As you plan your visit to the United Kingdom, you might be overwhelmed by the wealth of historic sights, bustling cities and tranquil landscapes that this country offers. Specifically, the UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, many of which have their own history stretching back centuries. Let’s dive into the world of the country’s most iconic university towns, from the spires of Oxford to the grandeur of Cambridge, and even the urban buzz of Manchester. Each comes with its own unique flavor, a clash and blend of history and innovation. And what better way to explore these towns than with a guided tour? Let’s take a wander through these university towns and their best tours.
Walking Tours of Oxford
Oxford is synonymous with excellence in education, boasting a world-class university that dates back to the 12th century. Its university is spread out over the city, with 38 colleges each with its own character and history.
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Exploring Oxford on foot is a popular choice, given its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Many of the best tours in Oxford are walking tours, which usually last for a couple of hours. Tour guides, often current or former Oxford students, are well-versed in the University’s rich history and provide insights into student life.
Among the many options, Footprints Free Walking Tour stands out. Lasting two hours, the tour covers all the major sights including Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College. The tour is free, but tips for the guides are customary.
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For a more personalized experience, Oxford University Walking Tours offers private tours for individuals or groups, guided by University staff and students. The tour includes access to a college and the Divinity School, one of the University’s oldest buildings.
A Day in Cambridge
The historic city of Cambridge, adorned with stunning architecture and tranquil gardens, is another must-visit destination in the UK. Like Oxford, the University of Cambridge is made up of multiple colleges, each with its own unique history.
Cambridge invites exploration, and the best way to get started is with a guided tour. Several companies offer walking tours of Cambridge, but one of the most popular is the University of Cambridge’s Official Guided Tours. These tours, led by trained blue and green badge guides, take you through the history of the city and university, visit several colleges, and even offer themed tours such as Science in Cambridge or Ghost Tours.
For those wishing to experience Cambridge from a different perspective, consider a punting tour. Scudamore’s Punting Company offers guided tours along the River Cam, offering a unique view of the university’s stunning colleges.
Manchester – The Modern City with a Rich Past
While Oxford and Cambridge may exude old-world charm, Manchester offers a different kind of university town experience. Located in the heart of England, Manchester combines historic Victorian architecture with a contemporary edge, and its university is a hub of innovation and progress.
Discover Manchester Guided Walking Tours are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with this vibrant city. They cover a range of themes, from music and sport to politics and industrial history. The University of Manchester also conducts tours of its historic campus, and the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Manchester Museum, both part of the University, are worth a visit.
If you prefer more flexibility, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Manchester could be the ideal solution. These tours allow you to explore the city at your leisure, with the added benefit of commentary to provide context to what you’re seeing.
Student-led Tours in London
London, the capital of the UK, is a bustling metropolis home to several world-renowned universities. Though not typically referred to as a university town due to its size, London nonetheless offers an array of university-led, and student-led tours, providing a unique perspective on this great city.
For example, the University College London (UCL) conducts campus tours guided by current students, which offer visitors a glimpse into student life in the heart of London. Similarly, King’s College London and Imperial College also offer tours of their impressive campuses.
Alternatively, Insider London offers a ‘Cutting Edge Green Tour’, led by environmentally-conscious students. This tour highlights the city’s green spaces and environmental initiatives, offering a fresh perspective on London.
With so many great university towns to visit in the UK, and a plethora of guided tours to choose from, your trip is sure to be rich in history, culture and educational insights. Each tour offers a unique experience, ensuring that there is something to suit everyone’s interests. So step out, explore, and immerse yourself in the ambiance of these historic university towns.
Historic Tours in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is home to the University of Edinburgh, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1583, the university has played a significant role in shaping the city’s history, culture, and character.
The best way to explore this historic city and its university is through a guided walking tour. There are several companies offering walking tours, but one of the most popular is the University of Edinburgh’s Official Guided Tours. These tours, led by university’s students or alumni, allow visitors to see the university’s main buildings, including the historical Old College and New College. Even more, they provide you with a chance to learn about the university’s history and its famous alumni, such as Charles Darwin and Sir Walter Scott.
For a more comprehensive tour of the city, Sandemans New Edinburgh Tours offers a free walking tour that covers major historical sites, including the Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available in several languages. Remember to check the tours hours and make an adult reserve in advance to ensure a spot. The company also offers a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours advance.
If you’re not sure to cancel, Sandemans offers a free cancellation policy. Make sure to perform checks reviews, as platforms like Tripadvisor LLC can provide you with a comprehensive overview of other tourists’ experiences.
Concluding Your Journey in the Historic University Towns
The United Kingdom, steeped in history and academic brilliance, provides a unique journey through its historic university towns. Each town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and academic life, which can be best explored through guided tours. Whether it’s the grandeur of Oxford, the idyllic charm of Cambridge, the modern buzz of Manchester, the deep-rooted history of Edinburgh, or the cosmopolitan allure of London, there’s a tour to cater to everyone’s taste.
Remember to reserve your tours in advance to secure a spot, and do check the refund policies. Consider checking the reviews on reputable platforms like TripAdvisor, where you can find the subjective opinion of other tourists. The platform performs TripAdvisor performs checks to verify the authenticity of the reviews, which could help you in choosing the best tours.
As a TripAdvisor member, you can also share your experiences and help future travellers. After all, the best way to explore a new place is to immerse yourself in its culture, history, and local life – and what better way to do that than by taking a guided tour of these iconic university towns? So, step out, explore, and make your UK journey a memorable one.
