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A mini guide to
King's Parade and Market Square: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Ask a City Ambassador
Visit Cambridge says City Ambassadors are in the city center every day of the year to answer questions and give out free maps.
The Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock, also called the Chronophage, is on the Taylor Library of Corpus Christi College, at the corner of Bene't Street and Trumpington Street.
Check college access
Colleges set their own visiting arrangements and may close for events or exams. Check the college's visiting information before you go.
Eat off the main streets
Green Street, Bene't Street and King Street have many restaurants, cafés and pubs within a few minutes of the colleges.
Leave the car outside
Visit Cambridge lists Park & Ride sites on the main roads into the city. Central parking lots charge; check Cambridge City Council.
Events
Cambridge event seasons
Dates come from the organizers: confirm on their sites before booking.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
3:00pm on Thursday Dec 24, 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 Nov 13, 2026. There is no public line.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is King's Parade and Market Square?
King's Parade and Market Square is in Cambridge, England. King's Parade, Market Square and Trinity Street in the historic heart of the city. Nearby stops and stations include Cambridge station, Park & Ride, Central parking lots.
How long do I need in King's Parade and Market Square?
Half a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Market Square, Great St Mary's, Senate House. 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); Central parking lots (Grand Arcade, Castle Hill and Grafton East). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 33 places to eat and drink in and around King's Parade and Market Square, 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 King's Parade and Market Square 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 King's Parade and Market Square
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Market Square
Pedestrian square in the city center, beside the Guildhall and a short walk from Great St Mary's.
Corpus Clock
Sculptural clock, also called the Chronophage, on the Taylor Library of Corpus Christi College.
Corpus Christi College
College founded in 1352, commonly known as Bene't College from the late 14th to the early 19th century.
Cambridge
More areas to explore
Museums, Botanic Garden and the South
The Fitzwilliam, the Downing Street museums, the Botanic Garden and the meadows toward 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 →
Colleges and the Backs
King's, Trinity, St John's and Queens' beside the River Cam, with the Backs, Magdalene Street and Castle Hill
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- King's Parade: Cmglee, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Market Square: Andrew Dunn, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Corpus Clock: Rror, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Corpus Christi College: SantCybi, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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
- Colleges and the Backs: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cambridge