King's College Chapel Cambridge

Advantages: Wonderful English gothic architecture
Disadvantages: Getting there

...writing the first review of King's College Chapel. I thought it was just me not getting out enough, but now it seems you lot haven't visited it either. Do go. Don't put it off or just look at the pictures. It really is a jewel of English gothic architecture. Middle England and the wider world know King's from the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast live on Christmas Eve. I usually have it on in the background while I'm contemplating turkey ...
...of the university library and King's College Chapel. But more interesting is the fact that it was started at all at that time. The 15th century was as war-torn as the 12th: the Hundred Years War followed by the Wars of the Roses. One imagines that it needs a stable economy and society for art to flourish, yet in the midst of all this it was felt appropriate to construct a great spiritual monument. The past is indeed another country. The renaissance ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful building packed with historical significance
Disadvantages: It's in Peterborough - enough said

...exhibition I turned round to look for the grave. A small dark stone stands just a couple of inches above the floor with a vase of flowers on it. In brass letters above is written 'Katherine Queen of England'. Even though she was only recognised as a Princess Dowager at the time, the cathedral gives her the status she should have been due. And that's what got me all choked up. ~Moving on~ Leaving Katherine behind, we headed on to the far end of the cathedral to the Eastern Building - otherwise known as the 'New Building' because it's only 500 years old. There are two fancy things to notice here - the vaulted stone ceiling which was designed by the architect who did Kings College Chapel in Cambridge, and the Monks Stone (or Hedda Stone) which is one of the few things remaining from the original 7th century church. Turning the corner and heading... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Something for everyone
Disadvantages: Expensive parking in the city centre. Nothing for teenagers to do.

...When anyone mentions Cambridge, the first thing that comes to mind is the University. Kings College is the most famous college within the University, especially worth visiting is the Chapel. You could spend many days visiting each of the 31 colleges but they are pretty much the same, so it would be best to stick to just one or two. Punting along the River Cam is popular during the summer months, weather permitting, of course. Nightlife is pretty thin on the ground. We have a few nightclubs in Cambridge. Most people hang out in one of the many pubs. Shopping is available in the City Centre or alternatively in the Grafton Centre (a purpose built shopping centre close to the City Centre). We do not have a huge shopping centre, but there is something for everyone. Cycling is a popular mode of transport - so watch out for the Bikes!!!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lots to see and do
Disadvantages: Lots of students, very busy city

...the colleges. As I mentioned earlier, there are 31 Cambridge colleges, so unless you have plenty of time to spare, you'll have trouble seeing them all. But if you don't know where to start, try Kings College. There is a small admission fee to be paid, but entrance is free to people living within an 8 mile radius. Go inside the imposing gates and marvel at the Gothic spires of Kings' chapel - the architecture is absolutely amazing. Trinity is the biggest and richest Cambridge college, so it may be worth having a look, but they often close their gates to visitors. Also, take a wander down Regent Street and have a look at Downing (not that I'm plugging my college at all...) You'll be surprised - the college gates are situated right in the middle of a row of shops, but once you go in, you'll be surprised at the size of it, and at the amazing Georgian... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful