Dive into History: Cambridge & Medieval England
1 day tour
New for 2025 - What there is to discover might astound you. From market towns to academic giants, escape into the history of England for a day.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Cambridge -Sometimes quarrels can be for the best. Cambridge University was established by disgruntled refugees of the ‘Other Place’ and the rest is well...history. 800 years of it and counting.
Saffron Walden- This bustling market town shunned modernity and retains its medieval charm. The stunning Bridge End Gardens provide tranquillity, serenity and just one of the five, yes FIVE town mazes.
Thaxted -Essex's most beautiful village. Once the home of a vibrant cutlery industry, your sharpened senses will be awed by its finest church.
Your journey
Ever wanted to step back in time? But only for a moment.
Dip your toe into the past and see what life might have been like before the modern world?
We love London, don’t get us wrong. But one of the reasons we love it is because not far from its doorstep are extraordinary places like Cambridge, a city with over 2000 years of history etched into its streets.
Where renowned scientists, writers, and thinkers found themselves studying over the years at the prestigious Cambridge University.
Where stunning architecture and fascinating pastimes like punting sit right alongside academia. Cambridge is waiting.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
18:30 - London Victoria Drop Off, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
Farewell for now, London. We’ve got a past to explore.
We make our way through Westminster and the City of London before heading north towards the county of Essex. Named after the East Saxons who colonized this area in the 6th century, suburbia soon makes way for a green and pleasant land.
First up is the quaint market town of Thaxted, nestled in the Uttlesford district of Essex. Back in the medieval day, it was a prominent centre for wool trade. It’s easy to see how important this town was simply from the majestic and stunning parish church of St John the Baptist that dominates the skyline. Market squares and churches – these were the signifiers of important trade towns. Today, you can wander the town’s charming streets lined with timber-framed homes on your way to one of the many hidden gems, from tea rooms to traditional pubs.
After a quick exploration of Thaxted, we head to our lunch stop for the day: the iconic city of Cambridge.
You’ve probably heard of it – there's a reason you picked this tour, right? It’s a city known for its prestigious university, where the likes of Stephen Hawking and Charles Darwin studied. Intimidated yet? It’s an ‘intimidating’ kind of place. It’s awe-inspiring and gob-smacking and a place where all those kinds of descriptive phrases you’ve used come into play.
But beyond its academic prowess, Cambridge is also a beauty worthy of gazing upon. Glide down the River Cam as you discover punting – an iconic Cambridge activity – as well as the city. Walk along The Backs, a scenic stretch of parkland that hugs the river and colleges.
Explore Cambridge’s vibrant cultural scene from theatres to galleries before heading to the market town of Saffron Walden.
Markets have been held here since 1141, and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, you’ll see that tradition continues.
This little town was once known simply as ‘Walden’, but around 1500, the saffron crocus plant was grown extensively in the area. Saffron trade boomed. The town of Walden profited greatly from this beautiful plant... so it was renamed Saffron Walden.
But it has more than saffron and markets. Why not get lost in the Hedge Maze? Or take a moment to reflect on St Mary’s Church?
After a wander and some food (and hopefully a bit of shopping!), we make our way back to London.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.