King's College Chapel
About
The single defining image of Cambridge: a late-Gothic chapel begun by Henry VI in 1446 and finished under Henry VIII in the 1510s, with the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world running the full length of the nave in pale stone, and a Rubens altarpiece, the Adoration of the Magi, at the east end. The choir of King's College, boys and choral scholars, sings evensong most days of term, generally free to attend as a member of the public, which is a different (and calmer) way to experience the building than a daytime visit. Self-guided visitor tickets are sold online in advance; the college recommends booking ahead since numbers are limited and on-the-day tickets are not guaranteed. The chapel closes to general visitors during services, exam term restrictions and certain college events, so opening hours and access vary by day, especially through May and June.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The world's largest fan-vaulted ceiling, running the length of the nave
- ✓Rubens' Adoration of the Magi altarpiece
- ✓Free term-time choral evensong, sung by the college choir
- ✓Views over the Backs from the chapel's own grounds
Tips
- →Book self-guided visitor tickets online ahead of time; on-the-day availability is not guaranteed.
- →Evensong is generally free to attend but is a service, not a tourist visit, and is subject to term dates.
- →Exam term (April to mid-June) and services can close or restrict the chapel to visitors on short notice; check kings.cam.ac.uk before travelling for a specific day.
- →Apply for a Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols ticket through the annual online ballot, not by turning up; the main UK ballot runs 1 to 15 November.
Best Season
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