The city of Cambridge is famous for many things—its prestigious university, the iconic punting on the River Cam, a landscape dotted with bicycles, and crowds of tourists exploring its historic streets. According to Visit Cambridge, the city and its surrounding areas draw in 7.6 million visitors annually, with Conde Nast Traveller naming Cambridge the ‘Best UK City’ in 2022.
While punting is undoubtedly Cambridge’s most iconic attraction, the city offers multiple ways to experience its charm. Each tour—whether by punt, foot, or bus—provides a unique perspective, making it worthwhile to explore all three. Even if you’re only in town for a day, you can still fit them all in and enjoy a comprehensive Cambridge experience.
So, grab a cup of tea, pick up a map, and let’s dive into the three main tours that showcase Cambridge’s rich history and vibrant culture: Punting, Walking, and City Sightseeing.
Punting in Cambridge: A Timeless Experience
Punting in Cambridge is a quintessential English experience, renowned for its beauty and tranquility. This traditional pastime offers the only way to explore the picturesque University College Backs, as the River Cam flows through this iconic landscape. A chauffeured punting tour not only immerses you in stunning views but also enriches your visit with fascinating insights into Cambridge’s history.
During the 50-minute tour, you’ll glide past seven colleges and nine bridges, including the famous Bridge of Sighs, King’s College Chapel, and the Wren Library. Whether you choose a shared or private tour, each offers a unique way to experience Cambridge’s heritage. Private tours also offer the option to add extras like picnics or champagne for a more personalised experience.
For a more informative journey, download the bespoke audio app available in Cantonese, and Mandarin, with additional languages coming soon. This enhances your tour with detailed commentary, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation of Cambridge’s rich cultural and academic history.
Walking Tour of Cambridge: A Deep Dive into History
Walking, the second tour of Cambridge on our list covers only a small area but provides a in-depth look at the history of both the City of Cambridge and the University of Cambridge, visiting nine stops.
These stops include; The Eagle Pub, where Francis Crick and James Watson announced to patrons that they had discovered the ‘secret of life’ in the structure of DNA. The nearby Cavendish Laboratory, which boasts 30 Nobel Prize winners, and has also been home to the discovery of the electron and the neutron. As well as the oldest building in Cambridge, St Bene’t’s Church, which is the fourth stop on this walking tour.
The walking tour is led by Cambridge Green Badge tour guides offering expertise in specific areas, including; science, the reformation, literature and sport. They offer both a public tour and a private tour. Their public walking tours start in the centre of the city making it very easy to fit around your day and for tourists to find.
There are a variety of private tour options, including; a two hour in-depth tour of the history of Cambridge; a Fitzwilliam tour; and a ghost tour. They also offer tours in a range of languages, including; Spanish, German, Dutch, Danish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing: Explore Cambridge Your Way
Discover Cambridge’s rich history and culture with the renowned Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing bus tour. Covering 18 key stops, this tour offers a convenient way to explore the city’s top attractions, from the historic colleges to the American Cemetery and Cambridge University Botanical Gardens. With buses departing every 20 minutes, you can hop off at any stop to explore, then hop back on to continue your journey.
The 24-hour ticket allows you to take your time at each location, ensuring a relaxed experience. The tour also provides fascinating insights into Cambridge’s unique history, such as the origins of the term “Pub Crawl” on King’s Street and the university’s former “Bulldog” police force.
The route includes must-see sites like Selwyn College, where the chapel was built before the dining hall, and the Sedgwick Museum, named after Charles Darwin’s mentor. Available in nine languages, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin, the tour is perfect for international visitors.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour offers a flexible and comprehensive way to see more of Cambridge’s iconic landmarks.
For more information or to book your tour, visit the City Sightseeing Cambridge.
Map Credit: Stagecoach Bus
Why Cambridge Should Be on Your Travel List
Cambridge is more than just a university town; it’s a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Its combination of historic landmarks, scenic beauty, and a lively arts scene makes it a must-visit destination in the UK. Whether you’re punting on the river, exploring the colleges, or simply strolling through the streets, Cambridge offers a wealth of experiences that cater to all interests.
Plan Your Cambridge Adventure Today
Ready to explore Cambridge? Whether you choose to punt, walk, cycle, or ride, make sure you book your tours in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your visit. The Traditional Punting Company offers top-rated tours that guarantee an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on discovering one of England’s most beloved cities in all its festive or year-round glory.
Posted on August 3rd, 2024, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor
