Visit King's FAQs

Where can I buy tickets? Can we attend Evensong? Do you welcome group visits? Read our frequently-asked questions below.
 

When can we visit King’s College Chapel and grounds?

Please see our opening times calendar for further details.

We ask you to arrive promptly for your visit to ensure our visitor arrival times are appropriately staggered.  Once in the Chapel and grounds, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish, up to closing time.

Where can I buy tickets?

We encourage tickets to be purchased online and in advance, as we can not guarantee availability on the day.  If you wish to purchase tickets in person, please visit King's College Visitor Centre on King's Parade, located opposite the main entrance of the College.  All visits are timed entry.

 

Can we attend Services at King’s College Chapel?

We are delighted to welcome guests to join us at a service here at King's College.  There is no need to book, but it is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before the start of service.  Entry will not be permitted after the service has started..  

Photography, and use of mobile phones during service, is strictly prohibited.  We kindly ask you to respect this so that others may enjoy the service.

Please note that services will only take place during term.

Do we need a ticket for services?

There is no need to book, but it is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before the start of a service.  Entry will not be permitted after the start of service. 

 

How long does a service last?

Services generally last between 45-60 minutes.  We kindly ask that you factor this in to your visit, as there is no opportune time to leave during the service.

 

I am a Cambridge local resident – can I visit for free?

Entry is not free but if you have a valid residents' card you can apply for a free ticket to visit the Chapel on days we are open.

Resident Passes can be purchased here.  They are valid for 12 consecutive months, and permit access through the grounds and Chapel when open to the public.  The College does reserve the right to restrict access, particularly during exam period.

Are there public toilets or a café?

There are no public toilet facilities at King’s College – the nearest ones can be found in the Grand Arcade Shopping Centre. There is also no café but plenty can be found just outside on King’s Parade.  We politely ask that you respect the no food in the College or Grounds policy.  You are welcome to drink water, but picnicking and other sweet treats are not permitted.

Do you welcome group visits?

Group visits are welcome.  For more information, please click here

Can you take photos inside?

Yes, photography is permitted but without flash. We do not allow the use of tripods or recording.  If you wish to photograph for commercial purposes, you must have prior permission from the College.

Please note that photography is strictly prohibited during services.

When are the grounds closed for examinations?

The College tries to remain open as much as possible.  Please check our website for current open dates and times.

Can I bring luggage in with me?

Visitors and worshippers are not permitted to bring any bag, rucksack or suitcase into King’s College (and its Chapel) which would be larger than airline hand baggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including handles, wheels and pockets). As there is no cloakroom facility please do not bring larger items with you.

Can I visit just the grounds?

Admission is for the grounds and Chapel.  When the Chapel is open to visitors, there is not a Grounds Only ticket option.

Do you have a gift shop?

Yes, the King’s College Visitor Centre is our shop located opposite the main gate of the College.  You are able to browse and shop the full catalogue online here.

 

Can I bring my dog?

We regret that dogs are not able to join you on your visit, but assistance dogs are welcome.  We regret that emotional support dogs are not recognised as assistance dogs.

What provision do you make for people with special needs?

We have wheelchair access into the Chapel, and up into the East End.  We regret however that wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not able to access the exhibition. 

We understand that some people who wish to share in our services will also have special needs, and while we will always do everything possible to help all those who present themselves for services, we warmly invite those who have special needs to be in touch with us in advance, so that we can do all we can to prepare for their visit.

Please see our Accessibility Guide for more information.

Can Cambridge University graduates visit for free?

From 1st April 2024, Cambridge University members and graduates can visit the Chapel and grounds (when open) free of charge with one guest on production of a valid university card or CamCard. You are limited to 1 free visit with up to 1 guest per day.  If you wish to puchase tickets for additional guests, please purchase these in person from our Visitor Centre.  Your guests will be entitled to a 50% discount on admission.

Can I have a guided tour of King's College Chapel?

All visits are self guided.  If you would like to organise a guided tour, these can be organised through official Cambridge City Blue Badge Guides.  For more information, please see the Visit Cambridge website here.

What is included in the entry price?

We allow free movement within the Chapel with a one-way system in place for the exhibition.  Please note that as the Chapel is a working Chapel, some areas may be unavailable on the day of your visit.

You will also be able to view the latest stage of the wildflower meadow on the back lawn, as well as the Xu Zhimo memorial stone and garden.

All other areas of the College remain closed to non-resident members and visitors, and we kindly ask you to respect the No Entry, and Private signs.

Where is the entrance to the Chapel?

The Chapel entrance is via the main College entrance located on King's Parade.

 

Are any other colleges open to visitors?

For up-to-date information it is best to check their websites.

What should I do if I have purchased a ticket through a third party?

If you have purchased a ticket through VisitBritain, VisitEngland or another source please contact them for a refund as these tickets will not be accepted. 

All tickets must be purchased through our website.

Do I have to wear a face covering when visiting the Chapel?

Face coverings will be optional when visiting the Chapel during public visiting hours.  There may be occasions when it may be difficult to maintain social distancing, and in these instances we recommend that you wear a face covering.

Do you have the 'We’re Good To Go’ accreditation?

Yes we do, and thorough risk assessments have also been carried out to ensure the safe re-opening.

Useful information about what your visit includes, our admission prices, and how to get to King's by car or public transport.
King's is occasionally closed to visitors so please do check the opening times calendar before you plan to visit!
Chapel from the Backs
King's College has a residents' card scheme which is available to local residents who live within a 12 mile radius of Great St Mary's Church.
Members of the public are warmly welcomed to join us for acts of worship including daily Evensong and sung Eucharist on Sundays.

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