Left
Right
Pinsteps. Cambridge Walking Tour: Final Stop at the Junction of Moor Street, Romilly Street & Charing Cross Road
Places to visit in in City of Westminster Languages: en

And here we are, ladies and gentlemen, at one of Cambridge's most intriguing crossroads—where Moor Street, Romilly Street, and Charing Cross Road meet. This isn't just a junction; it's a place where history, literature, and science collide. Before we say goodbye, let me share some of the most fascinating stories, architectural gems, and cultural connections that make Cambridge unforgettable!

  1. Literary & Cinematic Cambridge Milton & Wordsworth – Just a short walk away, John Milton penned parts of Paradise Lost while studying at Christ's College. William Wordsworth wandered these streets centuries later, drawing inspiration for his poetry.

Virginia Woolf – The Bloomsbury Group, including Woolf, often met in Cambridge. Her novel Jacob's Room reflects the intellectual atmosphere of the city.

C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien – Though more tied to Oxford, Lewis frequently visited Cambridge (later becoming a professor at Magdalene College). Some say early ideas for Narnia and Middle-earth were debated in Cambridge pubs.

Movies & TV—This area has appeared in films like The Theory of Everything (2014), where Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking cycles down similar lanes. The Inspector Morse spin-off, Endeavour, also filmed scenes nearby.

  1. Architectural Wonders Tudor & Georgian Mix – Moor Street showcases timber-framed Tudor houses (look for the crooked beams!), while Romilly Street has elegant Georgian brickwork—proof of Cambridge's evolving styles.

The "Secret" Passage – A narrow alley near this junction once led to a medieval friary. Today, it's hidden behind a bookshop—fitting for a city of scholars.

Charing Cross Road's Curves – Unlike London's straight version, Cambridge's Charing Cross Road bends mysteriously, following an old Saxon path.

  1. The Eagle Pub: Where History Was Made A 2-minute walk away, The Eagle (on Bene't Street) is a must-see:

WWII Aviators – RAF pilots burned their squadron numbers into the ceiling with lighters—still visible today.

DNA's Birthplace – In 1953, Francis Crick announced here that he and Watson had "discovered the secret of life" (the DNA double helix).

  1. The Unusual & Unforgettable Ghost of Romilly Street – A 19th-century student's ghost is said to haunt #7, where he died in a duel over a love poem.

Hidden Courtyards – Peek through archways for secluded gardens, like St. Bene't's Church (Cambridge's oldest building, ca. 1020).

Rock' n' Roll Roots – Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett studied at Camberwell Art School but played early gigs in Cambridge—some say near this junction.

— So, dear explorers, Cambridge isn't just about dreaming spires. It's where poets argued in pubs, scientists changed the world over pints, and every cobblestone has a story. Look around—you're standing where history happened! Thank you, and who knows? Maybe your next visit will uncover another secret…


Pictures uploaded by @Margarita Alekseeva
Guides
List of trips including this place
Margarita Alekseeva
A Two-Hour Walk Through Secret London of Sep 30, 2018

History, Legends & Atmosphere

Short description for travellers: Discover London through hidden corners and royal landmarks! This short walking tour takes you from elegant parks to West End theatres, from underground cafés to sites where history was made. Along the way, you'll see:

🔹 St James's Park & the Blue Bridge – where aristocrats met secretly, and Cold War spies supposedly exchanged signals. 🔹 Trafalgar Theatre – once home to scandalous plays and haunted by a ghostly actress, they say. 🔹 *Wesley's Café at Central Hall Westminster – where the UN was born in 1946, and where today you sip coffee beneath memorial plaques. 🔹 Hidden Soho paths** – where 18th-century actresses and courtesans played their games of power and charm.

This route blends real history, urban legends, and the unique atmosphere that makes London mysterious and unforgettable. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of monarchs, spies, and theatre rebels?

Panorama
Discover routes near this place here!
Margarita Alekseeva (author)
Don't waste time planning
Use detailed routes created by your friends and professionals. Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience
OK
Tweet
Share
Share
Send
Send