Top Cambridge Tours: See the City by Foot, Boat, or Bus!
Cambridge, a spot oozing history and crammed with dreamy spires, is, well, it’s a total must-see! Seeing it all? Very potentially tricky if you just wander around aimlessly. So, getting on a planned tour could really give you a head start. Let’s investigate five super options, looking at different ways to see this cool city and highlighting what makes each one worth thinking about. Whether you love to walk, prefer the idea of floating serenely along the river, or like the convenience of a bus tour, there’s something for you.
1. The Classic Cambridge Punting Tour
Punting? This is, in many respects, *the* Cambridge experience! You glide along the River Cam on a flat-bottomed boat, pushed along by someone using a long pole. That’s, like, *the* iconic picture postcard image. A bunch of businesses offer these tours, and you will, too it’s almost, find them clustered near the Quayside. Some tours are guided, providing entertaining insights into the “Backs” of the colleges. Others allow you to try punting yourselves. It’s actually tougher than it looks.
Why pick a punting tour? Well, it gives you a look at spots you just can’t reach on foot. Plus, the guides tend to be packed with stories – historical tidbits, a bit of student folklore. You can even bring along a picnic and just take it very, very easy while enjoying the views.
Just something to think about? Punting tours are crazy-popular, more or less, especially in summer. So, get those tickets ahead of time to side-step possible disappointment.
2. Walking Tours of Cambridge University
Loads of outfits do walking tours focused right on the university and its colleges. These tours typically cover super famous spots, such as King’s College Chapel and the Senate House. Knowledgeable guides will, arguably, fill your head with info on university history, legendary alumni, and architectural gossip.
What’s the appeal? You get an up-close peek at the buildings and learn about the events that have played out within those very walls. It’s very history-heavy, just what history buffs and anyone interested in college life would enjoy.
Know what you get; sometimes these tours can be affected by college events or closures. Make a point of checking schedules before booking!
3. Cambridge Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Like to get a comprehensive look at a place at your pace? A hop-on, hop-off bus tour might just be your bag. A bunch of the big tour operators offer these; typically, they cover loads of key landmarks. What makes them so neat? The freedom they hand over! Get off where something grabs you, and, still, get back on another bus when you’re done exploring. These services generally provide commentary, giving you information about all those landmarks as you drive by.
Why choose a bus tour? This choice really rocks for seeing loads in a shorter time. Is mobility a concern? The bus will definitely ease strain. Plus, it’s almost like getting transport and sightseeing wrapped up as a combo.
Be alert that traffic can, in a way, affect these tours! Specifically, in summer, or around big events, journeys could take a bit longer.
4. Themed & Bespoke Cambridge Tours
Want something that goes off the well-trodden path? Many outfits offer tours pitched around particular topics, or even customized private tours. Just so you know, it’s totally possible to arrange specialist explorations centered on stuff such as literary Cambridge (think: the writers who studied here), architectural gems, or the city’s spooky history. The option might include a private tour designed around the preferences that you set.
Who might enjoy these? Any who has a very specialist hobby or a keen focus. So, if you’re properly keen on ghost stories or have some burning interest in specific eras, these more focused tours can make stuff just that much more special.
Word to the wise: these specialized tours tend to be more costly, particularly those that are fully customized. That’s why it’s arguably important to really research providers so you’re 100% certain you’re going to enjoy what you get.
5. Self-Guided Audio Tours of Cambridge
Want total control but a bit of direction? Self-guided audio tours are great, really. They work using an app on your device to provide facts, and that, seemingly, allows you to stroll around on your schedule. They often include a GPS capability so you can, typically, see exactly where you should be heading.
Why consider this way? Absolute freedom! You set your speed, you decide how long to spend at any given spot, and, as a matter of fact, they’re a very affordable way to find stuff out.
Bear in mind you will, arguably, require data or pre-downloaded maps! And remember to take a fully charged phone. Is anything worse than a dead device mid-tour?