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King’s College Chapel Cambridge Guide & Photos

One of our favourite places to visit for a child-friendly city break is Cambridge. On a recent visit, we decided to have a look around King’s College Chapel Cambridge. Which is often open to the public at the weekends unless there are events on. It was our first time visiting despite having been to Cambridge several times before. If you are thinking of visiting the iconic building within the University of Cambridge then you will find this blog post useful.

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Visiting Kings College Chapel Cambridge

King’s College, Cambridge holds a prominent position as one of the most esteemed and historically significant institutions in the United Kingdom. Established in 1441 by King Henry VI, this college boasts a remarkable legacy of academic distinction, architectural grandeur, and cultural importance. It offers an extensive array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning various disciplines including the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

At the heart of King’s College lies its iconic chapel, a true masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. With its soaring spires, intricate stonework, and breathtaking stained glass windows, the chapel stands as a captivating attraction for visitors worldwide. Moreover, it serves as the cherished abode of the renowned Choir of King’s College. Known for its history of musical brilliance. The choir’s annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol Services is broadcast to millions of listeners globally on Christmas Eve.

The roof of King College Chapel has recently undergone a year-long restoration project which has seen over 400 solar panels

Tickets for King’s College Chapel

We bought our tickets online in advance. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online beforehand, as it is a highly sought-after tourist spot. Cambridge itself draws visitors from all corners of the globe, who enjoy strolling along the charming yellow brick streets and admiring the magnificent University buildings.

When you purchase tickets online for King’s Chapel, there is an additional advantage of getting them at a slightly lower price if you buy them in advance. This discount is applicable up to one week before your planned visit. However, it is important to keep in mind that these tickets are non-refundable in case you are unable to attend. The savings amount to £1 for an adult ticket and 50p for a child ticket. If you buy an adult ticket online in advance, it costs £14, while a child ticket costs £12. Additionally, there are family passes available, ranging from £32 to £46 depending on the number of children or adults you choose.

Once I had purchased the tickets, I received an email containing a QR code that I had to present at the entrance. The tickets allow you to enter the college within a 15-minute time slot, but once inside, you are welcome to stay for as long as you please.

Where is King’s Chapel located?

Kings College Chapel can be found in the heart of the city, on King’s Parade. It is beautifully situated by the River Cam and is a well-known highlight of any punting tour. If you’re looking for the college, this address will guide you – Kings College, Cambridge, CB2 1ST. You won’t have any trouble spotting it, as it’s easily the biggest building in the entire city.

Our visit

When we arrived, we were directed to the chapel first. Here you can pick up a map which not only shows the inside of the church but also the grounds. They are available in many different languages. Although the lady did have to hunt around for some English ones for us. If this is the same when you visit then check the basket at the exit where people put the used ones. We found two spare ones there for our visit.

You’re free to under the gardens after you visit the chapel, albeit you need to be aware that many of the areas of the college are for private use only, respectful of this.

What will you see?

Inside King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, there are several key points of interest you should keep an eye out for.

One of the most remarkable features is the magnificent fan-vaulted chapel roof, which showcases an intricate network of ribs and decorative patterns. Made from White Tadcaster Limestone during the restoration it has been made watertight again.
Flanked on both sides by the stunning stained glass windows that adorn the chapel. Known for their vibrant colours and intricate designs. Notable among them is the Great East Window, which depicts biblical scenes.
The altar and reredos within the chapel are adorned with ornate carvings and religious iconography. At the altar, you will also see The Adoration of the Magi. Which is a painting by the Flemish Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens painted between 1633–34.
There is a regular programme of rehearsals so you may get lucky and hear the choir practising.
The chapel also houses a magnificent organ, famous for its powerful and resonant tones. Often featured in musical recitals and performances, this organ adds a majestic element to the chapel’s atmosphere during the chapel services.
Along the side of the main structure there are side rooms which have a small chapel exhibition. This shows the construction of the chapel. The foundation stone of the Chapel was laid on the feast of St James, 25th July 1446, by the king. During the reign of Henry VIII. It was the first step in his plan for a great court, of which the Chapel was to form the North side. But only the Chapel was ever completed.
Some of the other bays of the Chapel detail the History of King, the Civil War and the Wars of the Roses.

How long do you need?

We took about an hour in total although we did not sit and enjoy the grounds for any period of time. We did however read all the exhibits within the chapel itself. If you are on a tight schedule then you could probably spend a little less time if required.

King’s College Chapel Cambridge Grounds

After we had spent some time in the chapel. We decided to have a quick look around the gardens. They’re not formal gardens as such. However, there is a long flowerbed that runs alongside the building to the right. If you follow this it will take you down to the river. When we visited lawns in front of the chapel were covered in cowslip, which made a pretty backdrop.

You can walk down to the bridge which goes over the River Cam. From here you can watch the punts go past. Since we visited in spring there were also a couple of spring flower gardens that we could see from the bridge. They looked extremely pretty, it was a bit of a pity that there was no way of reaching them.

The ‘Backs”

The renowned “Backs” of King’s College are the charming parkland and gardens that stretch behind multiple colleges in Cambridge, including King’s College. This picturesque spot provides breathtaking vistas of the River Cam, historic bridges, and the iconic college structures. The Backs are celebrated for their peaceful and picturesque atmosphere, attracting visitors who seek leisurely strolls, picnics, and an appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty. These tranquil grounds offer a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing visitors to fully embrace the tranquil allure of the Cambridge landscape.