St Catharine's College Cambridge
A historic Cambridge college founded in 1473, known for its charming courtyard and tranquil atmosphere. Nicknamed 'Catz'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Vibrant foliage enhances beauty
St Catharine's College Cambridge
Best Time
Vibrant foliage enhances beauty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Cambridge college founded in 1473, known for its charming courtyard and tranquil atmosphere. Nicknamed 'Catz'.
"A small college next to King's college, but worth a visit."
Check Access First
Not always open to public; confirm hours online or ask porters . :information_desk:
Autumn's Charm
Visit in fall for stunning autumn leaves and a picturesque atmosphere. :maple_leaf:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Courtyard
Central Quad
A tranquil, beautifully maintained space with charming architecture and lush greenery.
College Hall
Main Building
Newly refurbished, featuring wood-paneled walls and an impressive skylight, ideal for events.
Historic Architecture
Throughout the College
Founded in 1473, the college showcases centuries of architectural evolution.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Visiting Hours
Best Time to Explore
Visiting during university open days offers a chance to see more facilities, though it can be crowded.Best Times
Insider Tips
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Check Access First
Not always open to public; confirm hours online or ask porters.
Autumn's Charm
Visit in fall for stunning autumn leaves and a picturesque atmosphere. :maple_leaf:
Proximity to Museums
Conveniently located near the Fitzwilliam Museum. :museum:
Quiet & Historic
A smaller, charming college with rich history, worth a visit. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Access First
Not always open to public; confirm hours online or ask porters.
Autumn's Charm
Visit in fall for stunning autumn leaves and a picturesque atmosphere. :maple_leaf:
Proximity to Museums
Conveniently located near the Fitzwilliam Museum. :museum:
Quiet & Historic
A smaller, charming college with rich history, worth a visit. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Catharine's College to be a charming and historic gem, praised for its friendly porters and cozy accommodations. The college's main courtyard and architecture are frequently highlighted as beautiful, especially during autumn. While not always fully open to the public, its manageable size and rich history make it a worthwhile stop.
"Small charming college on Trumpington street. Nearby the Fitzwilliam museum, I recommend visiting if it’s on your way and open to visitors ( which I find it’s rare nowadays). I visited during university open days (so one can also see library, gym and other facilities)."
Culture Geek Travels
"Very nice college. I had a great stay here. The college is not large but rich in history. The porter was friendly and the room was cosy and clean. The dinning is above average. Overall, an fantastic college! Highly recommended!!!"
Antony Lu
"Here to see one of my friend who visit me around. A small college next to the King's college, but worth a visit. I like the main entry gate with a lot of greenery. It must be more beautiful in autumn."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Catharine's College is centrally located on Trumpington Street, making it easily accessible on foot within Cambridge. It's a short walk from the city center and close to other major attractions like the Fitzwilliam Museum. If arriving by train, the station is about a 20-30 minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride away. FlixBus and trains from London are common options for day trips.
Yes, St. Catharine's College is very walkable within the city of Cambridge. Most of the historic university area is best explored on foot, and the college's central location makes it easy to combine with visits to other colleges and museums.
The most popular ways to travel to Cambridge from London are by train or FlixBus. Trains are generally faster, taking around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, while FlixBus can be a more budget-friendly option. Both arrive at Cambridge station, from where you can walk or take a local bus to the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Catharine's College is not always open to the public. While some areas like the main courtyard might be accessible, especially if porters are available and not busy, full access is not guaranteed.
Opening hours for St. Catharine's College can vary, particularly during university term times or for special events. It's recommended to consult the college's official website for the most up-to-date information on public access and visiting hours before your visit.
Generally, for casual public visits to the grounds or courtyards, pre-booking tickets is not required, but access is not always guaranteed.
For general public access to the courtyards, there is typically no entrance fee. However, if the college is hosting specific events or tours that require admission, fees may apply. Always check the official college website for the latest details.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
St. Catharine's College, founded in 1473, is known for its historic architecture, a charming main courtyard, and its tranquil atmosphere. It's also recognized for its newly refurbished College Hall, a stylish venue for events.
The main courtyard, with its symmetrical buildings and greenery, is a highlight. The College Hall, with its impressive skylight and wood-paneled walls, is also noteworthy.
Yes, St. Catharine's College offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially the main courtyard with its architectural details and greenery.
Founded in 1473 as Katharine Hall by Robert Woodlark, it adopted its current name, St. Catharine's College, in 1860.
According to the accommodation FAQ, overnight guests are not permitted in student rooms at St. Catharine's College. However, some general comments suggest that guest rules might not always be strictly enforced, but it's best to adhere to official policies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, St. Catharine's College offers dining, and reviews suggest it is 'above average'. The College Hall is also a venue for private dining events.
The college is conveniently located near other Cambridge eateries. For example, Fitzbillies is a popular spot for brunch, and the Pint Shop offers elevated pub food.
The Fitzwilliam Museum area also has nearby cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The main courtyard is a prime spot for photography, offering symmetrical views and greenery.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a softer glow on the historic buildings. Visiting during autumn can also enhance the visual appeal with colorful foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
the visual appeal is still high. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Cambridge, such as a punt tour on the River Cam Consider visiting during the autumn to enjoy the colorful foliage, which can be particularly engaging for children. Keep in mind that colleges are active academic institutions, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is important. The college's proximity to other attractions means you can easily plan a day trip with varied activities to keep younger visitors entertained.
🚶 Day-Trippers from London
Focus your visit on the main courtyard and exterior architecture, as public access to interiors can be restricted.
Its location next to the Fitzwilliam Museum and near King's College means you can easily explore multiple landmarks within a short timeframe. A punt tour on the River Cam is also a highly recommended activity for a quintessential Cambridge experience.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into St. Catharine's History
+1 It holds the distinction of being the ninth oldest college in Cambridge, situated strategically between the even older King's College (1441) and the Fitzwilliam Museum.The college's architecture reflects its long history, with various periods of construction and renovation contributing to its unique character. The main courtyard is a central feature, praised for its symmetry and well-maintained gardens, offering a peaceful ambiance in the heart of the bustling city.
Beyond its historical significance, St. Catharine's is also a vibrant academic community. The newly refurbished College Hall, with its striking skylight and wood-paneled interiors, serves as an impressive venue for events and private dining, showcasing the college's blend of historic charm and modern facilities.
The college also has an active Alumni Society, celebrating milestones like its centenary, underscoring its enduring legacy and community spirit.Navigating Cambridge as a Visitor
Punting on the River Cam is a quintessential Cambridge experience, often recommended for visitors.
When planning your visit, remember that Cambridge colleges, including St. Catharine's, may have restricted public access at certain times.
It's always wise to check official websites for current opening hours and any specific visitor guidelines. For those interested in the academic side, visiting during university open days can offer a more comprehensive look at college facilities, though it will be busier.
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