Top 5 Cambridge Half-Day Tours: See the Best Bits!

So, you’re looking to explore Cambridge, but you don’t have ages? That’s completely alright! Cambridge, with its dreaming spires and crazy history, has plenty to offer that you can actually see in just half a day. What’s on offer ranges from the classic punting adventures to in depth looks at the local buildings, there is truly something for everybody to get stuck into! I am going to let you in on the best Cambridge half-day tours to make sure you soak up all of the fun without rushing, or wearing yourself out.

1. The Classic Punting Tour: See Cambridge from the River Cam

Well, the Punting Tour! It has almost turned into THE quintessential Cambridge activity. Could be that it is incredibly fun, I would wager? These tours take you drifting along the River Cam on a flat-bottomed boat, that gives you views of some of the most awesome university backs. That is things like King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Wren Library.

Actually, you have two choices here! You can either grab a chauffeured tour where someone will actually punt for you. So, you get to sit back, chill, and listen to the guide drop heaps of facts about the history and architecture. Or, alternatively, you can rent your own punt! You and your group can have a laugh trying not to crash into other boats while pretending you are experts! Opting for a chauffeured tour, usually lasting around 45 minutes to an hour, is an awesome choice if you fancy getting cool historical facts and some relaxing views.

2. Cambridge University Guided Walking Tour: Get Up Close to College Life

Right then, if you like keeping both feet on dry land. Maybe, you fancy something a bit more…grounded? Is that right? The Cambridge University Guided Walking Tour is pretty great, as it is! Ahem, these tours, often run by university students or alumni, generally give you access to some parts of the university! Parts that aren’t usually open to the general public, is that neat? You can find out a great deal about the cool stories behind the colleges and traditions from someone who is literally there! Or was, for that matter! I guess they wouldn’t be alumni if they still were.

So, you stroll through the courts, sneak peeks into the chapels, and have a look around the dining halls, too. You’ll possibly hear fun stories about student life, famous alumni, and, of course, some of the secrets of the university’s past. Be certain you look into the tours offered by official University guides. That is since they typically can provide way more cool information, actually! Usually tours last around 90 minutes to two hours.

3. The Fitzwilliam Museum Tour: Art and Antiquities in a Flash

Suppose you love anything to do with art. Or you want to spend some time escaping potential terrible weather. You’ll absolutely adore The Fitzwilliam Museum. Did you know that it houses a fantastic collection of art and antiques from all around the world? These half-day tours make sure that you actually get to see the absolute best bits of it all, which can, sometimes, feel too large. That’s rather, seeing it all on your own, might feel like too much.

Guided tours usually will draw attention to specific artifacts. Which often give you historical backgrounds to some of the key pieces and schools of art. Think paintings from the Renaissance era. To super old Egyptian antiquities and super special collections, these tours generally cover lots of historical eras! Oh! And also, various cultures too. You may find some audio guides and themed tours which allow you to hone in on specific interests if you really like the sound of it. Two hours usually makes a great time to budget here!

4. Grantchester Village Tour: A Slice of Rural Cambridge

Wanting to get away from all that hustle? Wanting some bustle too? The Grantchester Village Tour gives you a chance to step away from Cambridge itself. To get into the rural scene surrounding it, anyway! Grantchester, so it is located just a short distance south of Cambridge, is this amazing village with gorgeous meadows and old-fashioned charm.

The tours in general take you along the River Cam or even by road! These tours finish up within the village. At times giving you the time to check out Grantchester’s meadows and maybe grab tea at the Orchard Tea Garden, like the place where Rupert Brooke. And other awesome poets spent loads of their time. You may get the opportunity to see the famous Grantchester church too. Which offers up cool sights to behold. Usually taking three or four hours for this excursion. It depends what route and attractions you see!

5. Cambridge Ghost Tour: Get Spooked!

Okay, so! If you are interested in seeing another aspect to the city’s old history, then you should find yourself wanting to go on The Cambridge Ghost Tour. Often, it is available during the early evenings and even at night. Now it really allows you to step back into history but this time, with a scary and somewhat twisted view on Cambridge!

Taking a guided tour along the streets. Guides help shed a light on some spooky stories, tales, and dark history Cambridge offers. From haunted inns and churches and scrawled historical records to boot. I think this will bring Cambridge history to you… Just in time for supper. At least! Usually running around 90 minutes!