see the university‘s iconic colleges and hear its rich history. Led by a Cambridge University graduate and expert tour guide brimming with historical anecdotes, you‘ll be immersed in the captivating tales of rivalry and discovery that has shaped this world-famous institution.

Along the way, you‘ll hear of the most lied-about bridge in Cambridge, the Mathematical Bridge, and about rivalries that fuel the university‘s competitive spirit. I‘ll tell you about the rivalry between St John‘s and Trinity College, the local upper and lower classes, and Cambridge and Oxford. From the grandeur of King‘s College Chapel‘s soaring spires to the characterful passageways past Trinity College, each stop unveils a different side of the esteemed institution.

A Cambridge University graduate or current student-guide will take you on a 90-minute enthralling journey through time as we recount to you the colourful story of Cambridge and its famous university while providing a deep insight into Cambridge student life.

This tour is ideal for prospective students and school groups who would like to know what it takes to study at Oxbridge. We aim to provide a guide who has studied the same subject of your interest.

Our tours are academically researched and led by experts. They incorporate active discussion and ask questions about historical memory, controversial statues and objects, and the impacts of imperialism on the city and university.

Take a day trip out of London and explore the two most famous university towns in the world - Oxford and Cambridge. These 5 self-guided tours will walk you through these charming and unique historic towns as you discover their most iconic architectural, historical, and literary spots.

Our tour of Oxford, narrated by local historians, will take you to Oxford’s most iconic spots including Exeter College, Radcliffe Square, and the Sheldonian Theatre. We’ll hear about the ancient tales that live in this city, as well as the story behind the birth of one of the world’s most famous universities!   
 
Our 4 tours of Cambridge will give you an introduction to Cambridge, give an insight into what it's really like to study at the University of Cambridge, as well as the history behind the University’s most famous alumni!

Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

This combined package has it all. Enjoy a graduate-led walking tour & punting tour showing you the most famous and prestigious Cambridge University colleges and landmarks.

Your walking tour is led by Cambridge University students and graduates and your punting tour is guided by professionally trained local guides.

You also have the option to enter King's College chapel for the ultimate Cambridge experience!

On this 45-minute shared punting tour in Cambridge your local student-guide will give live commentary as you glide along the River Cam past 8 of the most famous Cambridge colleges from Darwin to Magdelene and 9 bridges from the Mathematical Bridge to the Bridge of Sighs.