Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Cambridge

Cambridge's colleges line the River Cam, with King's College Chapel, the Backs and punts gliding past willow trees.

Cambridge: Cambridge University With Alumni: Optional Kings College Entrance
Featured walk: Cambridge University With Alumni: Optional Kings College Entrance · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, and its colleges fill the historic centre.

The town is small and flat, so the colleges, market square and riverside are all within a few minutes' walk.

What makes Cambridge distinctive

  • King's College Chapel
  • Punting on the Cam
  • The Backs, the riverside lawns behind the colleges
  • Bicycles everywhere

Walking tours in Cambridge

Hand-picked guided walks in Cambridge, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Night and ghost tours in Cambridge

Compare with other cities: History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • City centre

    Colleges and the market square.

  • Mill Road

    Independent shops and restaurants.

  • Grantchester

    A village reached by riverside meadows.

Free self-guided walk

Colleges and the Backs

A free self-guided walk through central Cambridge, from the market square along King's Parade to the Backs and the Mathematical Bridge.

1.5 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. King's Parade

    Past the colleges to the market square.

  2. The Backs

    A path along the river behind the colleges.

  3. Grantchester Meadows

    A riverside walk to the village.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat.

  • Bikes

    Watch for cyclists everywhere.

  • Colleges

    Opening times vary; some charge entry.

When to visit

  • Spring and summer

    Punting season.

  • Autumn

    Start of the university year.

  • Winter

    Quiet, with carol services at King's.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By rail

    Trains reach London King's Cross or Liverpool Street in under an hour.

  • By air

    Stansted Airport is about 30 minutes by train.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The centre is best walked.

  • Bikes

    Cycling is the local way to get around.

Questions travellers ask about Cambridge

Can I go inside the colleges?

Many colleges open at set times; King's and Trinity charge entry.

How many days do I need?

One day.

Should I go punting?

Yes, either self-hire or a chauffeured punt along the Backs.

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Country overview

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.