Clare College, Cambridge Travel Guide

4.7 (79)

Second-oldest Cambridge college with 17th-century courts, the oldest Cam bridge, and riverside gardens on The Backs.

Clare College occupies a compact riverside site on the east bank of the Cam, its Old Court and 1640 bridge forming one of the most intact 17th-century ensembles in Cambridge. Founded in 1326 and refounded in 1338, it is the university’s second-oldest surviving college. Visitors see Grade I listed courts, the 1763 chapel, and gardens that open onto The Backs. The setting is quieter and more intimate than neighbouring King’s, with framed views of King’s College Chapel across the water. Access is through the Porters’ Lodge; chapel services are open to the public.

A brief summary to Clare College

Trinity Ln, Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1TL, GB
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Duration: 0.25 to 2 hours
Free
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Clare College.

Enter through the Porters’ Lodge on Trinity Lane and ask about current garden access before walking the full site.
Attend a weekday Evensong for a 45-minute choral service open to the public at no charge.
Combine the visit with a short walk along The Backs to view the bridge and gardens from the river path.

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Explore Clare College on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Clare College, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walk

Five to ten minutes from Market Square or King’s Parade via Trinity Lane.
Bus

Short ride from Cambridge station to the bus station or West Road stops, then five-minute walk.
Taxi

Three to five minutes from the station with drop-off near the Porters’ Lodge.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas
Information Boards

Discover more about Clare College

History and Foundation

Clare College traces its origins to 1326, when University Hall was established by the university chancellor. In 1338 Lady Elizabeth de Clare, granddaughter of Edward I, provided a substantial endowment that secured its future; the college took its present name in 1856. Early records were largely lost in a 1521 fire. The 17th-century Old Court, completed between 1638 and 1715, replaced earlier structures and remains the architectural heart of the college. The chapel, finished in 1763, and Memorial Court, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and dedicated in 1926 as a war memorial, mark later phases of growth. Clare was among the first Cambridge colleges to admit women undergraduates in 1972.

Physical Setting and Architecture

The college sits on Trinity Lane immediately beside King’s College. Old Court stands on the east bank of the River Cam; Clare Bridge, built in 1640 and the oldest surviving bridge over the Cam, links it to Memorial Court and the gardens on The Backs. The layout combines enclosed historic courts with an open riverside avenue and additional accommodation at Castle Court. Stone façades, cobbled paths, and herbaceous borders define the grounds. Views across the water take in the west end of King’s College Chapel and the steady movement of punts.

Visitor Experience

Most visitors arrive on foot from the city centre and enter via the Porters’ Lodge. The typical visit lasts 45 to 90 minutes and consists of a walk through the courts, a pause on Clare Bridge, and time in the gardens when open. Chapel services, including weekday Evensong, are free and open to the public. The atmosphere is academic and measured; garden areas provide quiet seating when accessible. Commercial walking tours occasionally gain limited entry, but independent visitors rely on published opening periods. No dedicated exhibition spaces or catering are available to the general public.

Access and Practicalities

The college lies five to ten minutes’ walk from Market Square or King’s Parade. Buses stop at the bus station or West Road; taxis from the railway station take a few minutes. Cycle parking is provided at each main site. Limited parking at Memorial Court and Castle Court must be booked in advance through the Porters. Historic surfaces include steps and uneven cobbles; recent lifts and chapel ramps improve access, though older areas remain challenging for wheelchair users. Gardens have closed during past refurbishments, so current status should be confirmed on arrival.

Seasonality and Atmosphere

The site is open year-round, though garden access and chapel services are most reliable during university term time. Summer brings the highest footfall from tourists and school groups; winter and exam periods are quieter, with occasional short-notice closures for events or recordings. Clear weather enhances river views and photography, while rain confines visitors to the courts and chapel. The college maintains sustainability measures, including energy upgrades during recent restoration work and support for biodiversity in the gardens.