Visiting Cambridge University: St John's College

Cambridge Free Self-Guided Walking Tour To Explore the City

A basic self-guided walking tour of Cambridge featuring key landmarks so you can explore the city's history, architecture, and atmosphere.

Cambridge is a vibrant and historic city in the east of England, most famously known for being home to the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. Founded in 1209, the university is intertwined with the city’s identity, contributing significantly to its cultural, intellectual, and architectural landscape.

Many of the city’s iconic buildings, such as King’s College Chapel and the Wren Library, reflect this academic legacy and draw visitors from all over the world.

Beyond its academic prestige, Cambridge is also renowned for its beautiful architecture and picturesque scenery. The River Cam, which winds through the city and alongside many of the university’s colleges, offers a peaceful setting and is popular for punting—a leisurely boat ride that provides unique views of the city’s historic landmarks. The surrounding green spaces, including The Backs and Jesus Green, add to the city’s charm, making it a wonderful place for walks and outdoor activities.

Cambridge Basic Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

As a relatively small and walkable city, Cambridge is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Cycling is especially popular here, and the city is often referred to as the cycling capital of the UK due to its extensive cycle paths and bike-friendly infrastructure. So, let’s see what’s worth visiting and why!

Basic Cambridge Walking Tour Directions and Stops

This walking tour covers some of Cambridge’s most iconic spots, giving you a well-rounded experience of the city’s history, architecture, and academic legacy in just a few hours. If you prefer, you can also open this map in your own Google Maps application 🔗.

  • King’s College Chapel: Start at this iconic Gothic masterpiece, known for its fan-vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. You can either admire the chapel from the outside or take a tour inside to explore its grandeur.

  • The Backs: From King’s College, walk along the scenic “Backs,” the riverside path that offers picturesque views of the historic colleges and their gardens. This stretch provides a peaceful escape and some of the best photo opportunities in Cambridge.

  • Mathematical Bridge: Continue to Queens’ College to see the Mathematical Bridge, an engineering marvel that looks like an arch but is constructed entirely from straight wooden beams.

  • Clare Bridge: Walk a short distance to Clare College to see Cambridge’s oldest bridge, Clare Bridge, which dates back to the 17th century. Its serene setting across the River Cam is a highlight for visitors.

  • Great St Mary’s Church: Head back towards the city centre to visit Great St Mary’s, the university’s church. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the church tower for panoramic views of the city and its historic spires.

  • Cambridge Market Square: Just a few steps from Great St Mary’s is Market Square, the bustling heart of Cambridge. The daily market offers everything from fresh produce to unique crafts, and it’s a perfect spot to stop for a snack.

  • The Round Church: Continue to this rare Norman structure, one of only four round churches in England. Its distinctive circular design dates back to 1130, making it a must-see for history buffs.

  • Trinity College and Great Court: Finish your tour at Trinity College, home to Cambridge’s largest courtyard, Great Court, and the famous Wren Library, where treasures such as Isaac Newton’s manuscripts are housed (though access may be limited).

What You Shouldn't Miss in This Self-Guided Walking Tour

Cambridge has a lot to offer, so I enthusiastically encourage you to explore at your own pace and get lost in those little passages and parks. However, if you’re in the city for a day, I recommend you visit at least a few of these places:

Visiting Cambridge University: King's College

At this first stop, you can marvel at one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The chapel is famous for its stunning fan-vaulted ceiling, the largest of its kind in the world. The vast stained glass windows, dating from the 16th century, depict biblical scenes and are considered some of the finest in England. The chapel also houses The Adoration of the Magi by Rubens, a masterpiece located behind the altar. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a choir performance, you’ll hear the world-renowned King’s College Choir in action, known for their annual Christmas Eve service, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Cambridge What to See: The Backs

The Backs is a scenic area where the River Cam flows behind several of Cambridge’s most famous colleges, including King’s, Clare, Trinity, and St John’s. Walking along this peaceful path offers stunning views of the college gardens and bridges, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. This area is especially beautiful in the spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom, and it provides a quintessentially Cambridge experience. The walk also gives you a chance to view some of the most photographed spots in the city, particularly as you pass the picturesque Clare Bridge and Bridge of Sighs.

Cambridge Must-Sees: The Mathematical Bridge

The Mathematical Bridge, located at Queens’ College, is an engineering marvel. Despite looking like an arch, it is constructed entirely from straight timber beams. The original bridge was built in 1749, and though urban legend claims it was designed by Isaac Newton without bolts or nails, this is a myth. The bridge has been reconstructed a few times, but it retains its original design and is a favourite stop for both its aesthetic beauty and the fascinating engineering behind it. From the bridge, you also get lovely views of the River Cam and surrounding college buildings.

Cambridge's Clare Bridge

Clare Bridge, built in 1640, is the oldest bridge in Cambridge. It spans the River Cam at Clare College and is known for its elegant arches and picturesque setting. One of the most intriguing features of the bridge is the missing section of the ornamental stonework on one of the spheres, which is said to have been removed by an eccentric fellow of Clare College as a prank. This story adds a playful aspect to the bridge’s historical significance. As you cross or view Clare Bridge, take time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the college gardens.

Cambridge Must-Sees: Great St Mary’s Church

Great St Mary’s Church, often referred to as GSM, is the university’s church and a centre of religious and academic life in Cambridge. Dating back to the 12th century, the current structure was largely rebuilt in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. A highlight of visiting GSM is climbing the church tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views over Cambridge, including the King’s College Chapel and the university colleges. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and the historic Cambridge University Sermon House, where many famous university sermons were delivered.

Cambridge Must-Sees: Cambridge Market Square

Cambridge Market Square is the bustling heart of the city, where a market has been held since the Middle Ages. Open seven days a week, the market is home to a diverse range of stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, street food, crafts, books, and more. It’s a great place to grab a snack or browse for unique gifts. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including The Guildhall and Great St Mary’s Church, making it a lively spot to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

Cambridge Must-Sees: The Round Church

The Round Church, or Church of the Holy Sepulchre, was built in 1130 and is one of only four Norman round churches left in England. Its design was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, making it an important architectural and religious site. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition on the history of Christianity in Cambridge and the church’s role in the development of the university. The unique circular shape of the church is striking, and its well-preserved Norman architecture provides a fascinating glimpse into Cambridge’s early medieval past.

Visiting Cambridge University: Trinity College

Your tour ends at Trinity College, one of the largest and most prestigious colleges of the University of Cambridge. Established in 1546 by Henry VIII, the college is famous for its Great Court, the largest enclosed courtyard in Europe. Here, you can see the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century, which houses many priceless manuscripts, including works by Isaac Newton. The college has produced a long list of notable alumni, including Sir Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, and, more recently, Stephen Hawking. The stunning architecture and historical significance of Trinity College make it a fitting conclusion to your walking tour.

What To Bring On Your Self-Guided Walking Tour

When embarking on your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge, there are a few essential items to bring to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: Cambridge’s streets are a mix of cobblestones and paved paths, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to cover a lot of ground.

  • Map or Guidebook: Whether digital or physical, having a map or guidebook will help you navigate the city and ensure you don’t miss any key landmarks.

  • Camera or Smartphone: Cambridge is full of picturesque views, historic architecture, and beautiful college gardens, so be sure to bring something to capture the moments.

  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially if you’re walking for a few hours. There are cafes along the way, but it’s always good to have water handy.

  • Light Snacks: If you prefer to keep going without stopping for lunch, pack some snacks to enjoy during the tour or in one of the city’s lovely parks.

  • Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Cambridge weather can be unpredictable. In summer, bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat, while an umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable for cooler, rainy days.

  • Notebook or Journal: If you’re a history buff or interested in the cultural significance of Cambridge’s landmarks, it can be nice to take notes as you explore, especially if you plan to visit museums or read up on sites later.

More Cambridge Walking Tours

Cambridge offers excellent opportunities for self-guided walking tours that allow you to explore the city at your own pace, visiting key historical and cultural sites while learning about its rich heritage.