Pembroke College Tours

Pembroke College showing heritage architecture
Pembroke College showing heritage architecture
Pembroke College showing heritage architecture
Pembroke College showing heritage architecture
Pembroke College


See the early work of architect Sir Christopher Wren when you tour the grounds and chapel of this 14th-century college.

The grounds of Pembroke College are a lovely place for a stroll. One of Cambridge University’s oldest and largest colleges is home to beautiful old buildings, including a chapel designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

Pembroke College was founded in 1347 by the Countess of Pembroke. Among the famous figures to have been educated here over the centuries are the poets Edmund Spenser, Thomas Gray and Ted Hughes as well as the Reformist bishop Nicholas Ridley.

Be sure to visit the college’s chapel, which was consecrated in 1665. This was the first completed work of Sir Christopher Wren who went on to design a chapel at Emmanuel College, the library at Trinity College and most famously St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Wren’s acclaimed design of Pembroke’s chapel inspired the construction of a number of other classically styled college chapels.

Inside the chapel, admire the beauty of the ornate plaster roof. Examine the 15th-century alabaster relief depicting St. Michael and the Virgin and see the 18th-century organ. Study the chapel’s stained glass east window which was added in 1906 and features benefactors of the college.

Other noteworthy buildings include the Library, the Hall and the Master's Lodge. Although you can walk freely around the grounds and visit the chapel, the other buildings are private and not open to the public.

As you make your way through the grounds, look for the statue of former British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger outside the library’s neo-Gothic clock tower. He first became the country’s leader at the age of 24 and was a former student at the college.

Stroll through the lovely gardens, which are dotted with London plane trees. The gardens are also home to an ancient bowling green that is said to be among the oldest in Europe.

Find Pembroke College within easy walking distance of Cambridge’s bus station. The chapel is open daily and visitors are welcome to explore it outside service hours. There is no car parking at the college.

Plan a trip to see Pembroke College

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Best Lodging Options Near Pembroke College

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

4 out of 5
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Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge

Graduate by Hilton Cambridge

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Granta Place, Cambridge, England
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
Hilton Cambridge City Centre

Hilton Cambridge City Centre

4 out of 5
20 Downing Street, Cambridge, England
Hilton Cambridge City Centre
Gonville Hotel

Gonville Hotel

4 out of 5
Gonville Place, Cambridge, England
Gonville Hotel
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
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
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
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
Hyatt Centric Cambridge
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 Pembroke College

During your visit to Pembroke College, consider participating in the Cambridge Summer Program, which offers a unique opportunity to engage in academic courses, cultural activities, and social events. This program allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant collegiate environment while exploring the historic architecture and beautiful gardens of Pembroke College, making for a memorable and enriching experience in Cambridge.

Shopping

For shopping near Pembroke College, visit the Cambridge Market Square, just 0.3 miles away, for local goods and city vibes. The Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, only 0.2 miles away, offers family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out the Waterside Antiques Centre, located 15 miles away.

Recreation

At Gog Magog Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes just 3 miles from Pembroke College. The Backs, located 0.3 miles away, offers serene walking paths perfect for relaxation. Sheep's Green / Lammas Land, 0.4 miles away, features scenic areas ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Virtual Aviation, an exciting air sports venue located 3 miles from Pembroke College. Engage in exhilarating flight simulations and embrace the adventure vibes while soaring through virtual skies. It's a perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping during your visit!

Nightlife

Pembroke College offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like the Cambridge Corn Exchange, where you can enjoy diverse performances, and the Cambridge Arts Picture House, perfect for a romantic movie night. The Cambridge Arts Theatre also provides a rich cultural experience, all within a short walk from the college.

Find the best attractions near Pembroke College

Pembroke College in Cambridge offers a rich array of attractions, including historic college buildings, churches, and bridges. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces. Don't miss the opportunity to discover other Cambridge colleges and the historic significance of this iconic university site, making it a perfect spot for both education and leisure.

  • University of Cambridge: A prestigious institution with a rich history, the University of Cambridge offers breathtaking architecture and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Explore its historic colleges, beautiful gardens, and captivating museums, all within a short walk from Pembroke College.
  • The River Cam: Enjoy the serene beauty of the River Cam, perfect for leisurely strolls or punting adventures. Its picturesque banks are lined with lush greenery, providing a peaceful escape and stunning views, just a half-mile away from your base.
  • Fitzwilliam Museum: Located only a short distance from Pembroke, the Fitzwilliam Museum houses an impressive collection of art and antiquities. Immerse yourself in its cultural treasures, from ancient artifacts to masterpieces, all within a magnificent setting.

Best time to go to Pembroke College

Visitor numbers around Pembroke College is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Pembroke College can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pembroke College falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Pembroke College falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Pembroke College

If you're planning a visit to Pembroke College, consider traveling between December and February for the best savings, as hotel prices drop significantly during these months. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to filter hotel options by price and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also net you exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Remember to check for graduate accommodation options for potentially lower rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pembroke 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 Pembroke College is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Pembroke College is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Pembroke College with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.