Where does the guide meet you?
At a Cambridge location convenient to start the tour with you or your group. This could be from the lobby of your hotel, your minibus or coach stop, a taxi rank, or another agreed meeting point. It often is at the Market Square in the city centre.
Will the tour start and end on time?
Your tour will start promptly at the agreed time and also end on time. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start, so that we can make the most of our tour together.
Can I ask to see specific places during the tour?
The tour will cover specific places of interest as long as they are requested in advance. If it is possible to include another place, it will be done. If not, your guide will provide you with details that you can follow up after the tour is finished.
Which Cambridge University colleges will we visit and are there entrance costs?
You can state which college(s) you would like to visit as part of your tour. However, not many colleges accept visitors and some (King’s, Queens', St John's, and Trinity) have entrance fees per person, which must be added to the cost of the tour.
Entrance costs 2023
King's College: £13.50 (adults); £9.50 (5-17 year-olds)
Information available on: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kings
Are the colleges open to visitors all the time?
The colleges are private institutions that have restricted access and do not have to open to the public. They will be closed during exam times (May-mid-June) and when there are college events. Times of opening can also vary and be subject to last minute changes. Your guide will check these details in advance and agree an alternative solution if necessary.
Can I take photographs in the colleges?
Yes, you can, but you cannot use flash inside the buildings. Commercial photography is not allowed.
Will the tour include information about the city as well as the University?
You will hear about people, history, buildings as well as ideas and social change which have had a bearing in both the city and the University.
How do I make a payment?
Except by special arrangement, all tours must be paid for before seting off on the tour. We have several payment options depending on the time of booking: cash, PayPal, bank transfer. Contact us on: tours@cambridgealive.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0) 7552 884404.
Can I cancel a booking?
Yes, but you must tell us in writing us by text or email no less than 3 days before tour starts. If you had made payment in advance, then the paid amount will be returned to you.
Will the tour go ahead if it is raining?
The weather is unpredictable, but your tour will go ahead. Please be aware that you will be standing outside for all or part of the time. It can get quite chilly, so please wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
Will the tour include punting?
No. But the guide will give you directions to the punts at the end of the walking tour.
Do you offer a tour in another language?
Yes. Manuel Serrano is a qualified, Spanish, local Cambridge guide recognised by the Institute of Tourist Guiding of the UK. He also does tours in English, his second language, while a network of equally qualified colleagues carry out tours in the following languages: English, French, Italian, German and Dutch. Please indicate this requirement when booking a tour.
Is Cambridge Alive Walking Tours insured against accidents?
Yes, all our guides have third party liability insurance. You will be given Health & Safety advice at the start of the tour and it is your responsibility to follow it. Please take notice of the fact that Cambridge city centre has narrow streets and pavements. Therefore, we use the proportion of 20 visitors per tour guide in order to provide the highest levels of efficiency and safety.
Can I book a tour with you if I have limited mobility or other access issues?
If your guide is aware of your issues in advance, this should not prevent you from participating in the tour.
Can my children come along too?
Yes of course, all children (under-18s) must be accompanied by an adult who is fully responsible for their safety and well being throughout the whole length of the tour.
Will there be a 'toilet break' during the tour?
Cambridge has limited toilet facilities and there are none available within the colleges. A toilet break will not
be planned in, but please let your guide know if you need to stop during the tour and they will direct you to the closest toilets.
Can I bring my dog?
You cannot take dogs into any of the colleges (students are not allowed to keep dogs) or other important buildings. You may miss some of the tour, or be prepared to leave the tour to accommodate your pet’s needs.
Can you suggest good places to eat and drink?
Like most other busy cities, Cambridge has a good range of restaurants, cafes, pubs and other venues for refreshments. Your guide will point you in the direction of a range of places to eat and drink so that you can choose.