It might be known as a city of brains, but really Cambridge is a city of beauty… if I may say so myself! Here are ten of the most beautiful colleges to visit in Cambridge.
1. Corpus Christi College, New Court
Old Court is nice – is was built a long, long time ago by the people of Cambridge (the only college funded by the townsfolk) – but New Court is the place to see. Such a sight, that Corpus Christi was selected as the poster for “Knowledge” in the This is Great Britain ad campaign.
2. Kings College Chapel
Diagonally across Trumpington Street from Corpus, is Kings College – one of the most famous of Cambridge’s hallowed halls. The college chapel is the most striking building in the grounds, and can be seen from T-Street, or (even better) from the “Backs” on the other side of the River Cam.
3. Mathematical Bridge, Queens College
If you’re heading to the Backs for your perfect photo with Kings College Chapel in the background, then you ought to also stop by Queens College to marvel at their Mathematical Bridge. They say it is designed to such mathematical perfection that it doesn’t need any bolts or screws to keep it standing. They sayyyy that… but notice how many bolts and screws they are. Sometimes actions speak louder than words! Still a good photo op.
4. Isaac Newton’s Apple Tree, Trinity College
Probably the wealthiest of the Cambridge Colleges, Trinity is also huge. Its courts have featured in many famous films, but today we don’t even need to enter the grounds for our photo, because Isaac Newton’s apple tree – the one fabled to have pelted him with rosy red apples purely to inspire him to pen the theory of gravity – is right outside the front gate.
5. Peterhouse College
Every college is noteworthy and special in its own way, and for Peterhouse it’s the size. Unlike Trinity, Peterhouse is tiny. This is the smallest college in the city, and you can see pretty much the whole thing from the front gate. Aww, cute.
6. The Bridge of Sighs, St John’s College
The River Cam winds through Cambridge’s historic colleges, and is one of the best way to see many of the most famous landmarks. Take a punt through St John’s College to glide dreamily under the Bridge of Sighs – yes, Venice, you’re not the only one!
7. Baffling Brutalism at Churchill College
Maybe all this quaint, castle-like kitchness is making you feel a bit queezy… Take a walk 10 minutes out of the centre and suddenly Cambridge has a lot more concrete than you thought…
8. Jesus College’s Horse
There are statues and sculptures all over Cambridge and one of the most famous amongst students is the Jesus College Horse. Will you be able to ride it before the porters arrive?!
9. Cambridge Botanic Garden
OK, it’s not quite a college, but the Cambridge Botanic Garden is a University Department, so we think it counts. And it’s definitely beautiful. Check out the greenhouses!
10. Trinity Hall
Nestled quietly behind Gonville and Caius, Trinity Hall (or Tit Hall as students prefer) is known for especially high academic standards. It also has a library with beautiful views over the river… Coincidence?