Trinity College

Trinity College

Highlights: The college boasts a spacious Great Court, exquisite school buildings, and ancient architecture. The Chapel, built in 1567, features life-sized statues of alumni such as Newton and Bacon.

The highlight of the Great Court is an Elizabethan-era fountain, which was once the college’s main water source. The famous Romantic poet Byron, during his time at Trinity College, loved to play pranks and often swam in the fountain pool despite the ban. When the college prohibited keeping dogs, he famously bought a bear and kept it on the roof of the tower on the left. Introduction: Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, Trinity College stands out among the current 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge in terms of academic achievements, financial strength, and college size. It is the alma mater of the great scientist Newton, the renowned philosopher Bacon, multiple members of the royal family including Prince Charles, six British Prime Ministers, and numerous Nobel Prize laureates.

At the entrance of the college gate stands a statue of Henry VIII. The amusing detail is that while the dignified king holds a golden orb symbolizing the throne with a cross on top in his left hand, his right hand holds a chair leg. It is said that the original right hand held a golden scepter symbolizing royal power, but shortly after the statue’s completion, mischievous students climbed up and replaced the scepter with the current chair leg. Strangely, no one has fixed it for centuries. The people of Cambridge have not only left it as is but also enjoy sharing this “fascinating” story with new students and visitors.

In the green lawn to the right of the gate stands a lush apple tree. It is said that an apple from this very tree fell on Newton’s head, inspiring him to discover the law of universal gravitation.

Entertainment: Located next to the River Cam, Trinity College offers punting tours on the river for £8 per hour, with a £30 deposit per boat. Boats must be returned by 5:00 PM. Only current students are allowed to rent boats for overnight stays. Transportation: Situated in the city center, it takes just 10 minutes to walk from the Cambridge bus station to the college by tourist bus.

Admission / Opening Hours: Admission is £2.2 for adults, £1.3 for children and seniors; free for local residents, University of Cambridge students, and alumni. Free entry for all visitors from December 26 to March 12 each year.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Closed to visitors during the following periods: June 17–23; June 30; October 1–4; Christmas Day.

Cambridge, UK