Cambridge University Walking Tour: Spies, Secrets & Scandals

See Cambridge through the eyes of a local with Fellows & Footsteps, an independent, family-run Cambridge walking tour. With engaging storytelling, humour and a touch of old-English character, discover the remarkable people, scandals, discoveries and legends behind the city and its famous University. From kings and ghosts to wartime airmen, pioneering scientists and eccentric traditions, each stop has a story to tell. Expect a relaxed, entertaining and personal experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.

1. 1

   Corpus Clock

   5 min

   Begin at Cambridge’s extraordinary Corpus Clock, where your guide reveals the story behind its fearsome “time-eater”, the Chronophage. Discover why this remarkable clock has no hands and the surprising details most visitors walk straight past.

2. 2

   St Bene't's Church (Church of England)

   5 min

   Discover one of Cambridge’s oldest surviving buildings and step back to the city before the University existed. See the remarkable Anglo-Saxon tower, dating from around the 11th century, and learn how to spot the distinctive stonework that reveals its ancient origins.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   Stop at one of Cambridge’s most famous historic pubs, where centuries of city life meet extraordinary stories of science and war. Hear how Watson and Crick announced their discovery of the structure of DNA here in 1953, and discover the remarkable story behind the RAF airmen’s graffiti left during the Second World War.

4. 4

   Old Cavendish Laboratory

   5 min

   Discover the site of Cambridge’s legendary Cavendish Laboratory, where some of the greatest breakthroughs in modern science took place. Hear how pioneering scientists uncovered the secrets of the atom and how, nearby, Watson and Crick worked on the structure of DNA—helping make Cambridge a centre of scientific discovery.

5. 5

   Corpus Christi College

   5 min

   Discover one of Cambridge’s most atmospheric medieval colleges, founded by local townspeople in the aftermath of the Black Death. Hear tales of famous former students, Tudor intrigue and the college’s darker side, including the chilling ghost story that has haunted Corpus Christi for centuries.

6. 6

   St Catharine's College

   5 min

   Discover St Catharine’s College, founded in 1473 and affectionately known as “Catz”. Hear how this historic college grew from modest beginnings and learn about the distinctive traditions and characters that have shaped its place in Cambridge University life.

7. 7

   Queens' College

   5 min

   Discover one of Cambridge’s most picturesque colleges, founded in 1448 and associated with two medieval queens. Hear stories from its remarkable history and see the famous Mathematical Bridge spanning the River Cam, one of Cambridge’s most photographed landmarks.

8. 8

   Mathematical Bridge

   5 min

   Admire Cambridge’s famous Mathematical Bridge, spanning the River Cam at Queens’ College. Discover the ingenious design behind this elegant wooden structure and hear the enduring myth that Isaac Newton built it without using a single nail or bolt.

9. 9

   Darwin College

   Pass by

   Pass by Darwin College, Cambridge’s first graduate-only college and the first Cambridge college established for both men and women from the outset. Hear about its connection to the remarkable Darwin family and its place in the changing story of Cambridge University.

10. 10

    King's College

    5 min

    Stand before the magnificent King’s College and its world-famous chapel, one of Cambridge’s most iconic sights. Discover how three kings shaped its extraordinary history, hear how the chapel survived the English Civil War, and uncover the stories behind its spectacular architecture and stained glass.

11. 11

    Wren Library

    Pass by

    Pass by the magnificent Wren Library at Trinity College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Hear about its extraordinary collection of treasures, including works connected to some of Cambridge’s most celebrated figures, from Isaac Newton to A. A. Milne.

12. 12

    Clare College Bridge

    5 min

    Admire Clare Bridge, the oldest surviving bridge over the River Cam. Discover its elegant 17th-century design and hear the curious story of its famous missing stone wedge, one of Cambridge’s enduring little mysteries.

13. 13

    Clare College

    5 min

    Discover Clare College, one of Cambridge’s oldest and most beautiful colleges, founded in the 14th century. Hear how it survived plague, financial struggles and centuries of change, while becoming home to some remarkable figures in Cambridge history.

14. 14

    Trinity College

    5 min

    Discover Trinity College, Cambridge’s largest college and one of its most famous. Hear stories of extraordinary former students including Isaac Newton, explore the traditions of Great Court, and discover how this remarkable college has shaped science, literature and British history for centuries.

15. 15

    St. John's College

    5 min

    Discover the magnificent St John’s College, founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. Hear stories of royal connections, famous former students and centuries of college life, and see the striking architecture that makes St John’s one of Cambridge’s most memorable colleges.

16. 16

    Gonville and Caius College

    5 min

    Discover Gonville & Caius College, one of Cambridge’s oldest and most distinguished colleges. Hear about its unusual Gates of Humility, Virtue and Honour, its connections to some of Britain’s greatest scientists, and the fascinating traditions hidden behind its historic walls.

17. 17

    Senate House

    5 min

    Discover Cambridge’s magnificent Senate House, the historic ceremonial heart of the University. Hear how generations of students have gathered here to receive their degrees, and discover the traditions, protests and colourful moments that have unfolded outside this elegant 18th-century building.

18. 18

    Great St Mary's Church (Church of England)

    5 min

    Discover Great St Mary’s, the historic University Church at the heart of Cambridge. Hear how it became entwined with university life, public debates and dramatic moments in the city’s past, and discover why this remarkable church has stood at the centre of town and gown for centuries.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.