London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [202]
Visiting the Colleges
College visits are certainly a highlight of a Cambridge tour, but remember that the colleges are private residences and workplaces, even when school isn’t in session. Each is an independent entity within the university; some are closed to the public, but at others you can see the chapels, dining rooms (called halls), and sometimes the libraries, too. Some colleges charge a small fee for the privilege of nosing around. All are closed during exams, usually from mid-April to late June, and the opening hours often vary. Additionally, all are subject to closures at short notice, especially King’s; check the Web sites in advance. For details about visiting specific colleges not listed here, contact Cambridge University (01223/337733 | www.cam.ac.uk).
By far the best way to gain access without annoying anyone is to join a walking tour led by an official Blue Badge guide—in fact, many areas are off-limits unless you do. The one or two-hour tours (£11–£12.50) leave from the Tourist Information Centre.
Hours vary according to the tour, with the earliest leaving at 11 and the latest at 2.(Peas Hill | CB2 3AD | 0871/226–8006, 1223/464732 from abroad | www.visitcambridge.org | Apr.–Sept., weekdays 10–5, Sat. 10–5, Sun. 11–3; Oct.–Mar., weekdays 10–5, Sat. 10–5.
Essentials
Visitor Information Cambridge (0871/226–8006, 1223/464732 from outside U.K. | www.visitcambridge.org).
EXPLORING CAMBRIDGE
Emmanuel College (1584) is the alma mater of one John Harvard, who gave his books and his name to the American university. A number of the Pilgrims were Emmanuel alumni; they named Cambridge, Massachusetts, after their onetime home. | St. Andrew’s St. | CB2 3AP | 01223/334200 | www.emma.cam.ac.uk | Free | Daily 9–6.
Fodor’s Choice | One of England’s finest art galleries, the Fitzwilliam Museum houses an outstanding collection of art, as well as striking antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Highlights include two large Titians, an extensive collection of French impressionist paintings, and many paintings by Matisse and Picasso. The gallery holds occasional free classical music concerts. | Trumpington St. | CB2 1RB | 01223/332900 | www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk | Free | Tues.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. noon–5.
Fodor’s Choice | King’s College(1441) is notable as the site of the world-famous Gothic-style King’s College Chapel (built 1446–1547). Some deem its great fan-vaulted roof, supported by a delicate tracery of columns, the most glorious example of Perpendicular Gothic in Britain. It’s the home of the famous choristers, and, to cap it all, Rubens’s Adoration of the Magi is tucked away behind the altar. The college’s Back Lawn leads down to the river, from which the panorama of college and chapel is one of the university’s most photographed views. | King’s Parade | CB2 1ST | 01223/331212 | www.kings.cam.ac.uk | £5 | Term time, weekdays 9:30–3:30, Sat. 9:30–3:15, Sun. 1:15–2:15; out of term, Mon.–Sat. 9:30–4:30, Sun. 10–5. Hrs may vary, grounds closed during exams; call in advance or see Web site. King’s College(1441) is notable as the site of the world-famous Gothic-style King’s College Chapel (built 1446–1547). Some deem its great fan-vaulted roof, supported by a delicate tracery of columns, the most glorious example of Perpendicular Gothic in Britain. It’s the home of the famous choristers, and, to cap it all, Rubens’s Adoration of the Magi is tucked away behind the altar. The college’s Back Lawn leads down to the river, from which the panorama of college and chapel is one of the university’s most photographed views. | King’s Parade | CB2 1ST | 01223/331212 | www.kings.cam.ac.uk | £5 | Term time, weekdays 9:30–3:30, Sat. 9:30–3:15, Sun. 1:15–2:15; out of term, Mon.–Sat. 9:30–4:30, Sun. 10–5. Hrs may vary, grounds closed during exams; call in advance or see Web site.
Pembroke