Cambridge: Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour

Uncover the captivating tales of Cambridge University’s storied past with the ‘Cambridge: Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour‘. This immersive experience offers visitors an insider’s perspective, revealing the rivalries, social classes, and colorful characters that have shaped the prestigious institution over its 800-year history. Accessible via a smartphone app, the tour allows guests to explore iconic colleges at their own pace, guided by a university graduate’s narration. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this flexible tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you intrigued to learn more about Cambridge’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• Self-guided smartphone tour using GPS tracking and an audio guide through the VoiceMap app, covering 800 years of Cambridge University’s history.
• Allows visitors to explore iconic colleges at their own pace and learn about the rivalries and social classes that have shaped the university.
• Tour highlights include the Corpus Clock, narration by a Cambridge graduate, and discovering the hidden histories of King’s, Corpus Christi, Queen’s, St John’s, and Sidney Sussex colleges.
• Typically takes 1 hour to complete, with options to linger at stops, and a virtual tour option available for those unable to visit in person.
• Tour can be accessed and used multiple times, with the starting point at the main gates of King’s College on King’s Parade.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Cambridge Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour allows visitors to uncover the 800-year history and colorful characters of Cambridge University’s historic campus at their own pace using GPS tracking and an audio guide through the VoiceMap mobile app.

This self-guided tour gives you the freedom to explore iconic colleges like King’s, Corpus Christi, Queen’s, St John’s, and Sidney Sussex, while learning about the rivalries between colleges and social classes that have shaped the university.

The producer, a Cambridge University graduate and former River Tour Guide, provides an insider’s perspective, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this renowned institution, this tour offers a unique way to discover Cambridge’s hidden treasures.

Key Tour Highlights

Among the key highlights of the tour, visitors can learn how to decipher the intricate Corpus Clock, which only displays the correct time every 5 minutes.

They’ll also hear fascinating stories from the tour’s producer, a Cambridge University graduate and former River Tour Guide.

Exploring iconic colleges like King’s, Corpus Christi, Queen’s, St John’s, and Sidney Sussex, guests will uncover the rivalries and social classes that have shaped the university’s 800-year history.

The tour encourages visitors to discover hidden gems, immersing them in the colorful characters and rich legacy of Cambridge University’s historic campus.

Exploring Historic Colleges

As visitors explore the tour, they’ll marvel at the iconic colleges that have defined Cambridge University’s legacy, from the grandeur of King’s College to the scholarly traditions of Corpus Christi, Queen’s, St John’s, and Sidney Sussex. These historic institutions offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Cambridge’s past, with each college boasting its own unique character and storied traditions:

King’s College is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and the famous King’s College Chapel, while Corpus Christi features the 16th-century Old Court and the iconic Corpus Clock.

Queen’s College, St John’s, and Sidney Sussex each have their own captivating histories, from academic rivalries to social divides that have shaped the university over the centuries.

Exploring these colleges allows visitors to uncover the hidden histories that have made Cambridge one of the world’s most prestigious and influential universities.

Rivalries and Social Classes

Often, the tour explores the rivalries and social classes that have historically defined Cambridge University. Despite the institution’s elite reputation, a distinct divide existed between the scholarly elite and the working-class residents of the city.

The audio guide recounts tales of fierce college rivalries, with students from different colleges often competing for resources, prestige, and influence. Visitors learn how social status shaped the university experience, with wealthy students enjoying privileges and amenities unavailable to their less fortunate peers.

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Tour Duration and Options

The tour typically takes approximately 1 hour to complete, though visitors can linger at stops along the way to explore further. Participants also have the option to access a virtual tour from home, providing flexibility in how they experience the historic Cambridge campus.

The self-guided tour can be accessed and used as many times as desired before and after the booking date, allowing visitors to revisit their favorite spots or experience the tour again.

For those unable to visit in person, the virtual tour option enables them to discover the campus’ rich history and iconic landmarks from the comfort of their own home.

The tour is designed to be easily accessible, requiring only a charged smartphone and headphones, making it a convenient and immersive way to explore Cambridge’s hidden histories.

Getting to the Starting Point

To begin the self-guided tour, visitors should head to the main gates of King’s College on King’s Parade, which serves as the starting point.

This iconic location is easy to find and provides a convenient starting point for the tour.

Once there, you will need a charged smartphone and headphones to access the audio guide through the VoiceMap mobile app.

The tour can be downloaded in advance, allowing visitors to prepare before they arrive.

With the app ready to go, explorers can set off on their journey through Cambridge’s rich history and uncover the hidden secrets of the university’s historic campus at their own pace.

What to Bring for the Tour

With the starting point established, visitors will want to ensure they’ve a few key items for the self-guided Cambridge Hidden Histories Tour. First and foremost, they’ll need a charged smartphone and a pair of headphones to access the audio guide through the VoiceMap mobile app. The tour can be downloaded in advance, so participants can get set up before they arrive at the King’s College gates.

Other essentials include:

• Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour covers approximately 1 hour of exploring the historic campus
• Water or a snack, in case visitors want to linger at the various stops along the way
• Weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour is self-guided and takes place outdoors

Virtual Tour Availability

Though a self-guided outdoor experience, the Cambridge Hidden Histories Tour also offers a virtual tour option for those unable to visit the university’s historic campus in person.

This virtual experience allows users to explore the tour’s key highlights from the comfort of their own homes.

By downloading the VoiceMap app, travelers can access the audio guide and follow along as if they were walking the streets of Cambridge.

The virtual tour provides the same immersive storytelling, allowing participants to uncover the colorful characters and 800-year history of the prestigious university.

Whether exploring in-person or virtually, the Cambridge Hidden Histories Tour offers a unique way to discover the hidden gems of this iconic institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take the Tour in a Group or Is It Limited to Individuals?

The tour is designed for individual use, but groups can participate. Participants use their own smartphones and headphones to access the audio guide and follow the route at their own pace.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. The audio guide can be heard through a smartphone, and the self-guided nature allows users to explore at their own pace and needs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any specific age requirements. It’s suitable for all ages, though younger participants may require assistance or supervision. The self-guided nature allows visitors to explore at their own pace.

Can I Stop and Resume the Tour at a Later Time?

Yes, you can stop and resume the tour at any time. The tour allows for unlimited use before and after your booking date, so you can take breaks and pick up where you left off.

Are There Any Student Discounts or Special Rates Available for the Tour?

There are no explicit student discounts or special rates mentioned for this tour. However, the tour’s self-guided nature allows flexibility to explore at one’s own pace, potentially reducing overall costs compared to guided group tours.

Recap

The Cambridge: Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour provides an immersive and flexible way for visitors to explore the rich history and legacy of Cambridge University.

With its audio guide, travelers can discover iconic colleges, uncover intriguing rivalries and social classes, and explore the colorful characters that have shaped this prestigious institution.

Whether a history buff or simply curious, this tour offers an insider’s perspective for a truly engaging experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: