A trip from St Ives to Cambridge takes little more than 20 minutes, making it one of the best day trips in the region. While many visitors head straight for King’s College, there are plenty of other historic colleges that welcome members of the public, some completely free of charge.
Opening times, access restrictions and admission fees can change throughout the year (particularly during exams, graduations and special events), so it’s always worth checking each college’s website before you travel.
Here are some of the Cambridge colleges most frequently recommended by local residents.
King’s College
No visit to Cambridge feels complete without seeing King’s College. Its world-famous chapel is regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere in Europe, and attending Choral Evensong is a memorable experience that is usually free to attend.
Even if you don’t go inside the chapel, the views across King’s Parade and the Backs make it one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
St John’s College
St John’s is another favourite with visitors, thanks to its beautiful courts, riverside setting and the famous Bridge of Sighs spanning the River Cam.
There is normally an admission charge for visitors, but many feel it’s well worth it for one of Cambridge’s most impressive colleges.
Trinity College
Home to the spectacular Great Court and the historic Wren Library, Trinity College is one of Cambridge’s grandest institutions.
While general access can be limited, visitors can attend chapel services free of charge, and there are opportunities to visit the Backs and Wren Library. Guided tours are also available at certain times.
Christ’s College
Frequently recommended by locals, Christ’s College is especially beautiful in spring when its gardens are in full bloom.
It’s often open without an admission fee, making it one of the easiest colleges to visit while exploring the city centre.
Pembroke College
Founded in 1347, Pembroke is Cambridge’s third-oldest college and combines centuries of history with peaceful courtyards.
Visitors are often able to explore free of charge during opening hours, with donations welcomed.
Emmanuel College
Right in the heart of Cambridge, Emmanuel College is known for its elegant buildings and beautifully maintained gardens.
It’s regularly open to visitors without an admission fee, although access may be restricted during examinations or special events.
Queens’ College
One of Cambridge’s most picturesque colleges, Queens’ is famous for the Mathematical Bridge and its charming medieval courts.
Due to its popularity with tourists, an admission fee now applies for most visitors, helping manage numbers through the smaller college grounds.
Peterhouse
Founded in 1284, Peterhouse holds the distinction of being Cambridge’s oldest college.
Although smaller than many of its neighbours, its historic buildings and peaceful atmosphere make it well worth seeking out.
Downing College
Unlike the medieval colleges, Downing stands out for its striking neo-classical architecture.
Its wide-open layout and grand colonnades give it a very different feel from the older colleges, and visitors can usually enter free of charge during the day.
Newnham College
Set slightly away from the busiest tourist streets, Newnham is admired for its attractive gardens and peaceful setting.
Visitors often comment that it’s one of Cambridge’s hidden gems and is generally free to explore.
Selwyn College
Selwyn’s distinctive red-brick buildings give it a different character to many of Cambridge’s older colleges.
It is usually open to the public and offers a quieter experience away from the largest tourist crowds.
Wolfson College
One of Cambridge’s newer colleges, Wolfson offers a more modern take on collegiate architecture with pleasant riverside surroundings.
While it lacks the medieval grandeur of some older colleges, it’s an interesting contrast and is generally welcoming to visitors.
A Few Tips Before You Visit!
- Opening hours vary throughout the year, particularly during exams and graduation ceremonies.
- Some colleges charge admission while others are free or request donations.
- Chapel services, concerts and Evensong can provide free opportunities to experience colleges that otherwise charge for entry.
- If you’re a Cambridge resident (or live within around 10 miles), some colleges offer resident access schemes that can significantly reduce or remove entry fees.
- Always check the individual college’s website before travelling, as access arrangements can change at short notice.
Whether you’re visiting Cambridge for the first time or you’ve lived in the area for years, exploring a few of its colleges is one of the best ways to appreciate the city’s remarkable history and architecture. From the soaring fan vaults of King’s College Chapel to the tranquil gardens of Christ’s, Newnham and Emmanuel, there’s far more to Cambridge than just the famous tourist hotspots!
