Cambridge Backs Self-Guided Walking Tour
Supplied by: Vidi Guides
Take the scenic walk around Cambridge and head down to the Backs, a picturesque route across the grounds covering the banks of the River Cam. This walking podcast guide delves into the bizarre history of Cambridge’s bridges, from mathematical inspiration to mischievous pranks, as we wander alongside punters and colleges.
You'll join Katie, a historian, and her friend Josh, as you wander along the beautiful and picturesque riverside of Cambridge at your own pace on this self-guided podcast tour! From Mathematical Bridge to Trinity College, this is a great way to explore the riverside and get a unique and spectacular look at the colleges as you hear about their history! Our interactive digital audio guide can be downloaded anytime directly onto your smartphone!
Highlights
- Stroll along the River Cam at your own pace
- Great way to explore the River and Cambridge before or after a punting trip
- The smartest way to visit Cambridge independently and in a Covid-safe manner
What's included
- Digital audio guide, to be downloaded onto your smartphone before your visit
- On-screen pictures to enhance your experience
- Geo-localised map to keep you on the right track
- Headphones
Overview
The Backs is the area that runs along many of Cambridge’s famous colleges and the walk is studded with beautiful architecture, a quaint wooden bridge, sprawling green spaces, and quirky stories. We'll begin the podcast tour alongside the river at Scudamore's Quayside Walk over the wooden bridge of Silver Street and immerse yourself in Cambridge's history and moving stories. The tour will walk us through student life and will give us magnificent views of King's College and its Chapel. Don't forget to bring your camera for some breath-taking views of the river Cam!
Our tour begins at Scudamore’s Punting in Granta Place – one of the leading punting companies in Cambridge. Punts are a great way to discover the River Cam and you can hire your own or sit back and let the experts take you along (no risk of falling in the water this way!)
Our walk continues across Silver Street until we reach the view of Mathematical Bridge - According to legend, the bridge was built by Sir Isaac Newton, and was held together by its own force – no nuts, no bolts, just wood! It’s why they call it the mathematical bridge
We carry onto Queens college which is where the Backs officially begins! The green space you can see stretching away from us is where the Backs begin.
Next up is one of the most iconic views of Cambridge – Kings College. This is the perfect photo opportunity as we have the fields and meadows in the foreground and the breath-taking Kings College and Kings College Chapel in the background!
A pleasant stroll along the backs brings us to Clare College, a small college, most famous these days for its alumnus David Attenborough, the broadcaster and natural historian.
Our final stop is Garret Hostel Bridge, this was the site of another Mathematical bridge that we talked about right at the start, but unfortunately it didn’t last so long. From here, looking back towards the direction we’ve just come from, you should actually be seeing several colleges. The red brick buildings and gardens right by the bridge on the left is Trinity Hall. Clare is beyond that, where the white bridge crosses the river.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that sound like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your Cambridge Backs tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before you go to streamline your trip!
Know before you go
Please download 'Vidi Guides' from the App Store of your mobile device and enter the code you receive after booking (from email address: [email protected]).
Please remember to bring a pair of headphones with you
Cancellation policy
Non refundable
