The Almost Complete History of the Old Town of Cambridge
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Come on a different walking tour through old Cambridge and discover the Town and colleges from the view of the townspeople through the centuries up to today
Using a 500-year-old map, fun facts and a big dollop of humour; we'll navigate all around the historic Town and through 2000 years of history to the City we live in today.
May contain: Anglo-Saxons, Fires, Beheadings, Vikings, Normans, Town vs Gown drama, Fairs, Kings, Queens, Common Land, Churches, Charters, Chancellors, Monks, Mayors, Markets and a potential grave robbery.
If you're new to Cambridge you'll come way understanding the story of the Town in a way most visitors never will.
If you think you know Cambridge, you're probably in for a surprise.
If that wasn't enough, we're a local social enterprise promoting Cambridge history, culture and sustainable tourism; your fantastic Experience Leaders are local people with lived experience of exclusion, particularly homelessness, in Cambridge.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Cambridge Market Square
How did Cambridge become a town? How was the market so important? How was the market laid out in medieval times?
Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)
Originally St-Mary's-by-the-market, now the famous University Church, what's the story behind this building and the arrival of the scholars in Cambridge?
Options
The Almost Complete History of the Old Town of Cambridge
What‘s Included
Historical Humour
A copy of a 500 year old map to hep you navigate through the Old Town of Cambridge.
Historical Facts
Guided walking tour of the old Town of Cambridge (aka historic town/city centre)
We won't be going inside any of the buildings we visit from the outside, including colleges and churches, this tour is all outside.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An ethical tour in its infancy , but very worth while
Mark R,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an ethical tour with high values that drew us to this community based walk were proceeds directly benefit the community. Very much history led by a local who has a unique insight into the struggles of the community and demonstrates this very eloquently thru the development of the town/city. Having been on other tours this showed us many places not covered by others. It’s a personal tour led by a real person so not as polished as blue badge but we were so glad to have met John and spent a few hours in his company. Ask about the secret entrances for pixies
Cambridge tour.
George D,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice walk and good info about Cambridge. I would look them up again for a different tour. John was very personable.
A living history tour showing you a potted history of Cambridge.
suehV9643HS,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyable tour of Cambridge by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. I thought I knew Cambridge, but I certainly learnt a lot more about it's origins and its past and present history. This tour is for Cambridge residents and visitors alike.
Not Just Another Cambridge Tour
juliensH6920WL,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed the Experience Cambridge tour. John was a very pleasant, timely, and professional guide. He's a great story-teller and good at making things funny, while staying informative the whole way through. I had a lot of fun chatting to him. As a local, I don't usually stop to look around when going about my day. I have my paths and most of the city feels like the "in-between-ness" between my destinations. By contrast, the tour made the city feel like an easter egg hunt and I got to see Cambridge from new perspectives (literally and figuratively!). I also learnt so much about the history of Cambridge townspeople themselves. The narrative was very unique for a tour and I liked how it was tied to the modern day at the end. Plus the whole tour's business model is for a really good cause (supporting excluded individuals by training and providing them with work). I've recommended the tour (and John) to my whole family here in Cambridge!
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Operated by Experience Cambridge