Queen's College Tours and Activities

Queen\'s College featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing
Queen's College
Queen\'s College which includes heritage architecture, boating and a river or creek
Queen\'s College which includes art, heritage architecture and interior views
Queen\'s College which includes a park and heritage architecture


Spend some time in the grounds of this 15th-century college, a beautiful campus on the River Cam where monarchs and global statesmen received their education.

Queens’ College is home to some of the most complete medieval buildings in Cambridge’s colleges. Admire these ancient structures and take a look inside the well-preserved Old Hall and chapel.

The college was founded in 1448, making it one of the oldest in the university. Over the centuries, politicians, prime ministers, royalty and leading actors have all studied here. Explore the campus where they received their first-class education.

Queens’ College is split into two sections, which are connected by the Mathematical Bridge that passes over the River Cam. The red brick First Court, or Old Court, forms the medieval core of the college with the Old Hall as its centerpiece. Originally built in 1449, the hall was renovated in the 18th century resulting in the elaborate classical style you see today. Take a look inside at its gilded Victorian ceiling. View the three Grey family portraits found over the High Table, one of which depicts college founder Elizabeth Woodville, wife of King Edward IV.

Seek out the handsome President's Lodge, located beside the 15th-century Cloister Court. The home of the College Master, his half-timbered lodge dates back to the early 16th century.

Visit the lovely and understated College Chapel, which was built in 1888. With its rows of pews on each side and aisle-less nave, the building is characteristic of a traditional college chapel. View the late-15th-century triptych of paintings on the altarpiece panel. These are attributed to an artist named Master of the View of Sainte-Gudule.

The college is located on Silver Street, within walking distance of the Drummer Street bus station. Some of the buildings are closed to visitors, but the Old Hall and the Chapel are open and you can explore all the walkways and cloisters.

Queens’ College is open daily throughout the year except in the run-up to exams in April and May and during the exam period in June. There is an admission fee, which is waived for children under 10 years old.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Water activities

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Top Queen's College Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Wilde Cambridge City Centre

Wilde Cambridge City Centre

2 out of 5
Round Church Street, Cambridge, England
Wilde Cambridge City Centre
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge

Graduate by Hilton Cambridge

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Granta Place, Cambridge, England
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
University Arms, Autograph Collection

University Arms, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
Regent Street, Cambridge, England
University Arms, Autograph Collection
ibis Cambridge Central Station

ibis Cambridge Central Station

3 out of 5
2 Station Square, Cambridge, England
ibis Cambridge Central Station
Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

4 out of 5
Station Rd, Cambridge, England
Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Gonville Hotel

Gonville Hotel

4 out of 5
Gonville Place, Cambridge, England
Gonville Hotel
Hilton Cambridge City Centre

Hilton Cambridge City Centre

4 out of 5
20 Downing Street, Cambridge, England
Hilton Cambridge City Centre
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge

4 out of 5
15-19 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, England
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
33 Milton Road, Cambridge, England
The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Queen's College

Queen's College, Cambridge, offers a range of delightful activities for visitors, particularly on weekends. Explore the college's stunning architecture and well-kept gardens, take part in guided tours, or enjoy the vibrant art scene nearby. With a mix of cultural experiences and beautiful surroundings, there's plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.

Shopping

For shopping near Queen's College, head to Cambridge Market Square, only 483m away, for a vibrant public market experience. The Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, also 483m away, offers a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit the Waterside Antiques Centre, located 24.1km away.

Recreation

The Backs is a tranquil spot offering beautiful riverside walks and stunning views, perfect for relaxation and mindfulness. Sheep's Green / Lammas Land provides open spaces for picnics and gentle strolls, while Gog Magog Golf Club invites you to enjoy a round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes.

Adventure

Experience Virtual Aviation, an exhilarating airSports venue located 4.8km from Queen's College. Dive into the thrill of flight simulation with a range of aircraft, perfect for both novices and seasoned pilots. Enjoy the adventurous atmosphere and challenge yourself in this unique flying experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Queen's College by visiting the Cambridge Corn Exchange for a cultural performance or the Cambridge Arts Theatre for a family-friendly show. For a film night, catch a romantic flick at the Cambridge Arts Picture House, all within a short stroll from your accommodation.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Queen's College

When visiting Queen's College in Cambridge, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring the college itself, alongside nearby churches and science museums. This area offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, making it ideal for travellers seeking a vibrant city atmosphere. Be sure to check out the iconic landmarks of Cambridge and delve into the unique educational heritage that Queen's College has to offer.

  • University of Cambridge: Immerse yourself in the rich history of this prestigious institution. Explore its stunning architecture and learn about its profound cultural impact on education and science, all within a short walk from Queen's College.
  • The River Cam: Enjoy picturesque views along the River Cam, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a punting experience. The serene waters and lush greenery create a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fitzwilliam Museum: Discover a treasure trove of art and antiquities at this renowned museum. With its impressive collections, the Fitzwilliam Museum offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing masterpieces from various eras.

Best time to go to Queen's College

The best time to visit Queen's College is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Queen's College

For a budget-friendly trip to Queen's College, plan your visit between December and February, when accommodation prices drop. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find great deals by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider package deals that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the college and use public transport options like buses and trains for economical travel within Cambridge.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Queen's College are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Queen's College is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Queen's College is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Queen's College with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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