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A mini guide to
Colleges and the Backs: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check each college before you go
The University says colleges are open to visitors throughout the year but advises checking opening hours. Colleges set their own rules and may close for events or exams.
Trinity's Great Court
Trinity says on its visiting page that, currently, its courts including Great Court are not open to the public, with exceptions such as guided tours, the Chapel, the Wren Library and the Backs.
King's College Chapel
The Chapel is an active place of worship and home of the King's College Choir. Check King's opening times and tickets page before you plan a visit.
Plan a punt separately
Visit Cambridge has a punting page that lists operators. Compare them there and check the operator's own site for tour details.
Keep to the paths
Courts and lawns are often private to students and fellows. Follow the signs at each porters' lodge.
Events
Cambridge event seasons
Dates come from the organisers: confirm on their sites before booking.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
3.00pm on Thursday 24 December 2026
King's College says tickets for the service in King's College Chapel are allocated by an annual online ballot that closes at 5.00pm on Friday 13 November 2026. There is no public queue.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Colleges and the Backs?
Colleges and the Backs is in Cambridge, England. King's, Trinity, St John's and Queens' beside the River Cam, with the Backs, Magdalene Street and Castle Hill. Nearby stops and stations include Cambridge station, Park & Ride, On foot.
How long do I need in Colleges and the Backs?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include King's College Chapel, Trinity College, Wren Library. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Cambridge station (Great Northern, Greater Anglia, CrossCountry and other operators); Park & Ride (Babraham Road, Madingley, Milton Road, Newmarket Road and Trumpington); On foot (From Market Square). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 23 places to eat and drink in and around Colleges and the Backs, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Colleges and the Backs accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Colleges and the Backs
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
King's College Chapel
Late Gothic chapel built in stages between 1448 and 1515, with a fan-vaulted ceiling; home of the King's College Choir.
Trinity College
College founded by Henry VIII in 1546, entered from Trinity Street, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
Wren Library
Trinity College's library, designed by Christopher Wren in 1676 and completed in 1695, beside the Backs.
Cambridge
More areas to explore
King's Parade and Market Square
King's Parade, Market Square and Trinity Street in the historic heart of the city
Open the mini guide →
Museums, Botanic Garden and the South
The Fitzwilliam, the Downing Street museums, the Botanic Garden and the meadows towards Grantchester
Open the mini guide →
Mill Road and the East
Independent shops and restaurants on Mill Road, with the commons and the river to the north-east
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Castle Mound: Myself., CC BY 3.0, source
- King's College Chapel: Martinvl, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Trinity College: Andrew Dunn, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Wren Library: Andrew Dunn, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- King's Parade and Market Square: John Sutton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Museums, Botanic Garden and the South: Kim Fyson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Mill Road and the East: John Sutton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cambridge