king's college tourist

A guide to Cambridge University's King's College for tourists

Spend an evening listening to the college's world-renowned choir

• 14:57, 5 NOV 2017

Stay up to date with all the latest news, features and reviews of all things food, drink, and entertainment with our weekly What's On email

We have more newsletters

A tour of King's College Chapel or a listen to its world-famous choir is a quintessential Cambridge experience all tourists should have.

The chapel, which took more than a century to build, has the largest fan vaulted ceiling in the world and many stunning examples of medieval stained glass.

King of England Henry VI commissioned the college and laid the foundation stone of the chapel in 1446.

He took great pains to ensure that the chapel would be without equal in size and beauty.

Visitors can also view the Adoration of the Magi, a painting by Flemish Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens.

Read below to learn how to buy your tickets, opening times and how to reach the college.

A lovely way to spend the evening is listening to the angelic voices of King's world-famous choir.

Every Christmas, the BBC broadcasts the choir's Christmas Eve service, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, to the nation and the world.

The Christmas Eve service is so popular that people start to queue a day or so before the big event to snag one of the 600 available seats.

King’s is also known for Carols from King’s, which is shown on BBC Two on Christmas Eve every year.

Choral services are held at 5.30pm from Monday to Saturday, and at 10.30am and 3.30pm on Sunday.

The college is located at King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST.

If you are arriving to Cambridge by car, be aware there is no car park at King's. The closest car park, just a few minutes walk away, is at the Grand Arcade on Corn Exchange Street, CB2 3QJ.

The easiest and cheapest way to get to the city centre is through Cambridge park and ride. The closest spot to King's is Madingley Road Park and Ride on Madingley Road at CB3 0EX. More travel information can be found here.

Tickets and opening times

Admission will cost you £9 for adults and £6 for children and students. The tickets include access to the chapel and the grounds - when they are open. All other buildings are closed to the public.

You can pick up your tickets at the visitor centre, which is opposite the front of the college. There may be queues on weekends in July and August, the busiest times of the year.

Below are the usual opening times but the chapel may be closed at certain times for concerts, recordings and ceremonies. Click here to view the closures page before you visit.

Opening times during college terms:

Monday to Friday: 9.30am - 3.30pm

Saturday: 9.30am - 3.15pm

Sunday: 1.15pm - 2.30pm

College term dates:

3 October - 1 December 2016

17 January - 17 March 2017

25 April - 18 June 2017

27 June - 9 July 2017

30 September - 2 December 2017

Opening times during all other times:

Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm

(Except during December and January when the chapel closes at 3.30pm)

You can keep up to date with all the latest news in and around Cambridge by downloading our free app. It is available for the iPhone and iPad from Apple's App Store , or the Android version can be downloaded from Google Play .

• Corn Exchange
• Kings College
• Cambridge University
• Most Recent

King’s College Cambridge: History, Tickets, Opening Times & More!

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure for more info.

Of the 31 colleges dotted around the English city of Cambridge, King’s College may well be the most popular among visitors, earning a top spot on many tourist bucket lists and itineraries.

Famed for its stunning Gothic chapel (home to the world’s largest fan vaulted ceiling), as well as its picturesque grounds, King’s College is definitely one of the prettiest colleges to visit in Cambridge, especially for those eager to ooh and ahh over some of the most photogenic structures in the city.

So, if you’re keen to see the very place that helped nurture famous minds like Alan Turing, Zu Zhimo, and Salman Rushdie, read on.

In this King’s College Cambridge guide, we’ll be covering all of the following:

• Practical Info for Visiting King’s College in Cambridge

A Brief History of King’s College Cambridge

How to get to king’s college cambridge.

• Things to do at King’s College Cambridge

Additional Tips for Visiting King’s College Cambridge

Practical Info for Visiting King’s College Cambridge

Public entry to King’s College is only possible through paying an admission fee. You can save a bit of money by booking your tickets online in advance here.

Ticket Prices

According to the official King’s College website, here are the ticket prices (as of January 2023):

Opening Hours

For the most accurate and up-to-date opening hours, be sure to check the King’s College calendar here.

Hotels Close to King’s College

Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Here are some recommendations:

• Budget: Check reviews and availability
• Mid-Range: Check reviews and availability
• Luxury: Check reviews and availability

Originally founded in 1441 as “The King’s College of Our Lady Saint and Nicholas in Cambridge”, King’s College has enjoyed a lengthy history over the centuries, persevering through wars, conflicts, and global pandemics.

The college was originally established by King Henry VI as a finishing school for students from Eton College, of which the top 70 worthiest were recruited each year to join King’s. The college would remain Eton-exclusive for over 400 years until 1861, when a new set of statutes opened up admission to those from other schools.

Today, King’s College is home to over 100 fellows and 400+ undergraduate students, many of which live and work on the college grounds.

Of course, the King’s College we see today looks significantly different to how it would have looked back in the day. While construction on the famous King’s College Chapel began only five years after the founding of the college, its completion would not be reached until almost 100 years later thanks to the War of the Roses.

Besides the chapel, the college would see a great deal of expansion and development over the next few centuries. The now iconic neoclassical facade of the Gibbs Building for example wasn’t completed until 1724, and it took until the early 19th century for the front court to be completed.

But of course, good things come to those who wait. These days, King’s is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful colleges in Cambridge… certainly among visitors, who come by the thousands every year to see the beauty of the college and chapel for themselves.

King’s College is conveniently located in the Cambridge city centre along King’s Parade here .

Arriving by car:

There is no parking on-site, but there are a number of car parks close by that will put you within easy walking distance of the college.

Arriving by train:

King’s College is located about a 25 minute walk from the Cambridge Train Station (which is located outside of Central Cambridge).

Arriving by bus/coach:

King’s College is located about a 15 minute walk from the Drummer Street Bus Station.

Things to Do at King’s College Cambridge

Wondering what there is to do during your visit to King’s College in Cambridge? Here are some fo the must-sees.

Admire King’s College Chapel

Of course, the starring attraction at King’s College is the King’s College Chapel , home to the world’s largest vaulted ceiling, and considered by many to be a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Besides the beauty of the chapel itself, there are also a number of informative displays available for visitors to learn about the history of the college, chapel, and its construction.

Of course another highlight is the Adoration of the Magi painting by Rubens, which was gifted to the college by property millionaire Alfred Ernest Allnatt in the early 1960s. Visitors can now view it in the eastern part of the chapel.

Attend a chapel service

And if simple sightseeing in the chapel doesn’t feel like enough, visitors are also welcome to attend services and choral performances inside the chapel. Click here for more information about attending.

Gawk at the grounds

As the college is a working college, many parts are off-limits to public visitors, such as the Gibb’s Building, Wilkins Building, Old Lodge, and both Bodley’s Court and Chetwynd Court.

That said, some of the building exteriors are still stunning to admire from the outside, especially the Gibb’s Building which has a beautiful classical facade made of Portland stone.

Admire the King’s College Wildflower Meadow

Stretching from the King’s College Chapel to the scenic banks of the River Cam, another highlight for visitors to King’s College is the lush wildflower meadow, where (when the timing’s right) you’ll find a sea of poppies, cornflowers, mayflowers, corn cockles and more.

Stop by the Xu Zhimo Memorial Garden

Officially opened in 2018, another King’s College attraction is the Xu Zhimo Memorial Garden, the first Chinese garden to be installed in any of Cambridge’s colleges, dedicated of course to the famous Chinese poet Xu Zhimo, who once spent 18 months at King’s College.

Populated with a mix of British plants and plants from Xu’s home region of Haining, China, this tranquil piece of King’s College is well worth a visit.

Nearby the garden, you’ll also find a white marble memorial stone dedicated to Xu, which is engraved with lines from his famous poem ‘Second Farewell to Cambridge’, which is now a poem so famous in China that it is studied by millions of students each year as part of many school curriculums.

Last but not least, here are some practical tips to keep in mind before your visit to King’s College.

Buy your tickets online in advance

During our visit, we noticed that ticket purchases were not possible at the entrance gate, and instead you needed to go to the Visitor Centre across the road. Not a huge distance to travel, but you’re better off buying your tickets online because then you can guarantee your entry (they can sell out quickly during peak season!) and you save a tiny amount on the entrance fee as well.

NOTE: We’d recommend keeping your tickets handy, as we were checked at the entrance gate and again upon entry to the chapel.

Do not visit during mid-April to mid-June (Easter Term)

During this period, it’s exam time at Cambridge, so College grounds are closed to visitors (although the Chapel is usually still open).

Use the facilities before visiting the college

At King’s College, you will not find any toilets or bathrooms open to the public, so be sure to take care of business before your visit!

Keep off the grass!

According to some wordy signs, walking on the grass is only possible if you are accompanied by a senior member of the college. You’ve been warned!

We Hope You Enjoyed This Guide to King’s College Cambridge!

Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions, or insider tips to add. We’re always looking to improve our articles for readers!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Visit King's

Attend Choral Evensong and concerts at King's

Visit the Chapel

King's College is a splendid example of late Gothic architecture.

You are very welcome to visit the Chapel in a sightseeing capacity. You are asked, however, to respect the College as a place of study. 

We are delighted that choral services have resumed, and we will be welcoming back King's members, members of the wider University and the general public to our services. For further information on how to attend a service, please click here .

Plan Your Visit

Useful information about admission prices, what your visit includes, and how to get to King's by car or public transport.

Opening Times

King's is occasionally closed to visitors so please check the opening times calendar before you plan to visit!

The Shop at King's

Visit the online shop to browse our King's College and Cambridge University merchandise.

Group Visits

Please click here for more information.

For more information on visiting King's, please contact the Visitor Services team.

Visit King's FAQ's

Please browse our frequently asked questions to help with planning your upcoming visit to King's College.

The Chapel's History

Find out about the history of King's College Chapel from its foundation in 1441 to the present day.

Virtual Tours

Take a virtual look around the King's College grounds and venture inside our world-famous Chapel.

Local Residents

Local residents can apply for a residents' pass which allows access through King's College.

Music at King's

From choir concerts to organ recitals, there are regular occasions to come and enjoy wonderful music at King's.

King’s Bye-Fellow elected Fellow of The Academy of Medical Sciences

Dr Fiona Godlee has been recognised for her remarkable contributions to advancing biomedical and health...

H E Durham Fund 2024

Small grants made for the purpose of advancing, improving, or disseminating knowledge of human or...

Renowned conductor Sir Andrew Davis CBE (KC 1963) dies

Sir Andrew Davis, Organ Scholar at King’s under the tutelage of Sir David Willcocks, passed...

Follow us on Instagram

Accepted Students Day

Accepted Students Day is a great opportunity to learn more about King’s College and our caring community prior to becoming a Monarch! Connect with campus by attending a walking tour, dine at King’s Court, visit a residence hall, or explore the bookstore to purchase new King’s attire. Student panel presentations are offered on topics including academics, athletics, campus life, community service, career planning, and internships. Financial aid and athletic representatives, faculty, and staff will also be available to answer your questions. We will be hosting upcoming sessions from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Register online for the date that works best for you and your family.

There are no upcoming events to display.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what does king’s college tours provide.

We provide transportation, lodging, meals, theme park tickets, museums, arranged campus tours, basketball games, and any type of entertainment you would like.

2. What type of transportation do you use?

We use clean charter buses with AC,DVD, and restrooms.  We also book flight and train accomodations for transportation as well.

3. Do you send tour guides on every trip?

Yes, we send a tour manager on every trip.  The tour manager takes care of your hotel check in, makes sure your in the right location for your campus tours, takes care of all restaurants, and works with your driver to provide the best service possible.

4. What other services do you provide?

In addition to college tours, we provide team sports travel, family reunions, Grad Nite and Grad Bash, private transportation, national and international group tours.

5. What if we need help choosing a destination?

We are your travel consultants and we will provide you with as much information as you need to make a decision on your group’s next travel destination.

6. What if my organization has a budget to stay within?

Tell us your budget and we will create a trip that meets and exceeds your expectations.

7. How do I book a trip with King’s College Tours?

Call us at 1-866-912-3344 or 305-953-7771 or contact us here . We will start by asking you about preferred travel dates, destinations,  and method of travel you (plane, train, or bus).  Then we contact you with a well organized itinerary that you and your group will enjoy.

8. Why should your group attend a college tour?

The college tour provides a prospective college student with an opportunity to get a true feel for the campus of their choice. Students can decide whether or not they feel “at home” at the schools where they intend to spend the next four years of their life. It also allows them to travel with their peers, which can give students great motivation. This sometimes enhances the persuasions made by parents. When the students get on the different campuses and see students from there high schools in college or just students that are close to their age, the students feel motivated.

9. How many students sleep in a room?

Room assignments include 2 adults per room, 4 girls only to a room and 4 boys only to a room. (The number of students in a room can be altered by request)

10. What happens on a college tour?

We spend about 2 to 3 hours on each campus. We meet with an admissions counselor from each school. At the meeting, students are able to ask questions regarding financial aide, options for choosing a major, grade point average restrictions, and testing requirements. They also pick up literature about the prospective college. After the meeting, we take a tour of the campus by visiting dorms, classrooms, student unions, cafeterias, and other important venues on campus.

11. Do we provide security at hotels?

We provide security exclusively for your students at your request.

Browser does not support script.

Go to…

• Keeping King's safe together

Travelling to King’s

Whether you’re walking, cycling or using public transport, these pages are packed with information and tips on travelling to and around London.

Even for those of you that are used to travelling to and in London getting around will feel a bit different and you may feel a bit concerned about using public transport.

Not all transport companies have the same guidance in place, please check before you travel.

General guidance

• Check your route, some transport operators have updated their timetables and changed bus routes.
• Check your travel operators website for information on carnet tickets - they could save you money.
• Face coverings must still be worn on most public transport unless you are exempt. See the TFL website for information on the exemption badge or  printable card.
• Hand sanitisers are available at entrances of all Tube and TfL Rail stations, London Overground and DLR stations and all bus stations
• An enhanced cleaning regime is carried out on buses, the Tube and National Rail network
• If you’re on public transport and you feel your health and safety is being compromised, make the choice that’s right for you which may mean getting off at the next available stop and waiting for the next service or taking an alternative route
• Order a  Please offer me a seat or  Baby on board badge from TfL to let other passengers know that you need a seat

Travel guidance

Getting to campus.

Tips and tools to make travelling to and from our campuses simple.

• Denmark Hill campus
• Guy’s campus
• Strand campus
• St Thomas’ campus
• Waterloo campus

Using alternate transport

If you can, walking or cycling are great ways to get around the city.

• Walk where you can
• Cycle if possible
• Campus bike parking (intranet)
• Cycle to work scheme (intranet)
• Using Santander Cycles

Staying safe on public transport

Tips for staying safe while travelling on public transport.

• TfL safer travel guidance
• National Rail train operating companies guidance
• Wear a face covering
• Is my station open?
• Getting help where you need it

Visiting King’s

Experience life at The King’s College, confronting the challenges and excitement of the world on your doorstep.

Inviso Visit Day

Inviso Visit Day is our premier visit opportunity. You’ll sit in on a class, hear from students and faculty in panels and breakout sessions, and take a tour of housing and campus.

Inviso Visit Day dates for spring 2023:

• Friday, January 27th
• Friday, February 17th
• Friday, March 3rd
• Friday, March 24th

Join us for a Virtual Open House

You’re invited to our Virtual Open House on Wednesday, November 9th at 7:00 PM. You will be able to learn more about our majors, hear from current students, and talk with an admissions counselor.

King’s for a Day

We would love to host you for an in-person visit experience, King’s for a Day!

Personalized King’s for a Day visits are available by appointment Monday through Saturday.

During this visit, you’ll get to connect with the Admissions team to talk about your journey at King’s. You’ll also get a chance to take a tour of the campus and our housing location with a current King’s student.

Email [email protected] with any questions.

The Full Tuition Founders Scholarship

The Founders Scholarship is a full-tuition award for incoming students that is determined through the Founders Competition. Up to three students are awarded the scholarship each year.

The King’s College maintains corporate discounts with several hotels nearby to campus.

5 minute walk to campus

10 minute walk to campus

8 minute walk to campus

15 minute walk to campus

After you choose your check-in and check-out dates, click on Corporate/Promotional code under Special Rates, and enter promo code “K4C” to receive a 15 percent discount.

Sign up for The King’s Insider

Through its commitment to the truths of Christianity and a biblical worldview, The King’s College seeks to transform society by preparing students for careers in which they help to shape and eventually lead strategic public and private institutions, and by supporting faculty members as they directly engage culture through writing and speaking publicly on critical issues.

56 Broadway • New York, NY 10004

212.659.7200 • 888.969.7200

M-F 8:00AM–10:00PM SAT: 12:00PM–10:00PM SUN: CLOSED

Visa Information

As a non-U.S. citizen*, you will need a visa to study at King’s or any other college in the United States. The Department of State issues visas at U.S. embassies and consulates.  A visa allows you to travel to the United States for a specific purpose.

The following pages outline the steps required to apply for a visa. Once you’ve submitted your visa application you’ll be invited to sit for an interview. The visa interview is your opportunity to tell the consular officer about your plans while in the United States and what you will do when you have completed your studies. Tips for preparing for the visa interview are provided here.

*Please note, Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for the purposes of visiting or studying. However, all Canadians entering the U.S. by air require passports, and Canadians entering the U.S. by land or sea must have a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant travel document.