Cambridge Computer History Tour

Overview

Explore the long and fascinating computer history of Cambridge on this walking tour!
Cambridge Computer History Walking Tour Join me on an exciting journey through the computer history of Cambridge led by a genuine Cambridge computer programmer and brought to life with props and laminated photos!
  • Learn about the crucial role of cake in the origins of Cambridge computing!
  • Discover how the Garden of Eden is linked to a computing pioneer!
  • See exclusive photos from the family archives of said pioneer!
  • And just why did gin have such potential as a component of early computers?
Background I was inspired to create the tour after watching the docu-drama Micro Men* and being surprised by the key role of Cambridge in modern computing however Micro Men portrays a liberal version of reality and one of my aims is to debunk this. I have spent a significant amount of time doing extensive research using books, websites, libraries, videos, podcasts and first hand interviews so I am certain even the geekiest person will discover something new. *available on YouTube at time of writing Location This walking tour will start on Trumpington Street opposite Peterhouse College (please see image at top of page) and finish on Bridge Street. Total distance is 2 miles with a total of 20 stops, some very short.
Previous Reviews
  • “It was really interesting”
  • “Absolutely brilliant”
  • “The tour was great to understand the role played by Cambridge and its people in the progress of the computer era. It was very interesting to learn about the ingenuity of these people, but also hear about their life in Cambridge.”

Location

Peterhouse
Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1RD United Kingdom
How do you want to get there?

Driving

Public transport

Biking

Walking

Frequently asked questions

Some basic understanding is helpful but really the tour is about the history.

It goes all the way back from the start of computing to the present…. and even into the future!

I am trying to keep the tour to 1hr 30mins in length though it might go slightly over depending on questions I get asked.

The route goes from Kings Parade to Market Square to Queen’s Road and finishes on Bridge Street in order to take in as much computer history as possible.

No, but I recommend a visit there as it is surely the best museum for geeks for miles around.

No, although a large chunk is related to that.

Absolutely! I can accept up to 15 people on a bespoke tour any day of the week but require pre-payment. Also, I am willing to do a longer tour up to 3 hours or I am willing to trim/expand the tour to just the 1980s parts (or otherwise) if required. Basically I am flexible!

2 miles