How long does it take to walk the literary route in Cambridge?

The full route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to browse the bookshop and walk the scenic 2-mile path from the city centre to Grantchester.

Is the Wren Library open to the public?

Yes, but with very limited hours. It is typically open to the public from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and some Saturday mornings during term time. Always check Trinity College's website first.

Can I see the Winnie the Pooh manuscript in Cambridge?

Yes, the original manuscript of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh is held in the Wren Library at Trinity College. It is often on display for visitors during public opening hours.

Is the walk to Grantchester difficult?

No, the walk to Grantchester via Grantchester Meadows is flat and easy. It is about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the city centre and takes about 40 minutes at a steady pace.

Which famous poets lived at Pembroke College?

Pembroke College was home to Edmund Spenser, Thomas Gray, and Christopher Smart. It is widely regarded as one of the most significant 'poetic' colleges in the university.

Where can I find rare books in Cambridge?

G. David Bookseller in St Edward's Passage is the premier destination for rare and second-hand books. It has been serving the Cambridge community since 1896.

Are there toilets along the Cambridge literary walking route?

Public toilets are located in the Grand Arcade near the start. At the end of the route, the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester provides facilities for its customers.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, children often enjoy the Winnie the Pooh connection at the Wren Library and the open spaces of Grantchester Meadows. The total walking distance is manageable for most families.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Cambridge is a city where every cobblestone seems to whisper the lines of a sonnet or the prose of a revolutionary novel. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the hallowed grounds that shaped the minds of some of the world’s most influential writers, from the epic mastery of John Milton to the whimsical childhood wonder of A.A. Milne. As you wander through the medieval heart of the university, you will discover that Cambridge is not just a place of scientific breakthroughs, but a sanctuary for the literary imagination. The route begins at one of the city's most beloved bookshops, a treasure trove for bibliophiles that sets the tone for an afternoon of discovery. On this walking route, you will experience the architectural grandeur of the colleges that served as both home and inspiration to the greats. You will see the serene beauty of 'The Backs,' where the River Cam reflects the silhouettes of historic chapels and libraries—a view that has inspired countless poets to pick up their pens. A highlight of this exploration is the Wren Library, a masterpiece of design that houses some of the most precious manuscripts in the English language, including early drafts of iconic children’s stories and scientific treatises. Whether you are a fan of Romantic poetry, modernist literature, or classic children’s tales, this self-guided adventure offers a unique perspective on the city. You can explore independently and at your own pace, taking time to pause in the same gardens where the 'Neo-Pagans' once debated philosophy or where Lord Byron famously kept a bear. The journey concludes with a tranquil stroll toward the village of Grantchester, following the path often taken by the Edwardian poets. This walking tour Cambridge experience is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the deep literary history of the United Kingdom while enjoying the timeless beauty of its most famous university town. Start exploring with Zigway and see how the landscape of Cambridge is inextricably linked to the landscape of the English literary canon.

Highlights

G. David Bookseller, a legendary haunt for rare book collectors since 1896

The poetic legacy of Pembroke College, home to Edmund Spenser and Thomas Gray

Stunning views of 'The Backs' that inspired the Romantic poets

The architectural brilliance of the Wren Library at Trinity College

The iconic Bridge of Sighs, a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture

The Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester, a favorite spot for Virginia Woolf

Tour Stops (6)

G. David ~ Bookseller, Cambridge

Begin your self-guided adventure at G. David, an institution in the Cambridge book scene since 1896. Tucked away in St Edward's Passage, this shop feels like a step back in time with its wooden shelves and glass cases. Founded by Gustave David, the shop became famous for its stalls in the nearby Market Square, where students and scholars would scavenge for rare finds. It was a favorite haunt of the economist John Maynard Keynes and many of the university's literary elite. Take a moment to browse the rare prints and second-hand volumes; the scent of old paper here is the true scent of Cambridge’s intellectual history.

Pembroke College

Pembroke College, founded in 1347, is often referred to as the 'College of Poets.' As you stand before its historic gates, think of Edmund Spenser, author of The Faerie Queene, who studied here in the 1560s. Later, the melancholic Thomas Gray, famous for his 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,' made this his home after fleeing Peterhouse. The college’s serene atmosphere, with its manicured lawns and the first-ever chapel designed by Christopher Wren, provides a glimpse into the quiet, contemplative life that nurtured these great writers. It is a place where the weight of centuries of thought is almost tangible.

The Backs

Wander toward 'The Backs,' a picturesque area where several colleges back onto the River Cam. This is arguably the most beautiful stretch of the city and has served as a primary source of inspiration for the Romantic poets. William Wordsworth, a student at St John’s, often walked here, and the view of King’s College Chapel across the meadows remains unchanged from his day. The combination of water, weeping willows, and Gothic stone creates a landscape that feels like a poem come to life. It is the perfect spot to understand why Cambridge has produced more Nobel Prize winners and literary masters than almost anywhere else.

Wren Library

Located within Trinity College, the Wren Library is a cathedral of books. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1695, it houses an incredible collection of literary treasures. Inside, you can find the original manuscript of A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, as well as works by Lord Byron, who famously kept a pet bear in his rooms nearby because dogs were forbidden. The library also holds Isaac Newton’s own copy of Principia Mathematica. The light-filled space, with its marble busts of ancient philosophers, reflects the Enlightenment ideals of the era. Please note the library usually has restricted public opening hours, often between 12:00 and 14:00.

Bridge of Sighs

Part of St John’s College, the Bridge of Sighs is one of Cambridge's most photographed landmarks. Built in 1831, its neo-Gothic style was intended to evoke the romanticism of Venice, though it is a covered bridge unlike its Italian namesake. It connects the college's Third Court with the New Court. For writers like Douglas Adams, who attended St John's, this bridge was part of the daily commute. Its intricate stonework and elegant arches represent the Victorian era’s obsession with medieval aesthetics. It remains a symbol of the university’s architectural splendor and the bridge between the rigorous academic world and the beauty of nature.

The Orchard Tea Garden

To conclude your journey, take the scenic 40-minute stroll or a short cycle along the river to Grantchester. The Orchard Tea Garden became a legendary literary hub in the early 20th century. It was the gathering place for the 'Neo-Pagans,' a group that included poet Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and Bertrand Russell. Brooke lived in the nearby Old Vicarage and famously wrote 'The Old Vicarage, Grantchester,' immortalizing the tea garden in verse. Sitting under the apple trees in a deckchair with a scone is a Cambridge tradition that connects you directly to the Edwardian era’s intellectual and social life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Literary Cambridge' self-guided walk is ideal for literature fans. It covers 6 key locations including the Wren Library and the Orchard Tea Garden, focusing on authors like Milton, Byron, and Woolf.