Historic Inns & Gastropubs Tour

This tour visits Cambridge's oldest licensed venues, including The Eagle (1667), The Pickerel (1542), and The Granta (dating to medieval times), showcasing how they've evolved from taverns into modern gastropubs. You'll taste dishes prepared by chef-run kitchens using seasonal British ingredients while learning about the pubs' connections to Cambridge University, college life, and literary figures. A visit to a local microbrewery completes the experience. Best for food and history enthusiasts wanting upscale experience. This is a moderate activity lasting 3.5 hours. Group size: 2-12. You meet at Eagle Pub. Key highlights: Visit to The Eagle, site of the 1953 DNA double helix discovery announcement, The Pickerel pub (481 years old) with original Tudor features, The Granta's riverside location and chef-led modern British menu.

Price: £55

Duration: 3.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-12

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: food and history enthusiasts wanting upscale experience

Best time: Thursday to Sunday for full brewery access. April to October for pleasant outdoor walking conditions and peak ingredient seasons.

Meeting point: Eagle Pub

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting time (typically 2pm) Assemble at The Eagle Pub; guide covers Cambridge pub history and tour overview - The Eagle itself has 356 years of history, from hosting DNA scientists to Winston Churchill during WWII.

First hour The Eagle and architectural tour of medieval pub interior - Sample cured charcuterie boards and craft beer while viewing original timber beams and wartime RAF carvings.

Minutes 60-100 Walk to The Pickerel (1542) and first course - Taste prepared appetizers featuring local rabbit, rook pie, or seasonal vegetable dishes paired with real ale.

Minutes 100-160 Main course at The Granta with riverside views - Chef-prepared dishes such as braised beef, fish of the day, or duck breast using East Anglian suppliers.

Minutes 160-190 Microbrewery visit and dessert pairing - Tour Cambridge Brewery's production facilities, meet brewers, and taste seasonal ales paired with British desserts.

Final 20 minutes Return walk and tour conclusion - Guide discusses pub futures in Cambridge and recommendations for further independent exploration.

The whole experience takes 3.5 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Eagle Pub.

• Visit to The Eagle, site of the 1953 DNA double helix discovery announcement
• The Pickerel pub (481 years old) with original Tudor features
• The Granta's riverside location and chef-led modern British menu
• Behind-the-scenes Cambridge Brewery tour with brewer interaction
• Multiple courses of chef-prepared food paired with local ales
• Accessibility: Tour involves 2 miles of walking over historic streets and some stairs in 300+ year old buildings. Not fully wheelchair accessible due to building age. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus available with 7 days notice. Fitness level: moderate.

What is included: Professional culinary guide with gastropub expertise, Appetizers at The Eagle with beer pairing, Main course at The Granta with beverage, Dessert course with brewery ale pairing, Guided Cambridge Brewery tour and tasting, Historical and literary commentary at each venue.

Not included: Gratuity for guide, Additional drinks beyond included pairings, Hotel transfers. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Smart casual clothing (no athletic wear, t-shirts, or trainers), Comfortable walking shoes in good condition, Enthusiasm for real ale and local beer culture, Small notebook for recommendations if desired. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Thursday to Sunday for full brewery access. April to October for pleasant outdoor walking conditions and peak ingredient seasons..

Tip: Maximum 12 people per tour

Tip: Advance booking essential

Accessibility: Tour involves 2 miles of walking over historic streets and some stairs in 300+ year old buildings. Not fully wheelchair accessible due to building age. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus available with 7 days notice. Fitness level: moderate..

Operator: Cambridge Culinary Walks

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Trinity College (7 min walk)
• River Cam Punting (12 min walk)
• St John's College and Bridge of Sighs (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Cambridge Culinary Walks.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 72 hours before tour. Cancellations within 72 hours forfeit 50% of cost..

Accessibility: Tour involves 2 miles of walking over historic streets and some stairs in 300+ year old buildings. Not fully wheelchair accessible due to building age. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus available with 7 days notice. Fitness level: moderate..

Best time to go: Thursday to Sunday for full brewery access. April to October for pleasant outdoor walking conditions and peak ingredient seasons..

What makes these pubs different from tourist pubs?

These are working pubs serving Cambridge's resident and student communities daily, not tourist attractions. The Eagle and Pickerel have continuous operating licenses spanning 350+ years. You're dining in the same spaces where scientists, writers, and students have gathered for centuries.

How much food is actually included?

This tour includes three substantial courses: appetizers at The Eagle, a main course at The Granta, and dessert with brewery ale at Cambridge Brewery. Each course is chef-prepared and plated, not small tastings. Expect to leave fully satisfied but without overeating.

Can non-beer drinkers enjoy this tour?

Yes. Non-alcoholic pairings are available at every stop, including ciders, soft drinks, and coffee. The tour's focus is equally on food and history. The brewery visit includes explanations of production methods and the Cambridge Brewery's story regardless of drinking preference.