King's College Visitor Centre, Cambridge
Gateway to King's College's rich heritage, offering souvenirs and visitor services in a historic Cambridge setting.
Located at 13 King's Parade in Cambridge, the King's College Visitor Centre serves as the gateway to exploring the historic King's College and its renowned chapel. This charming heritage building houses a gift and souvenir shop offering a range of memorabilia supporting the college's educational and research missions. Open daily with extended hours on weekdays, it welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the rich academic and architectural heritage of one of Cambridge’s most iconic institutions.
A brief summary to King's College Visitor Centre
- 13 King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SP, GB
- +441223769340
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have a relaxed browsing experience in the gift shop.
- Purchase tickets for King's College Chapel tours here to support the college’s educational initiatives.
- Check the Visitor Centre’s opening hours on Sundays and public holidays, as they differ from weekdays.
- Explore the surrounding King's Parade area after your visit to enjoy other historic Cambridge landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Citi 1 or Citi 2 bus routes serving Cambridge city centre, stopping near King's Parade. Buses run every 10-15 minutes, with tickets costing around £2-£3. The stop is a short 5-minute walk to the Visitor Centre.
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Train
Arrive at Cambridge Railway Station, then take a 20-minute walk or a local taxi to King's Parade. Taxis cost approximately £7-£10. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for all visitors.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central Cambridge, a 10-20 minute walk along pedestrian-friendly streets leads you directly to King's Parade. The terrain is flat and wheelchair accessible.
King's College Visitor Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about King's College Visitor Centre
A Hub of Heritage and Hospitality
The King's College Visitor Centre is nestled on the bustling King's Parade, directly opposite the majestic King's College itself. This centre functions not only as an information point but also as a charming gift shop, housed within a heritage building that reflects the deep historical roots of the college. Visitors here can find a variety of souvenirs, books, and memorabilia that celebrate the college's centuries-old traditions and academic prestige. The proceeds from sales support the college’s ongoing commitments to education, religion, and research, making every purchase a contribution to the institution’s future.Architectural and Cultural Significance
While the Visitor Centre itself is a welcoming space, it also serves as an introduction to the architectural grandeur of King's College, famous worldwide for its stunning chapel. The college’s Gothic architecture, intricate stonework, and the chapel’s soaring fan vault ceiling are emblematic of Cambridge’s rich academic heritage. The Visitor Centre provides visitors with tickets and information for exploring these historic sites, enhancing the overall experience of the college grounds and its cultural offerings.Practical Visitor Experience
Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Visitor Centre offers ample opportunity for tourists and scholars alike to plan their visit. The centre is staffed with knowledgeable personnel ready to assist with ticket sales, guided tour information, and general inquiries about the college and its events. Its central location on King's Parade makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the wider university area and nearby attractions.Supporting Education Through Commerce
The shop within the Visitor Centre is more than a retail outlet; it is a vital part of the college’s ecosystem. All profits are directed towards supporting King's College’s charitable aims, including scholarships, research initiatives, and the maintenance of its historic buildings. Visitors can purchase unique gifts such as college-branded apparel, academic publications, and handcrafted items that reflect the college’s heritage.Engaging with the King's College Community
Beyond shopping and ticketing, the Visitor Centre acts as a touchpoint for engaging with the college community. It often provides information on upcoming public events, exhibitions, and special services held in the chapel, including the famous choral evensong. This connection enriches the visitor’s appreciation of the living traditions that continue to thrive within the college.Location and Accessibility
Situated in the heart of Cambridge, the Visitor Centre benefits from excellent accessibility. It is surrounded by pedestrian-friendly streets and is close to public transport links, making it easy for visitors to include it in their broader Cambridge itinerary. The centre’s welcoming atmosphere and comprehensive services ensure a smooth and informative start to any visit to King's College.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Senate House Hill
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The Old Schools
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Bridge of Sighs
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Magdalene Bridge
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Jesus Green
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The Rush
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Castle Mound
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Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cambridge Alumni Tours
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University of Cambridge Museums Shop
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Remember Cambridge
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King's College, Cambridge
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Map of Cambridge
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Great St Mary's
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Discover Great St Mary’s, Cambridge’s historic university church with stunning Gothic architecture and panoramic city views from its iconic tower.
King's College Chapel
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Experience the breathtaking Gothic grandeur and rich history of King's College Chapel, home to the world’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling and renowned choir.
St Bene’t’s Church
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The Corpus Clock
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Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge
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Cambridge Market Square
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Market Hill
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House of Wizard
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Gardenia
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Essential places to dine
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The Cambridge Chop House
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Aromi
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Smokeworks
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Pint Shop
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Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
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Honest Burgers Cambridge
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Market House
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Trinity Restaurant
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The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie
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Bill's Cambridge Restaurant
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d'Arry's Restaurant, Liquor Loft & Cheesemonger
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KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar Cambridge
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Byron
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Gastrono-me
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Parade
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Indelibly Cambridge
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Nomads
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Iris and Violet Cambridge
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Ark
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Compact independent gift shop on historic Peas Hill serving market crowds, theatregoers and locals with curated Cambridge keepsakes.
Podarok
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Souvenirs And Gifts
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Giles & Co
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Sugarmark!
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The Cambridge Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Town and Gown
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Glitterbomb
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The Mill
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The Cambridge Tap
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Hidden Rooms
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Modern Jazz
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Rock
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The Lounge
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
