Cambridge in 1 Day for Friends - Magdalene Bridge and its ducking-stool history
In Collaboration with Terrible Tours. Updated on February 25, 2026.
Meet the Ghastly Ghouls and Phantom Fellows of haunted Cambridge. A 90-minute guided walking tour through Cambridge’s oldest streets and colleges to hear chilling tales of witches, hangings, haunted cupboards and phantom Fellows. We view sites from the street and do not enter colleges.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Terrible Tours, inspired by the tour Creepy Cambridge - Cambridge's Best Ghost Walk!!. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Magdalene Bridge and its ducking-stool history
- Sidney Sussex College and links to Oliver Cromwell
- Trinity Lane & Clare College's eerie stories
- Market Square’s darker medieval past
- Little St Mary's Lane — one of Cambridge's most haunted streets
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening ghost walk through central Cambridge. Meet on Magdalene Bridge; the route follows the listed agenda points in order. Total duration 1 hour 30 minutes.
Meet at Magdalene Bridge
A crossroads since before England existed and site of a 'ducking stool' for witches. Tour meeting point and first story-stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to find the guide and avoid delaying the group.
- Pavements and the bridge can be uneven and narrow—wear sturdy shoes and keep belongings close.
- This activity stays outdoors; colleges will be viewed from the street only (no college entry).
Sidney Sussex (outside)
Stop outside Sidney Sussex College — the resting place of Oliver Cromwell (or part of him) and the subject of unsettling stories.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a short walk from Magdalene Bridge—allow a few minutes for crossing narrow streets.
- The stop is a street-side viewing point; please keep to pavements and avoid blocking entrances.
- If you want photos, use a short focal length; many façades are best captured from across the road.
Trinity Lane / Trinity Street
Walk past Trinity Lane — home to famous rakes and occultists, with tales linked to Lord Byron and Aleister Crowley.
Tips from local experts:
- This area has narrow lanes and evening vehicle access; listen to the guide and keep together as a group.
- Street lighting is variable—a small flashlight or phone torch can help with steps and curbs.
- Respect private property: photographs are fine from public ways, but avoid entering college grounds.
Clare College (outside)
View Clare College from Trinity Lane — home of the original 'skeleton in the cupboard' tale and more college ghost stories.
Tips from local experts:
- College façades are best viewed from Trinity Lane or adjacent public areas—do not attempt to enter.
- There may be small groups of students nearby; keep noise down to allow the guide to speak.
- If you need seating or to rest, request a brief pause—the route includes short stops but is generally on foot.
Market Square
Stop at Market Square — a lively food and market area today, but with a darker medieval past involving executions and burnings.
Tips from local experts:
- Market Square can be busy; keep close to the guide and watch for market stalls on certain evenings.
- Good place for quick snacks after the tour ends; if eating during the tour, keep items secure to avoid slowing the group.
- Pavement surfaces vary—beware of cobbles and wet patches if it has rained earlier.
Benet Street
See Benet Street and the oldest building in Cambridge opposite a pub with a lease legend about a window that must remain open because of trapped ghosts.
Tips from local experts:
- Benet Street is narrow—form a single-file line where necessary and watch for passing pedestrians.
- If you plan to continue chatting after the stop, move slightly off the pavement to keep the route clear.
- The pub opposite is a private business; while you may look in from outside, entry is subject to the pub’s normal opening rules.
Trumpington Street
Pass along Trumpington Street — location of several famous ghosts including a college Master and another notorious cupboard story.
Tips from local experts:
- Trumpington Street is a main route with occasional buses; keep to pavements and cross at designated crossings where available.
- Some sections have busier traffic—wait for the guide before crossing and follow directions.
- Street-side photography is fine; avoid leaning on college gates or private doors.
Little St Mary's Lane / Little St Mary's Church (final stop)
Final stop on Little St Mary's Lane — one of Cambridge's most haunted roads, associated with sightings of the legendary 'Black Shuck' and many cottage ghost stories. Wrap-up and Q&A.
Tips from local experts:
- Final stop includes a slightly longer wrap-up—use this time for questions or to take group photos.
- Little St Mary's Lane has uneven paving and limited street lighting at night—mind your step and stick with the group.
- If you require a restroom or refreshments after the tour, several pubs and cafés around Market Square are open later in the evening.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood |