Cambridge: Alumni Walking & Punting Tour with King's Chapel

Summary

Cambridge history meets river life on foot and by punt guided by students

You’ll walk centuries-old lanes with a Cambridge student or grad as your guide, step inside King’s College Chapel if you book ahead, then drift down the River Cam by punt past legendary colleges and bridges. Expect real stories, quiet moments by the water, and glimpses of student life most visitors miss—plus time to ask anything you want.

What’s the experience like?

"You can almost hear Newton thinking in here," our guide said, half-grinning as we shuffled past the Corpus Clock, its golden grasshopper ticking away. I’d never noticed how the air smells faintly of old books and coffee drifting from a nearby café — or maybe that was just my imagination running wild. Our student guide, Anna, wore this bright blue scarf (apparently alumni tradition), and she had stories about everything: why Trinity and St John’s still bicker, which pub Darwin might’ve haunted, even how graduation works if you’re lucky enough to make it that far. She didn’t sugarcoat anything — told us straight up about the weird traditions and what it’s like to actually study here. I liked that.

We ducked into The Eagle for a minute — not for a pint (it was barely noon), but Anna pointed out scribbles from WWII pilots on the ceiling. There’s something about standing in a place where people have argued, laughed, maybe cried for centuries; you feel it in your bones. The walking part isn’t tough — though if you’re not used to cobblestones, watch your step. When we reached King’s College Chapel (I’d booked that option ahead), I wandered inside solo. Sunlight slanted through stained glass so sharply it almost hurt my eyes. I’m not religious but…well, it’s hard not to feel small under that ceiling.

The best bit? The punting tour after lunch. We met at Scudamore’s Mill Lane — our new guide, Tom, had the kind of dry humor only Cambridge students seem to master (“If you fall in, just pretend you meant to”). Gliding down the River Cam is quieter than I expected; just soft splashes from the pole and muffled laughter from other boats. We floated past eight colleges and nine bridges — Mathematical Bridge looks impossible up close, all straight lines making a perfect curve somehow. Tom shared gossip about Queen Victoria’s favorite bridge (the Bridge of Sighs) and pointed out which colleges first let women in. The river gives you this secret view of Cambridge backs most people never see on foot.

I still think about that view along the Backs at sunset — light catching on old stone and water rippling under us. It wasn’t perfect; my phone almost slipped into the river when I tried for a photo (Tom caught it). But honestly? That made me laugh more than any postcard moment would’ve.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cambridge walking tour and punting

• Meet Alumni Guide outside King's College
• Learn about famous clock design
• Visit The Eagle pub
• Discover scientific history site
• Hear Corpus Christi College history
• Explore Queens' College and Mathematical Bridge
• Walk along College Backs by King's College
• Hear Trinity and St John's rivalry
• Admire St John's College architecture
• Optional self-guided visit to King's College Chapel
• Take a short break before punting
• Board punt at Scudamore's Mill Lane
• Punt past colleges and bridges with guide
• View Mathematical Bridge from river
• Admire King's College and Gibbs Building
• Hear about second-oldest college and women students
• Learn history of Trinity College from punt
• See Bridge of Sighs, Queen Victoria's favorite spot
• Complete tour with Magdalene College
• Return punt to station

Top questions

How long is the Cambridge walking & punting tour?

The walking tour lasts 90 minutes; the punting trip is 45 minutes.

Is entry to King's College Chapel included?

Only if you select that option during booking—it can't be added during or after the tour.

Who leads the tours?

Current Cambridge University students or graduates lead both parts of the tour.

Where does the punting tour start?

Punting departs from Scudamore's Mill Lane station after your walking tour break.

Are there accessibility options?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; punting can accommodate wheelchair users with assistance or a carer.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones; weather-appropriate clothes are recommended as both tours are outdoors.

Can infants join?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available for punting.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute walking tour led by a Cambridge University student or graduate (with insights into college history and traditions), optional self-guided access to King’s College Chapel if pre-booked, plus a 45-minute chauffeured punting trip along the River Cam passing eight colleges and nine bridges—with plenty of time for questions along the way.