How long does it take to walk the medieval center of Cambridge?

This specific route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. The total distance is about 1.5 miles, making it an easy stroll through the historic core.

Is Cambridge worth visiting for non-university history?

Absolutely. While the colleges are famous, Cambridge has a rich Saxon and Norman history. Sites like the Round Church (c. 1130) and the Market Square offer a glimpse into the town's life as a medieval trading hub before the university existed.

What is the oldest building in Cambridge?

The tower of St Bene’t’s Church is widely considered the oldest building in Cambridge, dating back to approximately 1020 AD. It features distinct Anglo-Saxon architectural elements that pre-date the Norman Conquest.

Can I see medieval architecture in Cambridge for free?

Yes, many of the best examples of medieval architecture, such as the exterior of the School of Pythagoras and the Saxon tower of St Bene't's, can be viewed for free from the street. Some churches may suggest a small donation for entry.

Where can I find Norman architecture in Cambridge?

The best examples are the Round Church on Bridge Street and the School of Pythagoras. Both display the characteristic rounded arches and thick stone walls of the 12th-century Norman (Romanesque) style.

When is the best time to do this self-guided walk?

Weekday mornings are ideal to avoid the largest crowds in the Market Square. Most of the historic sites are best viewed in daylight to appreciate the masonry and architectural details.

Is this walking route suitable for seniors?

Yes, the route is very flat and covers a small geographic area. There are plenty of benches and cafes along the way, particularly near Great St Mary's and the Round Church, for resting.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the famous university colleges for a moment and journey back to a time before the scholars arrived. This self-guided walk explores the medieval origins of Cambridge, tracing the city’s evolution from a Saxon trading post to a Norman administrative center. While Cambridge is world-renowned for its 13th-century university, its streets hold secrets much older, hidden in the stone towers of its parish churches and the layout of its ancient marketplaces. This walking route invites you to discover the layers of history that define the city's character beyond the academic walls. Throughout this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter the oldest standing building in the county, explore a rare 12th-century round church, and stand in the very spot where trade has flourished for over a thousand years. The route emphasizes the architectural transition from the simple, sturdy Saxon style to the more ornate Norman influences that followed the conquest of 1066. By following this self-guided walk, you gain a deeper understanding of how the town's geography—set on the edge of the Fens—made it a strategic and commercial prize. Whether you are a fan of medieval history or simply looking to explore Cambridge at your own pace, this trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the pre-university era. Discover the stories of the merchants, monks, and masons who built the foundations of this iconic city long before the first college was founded. This walking tour Cambridge highlights the resilience of the local community through centuries of change, offering a peaceful and educational way to travel through time.

Highlights

The Saxon tower of St Bene’t’s Church, the oldest building in Cambridge

The rare 12th-century architecture of the Round Church

Cambridge Market Square, a center of trade since the 11th century

The School of Pythagoras, the city’s oldest secular stone house

Great St Mary’s, the historic heart of the town and university

Peas Hill, a site of ancient markets and medieval high ground

Tour Stops (6)

Cambridge Market Square

Start exploring with Zigway at the historic heart of the city. Since at least the 11th century, this square has been a bustling hub of commerce. In the medieval era, it was even more crowded than today, filled with permanent stalls and surrounded by timber-framed houses. It wasn't just for shopping; it was the site of public proclamations and even executions. Look around and imagine the sights and smells of a thousand years ago, with merchants bringing goods up the River Cam from the Fens. The market's survival for over a millennium is a testament to Cambridge’s importance as a regional trading post long before the university became its defining feature.

Great St Mary's

Known as the University Church, Great St Mary’s has stood on this site in various forms since the 1200s. While much of the current structure is a 15th-century rebuild in the Perpendicular Gothic style, the site itself represents the intersection of the town and the growing university. In the Middle Ages, this church was the only building large enough to hold university ceremonies, making it the administrative center for scholars before they had their own dedicated halls. It stands as a bridge between the medieval town’s religious life and its burgeoning academic future. The tower, completed in 1608, still chimes the 'Cambridge Quarters' which inspired the famous Big Ben chimes.

Peas Hill

Despite its name, Peas Hill is barely a rise in the ground, but in the flat landscape of the Fens, even a few feet mattered. This was the high ground of the medieval town, safe from seasonal flooding. Historically, this area was divided into specialized markets; you would have found the fish market and the peat market (used for fuel) located right here. Today, the area is surrounded by some of the city's oldest surviving streets. It serves as a reminder of how the medieval town was organized by trade, with specific guilds and merchants occupying distinct corners of the city center to sell their wares to locals and travelers alike.

St Bene’t’s Church

Look up at the tower of St Bene’t’s, and you are looking at the oldest standing building in Cambridge, and indeed all of Cambridgeshire. The tower dates back to roughly 1020 AD, during the late Saxon period. Notice the 'long and short' stonework at the corners, a classic hallmark of Saxon masonry. Unlike the later, more decorative Norman style, this tower is sturdy and functional, built to last. For over a thousand years, it has watched the city evolve around it. Inside, the arch between the tower and the nave features carved animals that have peered down at worshippers since before the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The Round Church

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known locally as the Round Church, is one of only four medieval round churches still in use in England. Built around 1130, its unique shape was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, brought back as an architectural concept by returning Crusaders. The heavy, rounded Norman arches and thick columns are typical of the Romanesque style introduced after the conquest. It represents a shift toward more complex and symbolic architecture. While the chancel was added later in the 15th century, the circular nave remains a stunning example of 12th-century design and a rare survivor of the medieval period.

School of Pythagoras

To conclude your self-guided adventure, head to the School of Pythagoras, located within the grounds of St John's College. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the Greek mathematician. Built around 1200, this is the oldest secular stone building in Cambridge. In an era when most houses were made of wood and thatch, building in stone was a sign of immense wealth and status. It originally served as a private manor house for a wealthy merchant family before being acquired by Merton College, Oxford, and eventually St John’s. Its survival provides a rare look at domestic Norman architecture, featuring thick stone walls designed for both prestige and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Saxon and Norman trail is excellent for history enthusiasts as it focuses on the city's oldest structures, like the 11th-century St Bene't's Church. Unlike a standard guided tour Cambridge might offer, this self-guided walk lets you focus specifically on the medieval era at your own pace.