Lady’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cambridge

Today I want to share my self-guided walking tour of Cambridge, England with you. This university city to the north of London is a beautiful place to explore. With its stunning colleges, expansive green spaces, bustling shopping streets, and bucolic River Cam, there’s a lot to see on a walk in Cambridge. My self-guided route and map will show you the best of it.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cambridge

From the awe-inspiring architecture of King’s College to the riverfront scenery along The Backs, Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.

Whether you love heritage buildings or punting along rivers, shopping at markets or exploring museums, Cambridge has something for everyone.

If you’re taking a Cambridge day trip or have a longer time to spend in Cambridge, you’ll be able to discover a lot in this part of Cambridgeshire.

I’ve been here many times over the years and each visit has shown me more of the city’s big attractions and hidden spaces. I hope my walk helps you enjoy discovering Cambridge as much as I have.

If you want a guided tour, you can see some good options on the GetYourGuide website. I’ve taken many tours with them over the years and I’ve always had a good experience. You can book one here.

Cambridge Walk

My self-guided walking tour of Cambridge starts in Cambridge Market Square. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to get to from the train station, coach and bus stops, and on foot from other parts of the city.

If you want to, you can spend a bit of time exploring the market or getting something to eat before you begin.

You can also admire Great St Mary’s, the University Church, Cambridge. It sits right next to the market and has a tower with great views of the city. They’re worth seeing if you’re up for a climb.

When you’re done browsing the market and taking in the views, start your Cambridge walk by going around the church on St Mary’s Street and Senate House Hill.

From there, head south past King’s College Chapel on King’s Parade. As you go, you’ll see lots of shops and restaurants on your left and the beautiful buildings of King’s College on your right.

Continue along the road when the shops end and King’s Parade becomes Trumpington Street. Here you’ll pass The Corpus Clock, Corpus Christi College, and St Catharine’s College.

When you reach Silver Street, turn right and continue your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge past Queens’ College Chapel as you make your way to the River Cam.

When you reach it, you’ll see the famous Mathematical Bridge on your right and a punting station on your left.

If you want to, you can take a break from the walk to go punting on the river. If not, continue your Cambridge walk by going straight on Silver Street and across the bridge.

When you’ve passed Queens’ College, turn right onto the pathway between Silver Street and Queens’ Road. It will take you around to The Backs.

These grassy areas along the River Cam are great places to soak up the sun and watch the punts go by. Feel free to stop and sit for a while to take it all in.

When you resume your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge, continue along The Backs until you reach The Avenue.

Turn right on The Avenue and walk through the Trinity College greens and across Trinity Bridge, continuing through the lawns until you reach the college buildings.

Turn left when you get to them and admire the Wren Library (you can visit and see the stunning 17th-century interior if it’s open). Then retrace your steps and continue straight along the path until you reach Garret Hostel Lane.

Turn left on Garret Hostel Lane and walk down the narrow street until you reach Trinity Lane. Turn left on Trinity Lane and follow it as it turns right. This is one of the most beautiful streets in Cambridge, so make sure to have your camera ready.

When you reach Trinity Street, turn left and follow it as it becomes St John’s Street. Along the way you’ll pass shops, cafes, and the beautiful buildings of Trinity College and St John’s College.

When you reach Bridge Street, admire the unique 12th-century Round Church on your right before turning left to walk to the river.

While you go, you’ll pass by restaurants and shops on one side and more buildings from St John’s College on the other. Don’t miss pretty Portugal Place on your right, either.

When you reach Magdalene Bridge, there are more opportunities for punting. You can stop to get out on a boat, or continue your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge by turning around to retrace your steps along Bridge Street.

Continue past The Round Church and Sidney Sussex College as Bridge Street becomes Sidney Street. Then turn right on Green Street. Here you’ll pass by more of Cambridge’s shops and restaurants as you make your way to Trinity Street.

When you get to Trinity Street, turn left, then take another quick left onto Rose Crescent. This pedestrianized street has everything from restaurants with outdoor seating to a Harry Potter-themed shop.

When you reach the end of Rose Crescent, you’ll be back in the market square where you started. Your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge ends here.

Walk Details

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cambridge

I hope my self-guided walking tour of Cambridge has made you want to get out and discover this part of Britain. It’s one of the best cities in England and there are a lot of great things to do in Cambridge. Happy walking!

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