Is the Cambridge science walk difficult?

No, it is an easy, flat walk. The total distance is less than 1.5 miles (2.4 km), making it suitable for most fitness levels and ages.

What is the best walking tour Cambridge has for science lovers?

This self-guided route is ideal for science enthusiasts as it focuses specifically on the 'Science Quarter' and the Cavendish Laboratory. It covers the major breakthroughs in physics, biology, and mathematics in a single loop.

Can I see the real Newton's Apple Tree?

The original tree is at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, but the one at Trinity College is a certified descendant. It was grown from a graft taken from the original tree, making it genetically identical.

What is the best time to visit the Corpus Clock?

Late afternoon or early evening is great as the lighting makes the gold face glow. It is located on a public street corner, so it can be viewed 24 hours a day.

Is a guided tour Cambridge necessary to see these sites?

While a guided tour Cambridge offers a group experience, a self-guided audio walk allows you more flexibility. You can spend more time at the Whipple Museum or grab a longer lunch at The Eagle without falling behind a group.

Are the stops on this walk free to see?

Yes, most of the landmarks like the Corpus Clock, the Mathematical Bridge (from the street), and Newton's Tree are free to view. The Whipple Museum also offers free admission, though donations are encouraged.

Is the walk wheelchair accessible?

Most of the route is accessible, but be aware of the historic cobblestones on Free School Lane. The Eagle pub has some narrow and uneven sections inside due to its age.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the epicenter of human discovery with this self-guided walk through the historic streets of Cambridge. For centuries, this city has served as a laboratory for the minds that shaped our understanding of the universe. This walking route invites you to explore the physical spaces where the secrets of the atom were unlocked, the structure of DNA was revealed, and the laws of gravity were first contemplated. Unlike a traditional guided tour Cambridge visitors might find elsewhere, this independent journey allows you to linger at your own pace under the same spires that inspired Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. Your journey begins in the heart of the University’s scientific quarter, where the Whipple Museum houses the tools of the trade from centuries past. You will stroll past the Old Cavendish Laboratory, a site of unparalleled intellectual output where researchers once peered into the very heart of matter. The route then transitions from the laboratory to the local pub, visiting the famous Eagle where the 'Secret of Life' was first announced to a room of unsuspecting locals. You will also encounter the haunting Corpus Clock, a masterpiece of modern horology that serves as a stark reminder of the relentless passage of time. As you move toward the river, the architecture of the colleges takes center stage. You will see the Mathematical Bridge, a marvel of engineering that has inspired local legends for generations. The walk concludes at Trinity College, standing before a living piece of history: a descendant of the very tree that supposedly prompted Newton’s theory of universal gravitation. This self-guided walking tour Cambridge experience is designed for the curious traveler who wants to connect with the giants of science without the constraints of a group, offering a deep dive into the innovations that changed the world forever.

Highlights

Visit the site where the electron and the nucleus of the atom were discovered

See the pub where Crick and Watson announced the discovery of DNA's structure

Marvel at the mesmerizing and terrifying 'Time-Eater' on the Corpus Clock

Cross the iconic Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College

Stand before a direct descendant of Isaac Newton's famous apple tree

Explore the historic Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Tour Stops (6)

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Welcome to the starting point of your scientific exploration. The Whipple Museum is located within the historic Perse School building and holds one of the world's most significant collections of scientific instruments. Founded in 1944 when Robert Whipple donated his private collection to the University, this museum showcases the evolution of human inquiry. From intricate medieval astrolabes used to map the stars to the microscopes that first revealed the hidden world of cells, the items here represent the physical tools of genius. As you stand here, consider that Cambridge science wasn't just about abstract theories; it was about the craftsmanship and precision of the instruments that made those theories provable. It is a quiet, contemplative space that sets the stage for the massive breakthroughs you will encounter later on this route.

Old Cavendish Laboratory

You are standing outside one of the most productive sites in the history of physics. Established in 1874 under the direction of James Clerk Maxwell, the Old Cavendish Laboratory was the site where 29 Nobel Prizes were effectively earned. It was within these walls that J.J. Thomson discovered the electron in 1897, and where Ernest Rutherford—the father of nuclear physics—first split the atom. The density of discovery here is staggering; imagine the greatest minds of the Victorian and Edwardian eras walking these corridors, debating the nature of light, electricity, and the very building blocks of the universe. Though the physics department has since moved to a newer site, the spirit of the 'Cavendish' remains etched into the stone of Free School Lane, marking the spot where modern physics was born.

The Eagle Pub

Science isn't always confined to the lab; sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs are celebrated over a pint. The Eagle is one of Cambridge's oldest pubs, but it gained global fame on February 28, 1953. It was here that Francis Crick and James Watson burst in during their lunch break to announce they had 'discovered the secret of life'—referring to the double-helix structure of DNA. Look for the plaque commemorating this event near the entrance. While you're inside, don't miss the RAF Bar at the back; its ceiling is covered in graffiti from World War II pilots who used candles and lighters to write their squadron numbers. This pub represents the intersection of Cambridge's academic brilliance and its lived history, making it a perfect spot to pause and reflect on the humanity behind the science.

The Corpus Clock

At the corner of Bene't Street and Trumpington Street, you'll find one of the city's most arresting modern landmarks. Unveiled in 2008 by Stephen Hawking, the Corpus Clock is a masterpiece of 'weird' engineering. Notice the terrifying creature perched on top—this is the Chronophage, or 'time-eater.' As it crawls across the clock, its jaw snaps shut, symbolically devouring every minute of our lives. The clock has no hands or digital numbers; instead, light escapes through slits in the gold-plated disk. It is intentionally designed to be unsettling. The pendulum slows down, speeds up, and even stops, reflecting our subjective perception of time. It’s a chillingly beautiful tribute to the physics of time and a reminder that, in the grand scale of the universe, our moments are fleeting.

Mathematical Bridge

Connecting two parts of Queens' College over the River Cam, the Mathematical Bridge is a triumph of geometric design. Built in 1749 by James Essex the Younger, it uses a series of straight timbers arranged in a series of tangents to create a self-supporting arch. There is a popular local myth that Sir Isaac Newton built the bridge without any nuts or bolts, and that later students took it apart and couldn't figure out how to put it back together. While charming, the story is false—Newton died 22 years before the bridge was built, and it has always used iron fastenings. However, the 'mathematical' label holds true; the sophisticated radial design allows the bridge to bear significant weight despite its delicate appearance. It remains one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Newton's Apple Tree

Your walk concludes outside the gates of Trinity College, where a modest-looking apple tree stands. While the original tree that inspired Isaac Newton's theory of gravity in 1666 was located at his home in Woolsthorpe Manor, this tree is a direct genetic descendant, grafted from the original. It was planted here in 1954 to honor Trinity's most famous alumnus. Looking at this tree, you can imagine a young Newton observing a falling fruit and wondering why it always fell straight down rather than sideways or up. This simple observation led to the 'Principia Mathematica,' the foundation of classical mechanics. It is a living monument to the power of curiosity and the perfect place to end your journey through the history of Cambridge discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to stop and read the plaques, take photos of the Mathematical Bridge, and perhaps peek inside the Whipple Museum.