The Cambridge Highlights Tour
Cambridge Walking Tour – The Daily Highlights Tour
See the best of Cambridge on a fun, informative 90-minute walking tour with Cantab Tours — no advance planning required, we run every single day.
- Accredited and qualified tour guides
- Fun and informative walking tour
- See the iconic sights — famous colleges, King's Parade, Senate House, the River Cam
- Perfect for short visits or as an introduction to Cambridge
- Starts every day from the Tourist Information Centre, Peas Hill
Every Public Tour, Led by an Accredited Guide
Cambridge has plenty of walking tours to choose from — but every one of our public tours is led by a professionally trained guide who holds an official Blue or Green Badge from the Institute of Tourist Guiding, so you always know exactly who you're walking with.
Reserve Your PlaceBlue Badge Tour or Free Walking Tour?
Cambridge has plenty of walking tours, from tip-based "free" tours to student-led walks. Here's what makes a Cantab Tours walking tour different, and what to check before you book any tour.
The Cantab Tours Highlights Tour
- Every guide holds an official Blue or Green Badge from the Institute of Tourist Guiding, after almost a year of training
- Guides are members of the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides, with ongoing training and full insurance
- Local guides and Cambridge alumni – not current students fitting tours around a degree
- One clear price: £20 per adult, £12 per child, under-3s free – no tips expected
- A maximum of 20 people per tour
- Runs every day, even if you're the only person booked
What to Check on Other Tours
- Is the guide accredited? Guides don't need any qualification to lead a tour in Cambridge
- How is the guide paid? On tip-based tours, the real cost is decided at the end
- Who leads it? Some tours are run by volunteers or current students
- How big are the groups, and will the tour run if few people turn up?
- Is the price clear before you go, including any extras?
What to Expect
The Cambridge Highlights Tour is the perfect way to take in the world-famous sights of Cambridge. Fully qualified guides ensure an entertaining and informative walk covering all the city centre's must-see sights — from the historic colleges to Senate House, the Corpus Clock and the Cavendish Laboratory.
Perfect for short visits or as an introduction to the city, it's ideal for first-time visitors wanting to make the most of their time in Cambridge. 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 — so look out for the official badge, and don't be fooled by unofficial tours.
“Our guide, Mary, was excellent — welcoming, knowledgeable, engaging and she brought the city to life with her stories and experiences. Her genuine love of Cambridge shone through.”
See the Famous Cambridge Sights
Every Cambridge Highlights Tour takes you past:
- The Old Cavendish Laboratory
- The Eagle Pub
- The Corpus Clock
- The Senate House
- River Cam
- King's Parade
- Corpus Christi College
- King's College
- Gonville & Caius College
- Trinity College
- Queens' College
- St Catharine's College
Stories Along the Route
No two tours are the same – your guide tailors every walk to the group – but these are some of the stories you're likely to hear on the Cambridge Highlights Tour.
The Eagle Pub
In 1953 Francis Crick walked into the Eagle and announced that he and James Watson had discovered "the secret of life" – the structure of DNA. In the RAF bar, look up at the ceiling covered in graffiti left by Second World War airmen.
The Old Cavendish Laboratory
On Free School Lane stands the laboratory where J.J. Thomson discovered the electron in 1897 and where the atom was first split in 1932 – some of the most world-changing science ever done in Cambridge.
The Corpus Clock
Unveiled by Stephen Hawking in 2008, this golden clock is topped by the "Chronophage", a monstrous time-eating insect. It was designed and paid for by inventor John C. Taylor, a former student of Corpus Christi College.
King's College
Founded by Henry VI in 1441, King's is home to one of the finest Gothic chapels in the world – a building that took nearly a century and five kings to complete. Want to go inside? Try a private tour of King's College.
Senate House
Built in the 1720s to designs by James Gibbs, the Senate House is where Cambridge students graduate – and the scene of one of the University's most famous pranks, when students hoisted an Austin Seven car onto its roof in 1958.
King's Parade and Great St Mary's
Cambridge's most famous street runs past the University Church, Great St Mary's. Your guide will explain how town and gown have shaped the city for more than 800 years – and where to find the best view in Cambridge afterwards.
The exact route can vary with the season and on busy days in the city. College interiors are not included on the public tour.
Meeting Your Guide
Our public walking tours depart from The Tourist Information Centre, 11 Peas Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PP. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour is due to start — your guide will make themselves known to you, wearing an official Green or Blue Badge to show they're qualified.
Good to Know Before Your Walking Tour
Everything you need for a relaxed 90 minutes exploring Cambridge on foot.
Distance and Finish
Around 1 to 1.5 miles at a gentle pace. Tours finish in central Cambridge, a few minutes' walk from Great St Mary's Church, and your guide will happily point you on to your next stop.
Rain or Shine
Tours go ahead whatever the weather. British weather is unpredictable, so bring a coat or umbrella, comfortable shoes – and your camera.
Children
Families are very welcome. Children aged 3 to 16 are £12, and under-3s go free.
Access and Mobility
Most tours are suitable for everyone. Please let us know about any mobility needs in advance so your guide can plan the route. Only assistance dogs can join tours.
Colleges
The public tour takes in the colleges from outside and doesn't include college entry. To go inside King's College, book a private King's College tour.
Your Tickets
Tickets are emailed to you when you book. No need to print them – just have them on your phone in case your guide asks to see them.
Cambridge Walking Tour FAQs
How long is the Cambridge Highlights walking tour?
The tour lasts 90 minutes and covers around 1 to 1.5 miles of central Cambridge at a relaxed pace.
Where does the walking tour start?
All public tours meet at the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre, 11 Peas Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PP. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start – your guide will introduce themselves and will be wearing an official Blue or Green Badge.
What time does the tour run?
Every day at 11:30am, with an extra 2pm departure during July and August.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend booking online in advance to avoid disappointment, as tours are limited to 20 people. There's no minimum – the tour still goes ahead even if you're the only person booked.
How much does the tour cost?
£20 per adult and £12 per child aged 3 to 16. Children under 3 go free.
Does the tour go inside the colleges?
No – the public tour visits the outside of the colleges and doesn't include college entry. Entry to King's College can be arranged as part of a private King's College tour, depending on availability.
What happens if it rains?
Tours go ahead rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.
What if I'm running late?
The guide starts promptly at the advertised time with a short introduction at the meeting point. If you arrive after the tour has left you won't be able to join, and public tour tickets are non-refundable.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Public tour tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be transferred at the company's discretion – please contact us as early as possible.
Can I book a private walking tour instead?
Yes – private tours run year-round at a time that suits you, from 1 hour to a full day, for groups of up to 20 per guide, from £110.
Why Choose Cantab Tours?
Experienced
We've been delivering walking tours of Cambridge since the 1970s, and previously worked with Visit Cambridge for many years as their official guided tour provider.
Qualified
Every guide is accredited through the Institute of Tourist Guiding and proudly wears a Blue or Green Badge — training that takes almost a year to complete.
Entertaining
Our guides are a mix of Cambridge alumni and passionate locals who bring the city to life with real stories and a few of its best rumours — no boring, scripted tours here.
Value
Our Cambridge Highlights Tour is just £20 per person (£12 for children), and private tours start from £110 for up to 20 people.
Want It Just for You?
For a more personalised experience, book a Private Walking Tour of Cambridge with one of our expert guides — fully customisable to your group's interests, pace and schedule.
Explore Private ToursReady to See Cambridge Properly?
Join today's public tour — no need to plan ahead, we run every single day.