Cambridge Science Museums Tour

A 2.5-hour guided tour combining two university museums: the Whipple Museum of Science (featuring scientific instruments from 1650 onward) and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences (displaying 500,000 geological specimens and fossils). The tour connects both collections thematically, showing how scientific understanding evolved across centuries. Suitable for adults and older children interested in the history and methods of scientific enquiry rather than hands-on interactive exhibits. Best for science enthusiasts and families with older children. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 10-20. You meet at Free School Lane. Key highlights: Telescopes and microscopes used by 17th-century scientists including Newton's era instruments, Dinosaur fossils and complete skeletal reconstructions from the Cambridge collection, Mineralogy displays showing systematic classification developed over 200+ years.

Price: £12

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 10-20

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: science enthusiasts and families with older children

Best time: Term time (October-June) tours run regularly; summer tours less frequent. Morning tours (9:00am) less crowded than afternoon (2:00pm). Book 1-2 weeks in advance during academic term.

Meeting point: Free School Lane

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:00am or 2:00pm (typical start) Meet guide at Free School Lane entrance - Brief introduction to tour structure and two museums; confirmation of group size.

First 50 minutes Whipple Museum of Science - Examine telescopes, microscopes, chronometers, and early scientific instruments from 17th-19th centuries. Learn about development of measurement and observation in science.

50-60 minutes Transit and 10-minute break - Walk to nearby Sedgwick Museum (approximately 5 minutes). Restroom break and regrouping.

60-130 minutes Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences - Tour 500,000 geological specimens including dinosaur fossils, mineral collections, and rock formations. Guide explains dating methods and fossil identification.

Final 10 minutes Summary discussion and questions - Guide ties together themes of scientific method and instrumentation evolution across both museums.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Free School Lane.

• Telescopes and microscopes used by 17th-century scientists including Newton's era instruments
• Dinosaur fossils and complete skeletal reconstructions from the Cambridge collection
• Mineralogy displays showing systematic classification developed over 200+ years
• Original scientific manuscripts and handwritten observation notes
• Walking tour connecting two distinct scientific traditions (physical and natural sciences)
• Accessibility: Whipple Museum has step-free access and accessible toilet. Sedgwick Museum has ground-floor accessible areas with step access to upper galleries. Lifts present in both buildings. Advise of mobility requirements when booking.

What is included: Guided tour by university museum educator, Access to both Whipple and Sedgwick museums, Expert commentary on instruments and specimens, Walking route between museums.

Not included: Lunch or refreshments, Museum shops or gift purchases, Hands-on activities or interactive exhibits. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Notepad for taking notes on scientific details, Camera (photography permitted in most areas), Light jacket (museum interiors cool year-round). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Term time (October-June) tours run regularly; summer tours less frequent. Morning tours (9:00am) less crowded than afternoon (2:00pm). Book 1-2 weeks in advance during academic term..

Tip: Book term-time tours in advance

Tip: Both museums free for individual visits

Accessibility: Whipple Museum has step-free access and accessible toilet. Sedgwick Museum has ground-floor accessible areas with step access to upper galleries. Lifts present in both buildings. Advise of mobility requirements when booking..

Operator: Cambridge University Museums | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1223 335540

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Trinity College (6 min walk)
• King's College Chapel (8 min walk)
• Fitzwilliam Museum (4 min walk)

This activity is run by Cambridge University Museums.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Advance booking required; cancellations free if notified 48 hours before tour.

Accessibility: Whipple Museum has step-free access and accessible toilet. Sedgwick Museum has ground-floor accessible areas with step access to upper galleries. Lifts present in both buildings. Advise of mobility requirements when booking..

Best time to go: Term time (October-June) tours run regularly; summer tours less frequent. Morning tours (9:00am) less crowded than afternoon (2:00pm). Book 1-2 weeks in advance during academic term..

Do I need scientific background knowledge for this tour?

No prior knowledge needed. The guide explains scientific concepts and instrumentation for general audiences. However, the tour moves at adult pace and covers detailed material, making it better suited to age 10+ rather than younger children.

Why book the guided tour if both museums are free to visit independently?

The guided tour (£12 per person) provides expert commentary connecting both collections thematically, saving time navigating complex displays. The curator-led narrative explains instrument function and fossil significance better than self-guided visits. The 2.5-hour structure suits visitors with limited time in Cambridge.

How long is the walk between the two museums?

Approximately 5-7 minutes walking on flat terrain from Whipple Museum to Sedgwick Museum. Both are located on Free School Lane in the city centre. The 10-minute break includes this transit time.