Round Church Cambridge
Welcome to the historic Round Church! Built in c.1130, modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the church has been a treasured landmark in Cambridge for centuries, and for good reason. Its quirky shape and beautiful architecture is a shining testimony to Cambridge’s rich history.
The detailed exhibition and short film on display in the church offer a helpful introduction to the history of Cambridge and its world-famous university, ideal for viewing before exploring the city. Visit us in Cambridge’s city centre to explore this iconic piece of the city’s heritage, and to discover the key people and ideas that have shaped the university city you see today. To explore Cambridge and its history with a local guide, join us on one of our 2-hour guided walking tours.
The Round Church is a highly interesting piece of Cambridge’s history. Founded between 1114 and 1131, it is older than the university that surrounds it, and is one of only 4 surviving medieval round churches in England. The unusual shape comes as a result of being modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, an ancient church built around the possible site of Christ’s burial and resurrection, and it was founded by a fraternity likely made up of pilgrims or crusaders. Over the last 900 years, the church has gone through many moments of dramatic change, surviving puritan iconoclasm, a controversial Victorian restoration, and bombing raids during WWII.
Narrated by David Suchet, ‘Saints and Scholars‘ is a 20-minute documentary film viewable at the Round Church, which offers a compelling introduction to the rich history of Cambridge. Introducing you to some of the most significant thinkers of the last few centuries, and many Cambridge landmarks, this is a perfect orientation activity with which to begin your visit to Cambridge.
The Round Church’s exhibition, ‘The Cambridge Story: The Impact of Christianity in England‘ takes you from Roman times to the present. Highlighting the dynamic influence of Christianity on the cultural, political and intellectual history of the West, this is an exhibition which unveils the big picture, while keeping Cambridge in focus as a key centre of dramatic societal changes.
Step into the Round Church Visitor Centre to explore Cambridge’s rich history in one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Our affordable and engaging 1.5-2 hour guided walking tours offer a unique perspective into Cambridge over the centuries. Our experienced, local guides will help you explore the ideas and people that have shaped Cambridge University, as you take in the beautiful city and colleges.
You will visit the main Cambridge attractions, including the Round Church, the university Senate House, the Corpus Clock and the Old Cavendish Laboratory. As well as having the opportunity to admire the magnificent exteriors of St John’s, Trinity and King’s Colleges, we also aim to take you into 1-2 colleges for an inside look at the university.
Join us to explore just how much Cambridge’s story of saints, sinners, sceptics, and scholars has to say to us today.
Private and Group Tours
Whether you’re coming with a group or would simply prefer your own tour, we welcome bookings for private tours. Our main offering is the University Walk, which provides the perfect introduction to Cambridge’s history, including its rich Christian heritage. We also offer tours specifically focused on the Reformation or C.S. Lewis, led by experts who unpack Cambridge’s rich position in the history of these subjects.
Explore the beautiful city of Cambridge, and take in its most famous sights. Discover stories about the Cambridge characters who transformed the world, as we explore subjects such as the emergence of the university from Christian monasteries, the Protestant Reformation, the development of modern science, movements for the rule of law and religious freedom, and the campaign to abolish the British slave trade.
University Walk
The University Walk provides the perfect introduction to Cambridge’s history, including its rich Christian heritage. It is our most popular tour, and ideal for both smaller and larger groups, as we can provide multiple guides if needed.
Available as a guided tour or audio guide, discover the living legacy of C.S. Lewis, explore the events that brought him to Cambridge, see the places where he lived and worked, and discuss the ideas and works which have made him one of the 20th century’s most celebrated authors.
C.S. Lewis Walk
Explore how the Reformation overturned the religious life of its day and profoundly transformed Western society. Discover how Cambridge helped to ignite this faith-fuelled revolution and came to be known as ‘the seat of the English Reformation’.
Reformation Walk
Join one of our friendly and knowledgeable Mandarin-speaking guides on a historical and cultural walking tour. Explore Cambridge’s famous university, and discover the people and ideas that have shaped the history of Cambridge and beyond.
University Walk (Mandarin)
