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St Catharine’s College is located in the centre of Cambridge, close to the city’s major landmarks. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements. The college’s Main Court is a fine example of Georgian architecture, with symmetrical facades and elegant red-brick buildings. The Chapel, built in the early 18th century, features a beautiful Baroque interior, providing a serene space for reflection and college ceremonies.

The college has expanded over the centuries, with new buildings providing modern facilities while remaining in keeping with the traditional style. St Catharine’s central location gives it a lively, bustling atmosphere, but its courtyards and gardens offer peaceful spots where students can relax. The recent addition of the McGrath Centre, a state-of-the-art facility for lectures and events, shows the college’s commitment to blending its historical legacy with the needs of modern academia.

Queens’ College boasts a remarkable mix of medieval, Tudor, and modern architecture. The iconic Old Court, dating back to the 15th century, retains much of its original character, with timber-framed buildings and intricate stonework. The college’s chapel, built in the 19th century, adds to its architectural splendour with its ornate Gothic design.

One of the college’s most famous features is the Mathematical Bridge, a wooden footbridge built in 1749, known for its elegant engineering design. The bridge links the college’s two parts: the “dark” side and the “light” side, providing picturesque views along the River Cam. The college’s extensive grounds include peaceful gardens, spacious courts, and riverside lawns, creating a tranquil environment for students and visitors alike.

Peterhouse’s architecture is a beautiful mix of medieval, Tudor, and Georgian styles, reflecting its evolution over the centuries. The Old Court, built in the 13th century, remains largely intact and is one of the finest examples of medieval collegiate architecture in Cambridge. The college chapel, built in 1628, is a gem of Jacobean design, with stunning stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork.

The college’s tranquil grounds include charming courtyards and secluded gardens, offering peaceful spots for reflection and study. Peterhouse’s small size means that the entire college feels intimate, yet its historic buildings and serene setting make it one of the most atmospheric colleges in Cambridge.

Pembroke College boasts a harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance, and modern architecture. Its historic courtyards are framed by ancient buildings, including the 14th-century Old Court, which has remained largely unchanged since its construction. One of the most famous architectural features is the Pembroke Chapel, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1665, which stands as an elegant example of classical English architecture.

The college grounds include beautifully landscaped gardens, serene courtyards, and the iconic Orchard Lawn, providing a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets. The combination of historic charm and modern facilities makes Pembroke College one of the most picturesque colleges in Cambridge. Its central location, just off Trumpington Street, also ensures easy access to the heart of the university.

Newnham College is known for its stunning Victorian red-brick architecture, designed by Basil Champneys. The main college buildings, with their beautiful facades, grand windows, and intricate stonework, form an elegant and cohesive whole. One of the most striking architectural features is the college’s iconic domed library, which houses an extensive collection of books and provides a peaceful space for study.

The college is set in extensive gardens that offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Newnham’s gardens are among the most expansive and well-maintained in Cambridge, featuring large lawns, colourful flowerbeds, and quiet seating areas where students can relax or work. The combination of Victorian charm and beautifully landscaped grounds makes Newnham a unique and serene place to study and live.

Murray Edwards College is renowned for its distinctive modernist architecture. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon, the architects behind the Barbican in London, the college’s buildings reflect the bold, innovative spirit of its founding. The main college building, with its curved, concrete design, stands out in the Cambridge landscape and is an example of 1960s modernist architecture at its best.

The college is set in expansive, beautifully maintained grounds, including large lawns, gardens, and a peaceful fountain court. The informal layout of the college’s buildings creates a welcoming and open atmosphere, designed to encourage social interaction and intellectual exchange. The gardens, in particular, are a highlight, offering a quiet retreat from academic life. Murray Edwards is also home to one of the largest collections of women’s art in Europe, displayed throughout the college, further enhancing its cultural and creative environment.

Magdalene College is known for its beautiful and varied architecture, which spans several centuries. The college’s First Court dates back to the 16th century and retains much of its original Tudor character, with red brick buildings and charming courtyards. The Pepys Library, located in the 17th-century Old Library, is one of the architectural highlights, housing a unique collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Magdalene’s riverside location makes its grounds particularly appealing. The college backs onto the River Cam, offering stunning views and peaceful gardens. Across the river lies Magdalene Bridge, providing easy access to the centre of Cambridge. The college’s grounds include several hidden gardens, providing tranquil spaces for students to relax and study. Magdalene’s combination of historic architecture and scenic riverside location makes it one of the most attractive colleges in Cambridge.

Lucy Cavendish College’s architecture reflects its modern origins, with much of the college housed in contemporary buildings designed to provide bright, functional spaces for study and socialising. The college’s main site is located just a short distance from central Cambridge, and its buildings are set around attractive courtyards and green spaces, offering a calm and peaceful environment for students.

In addition to its newer buildings, Lucy Cavendish is home to a beautiful 19th-century house, built in the Arts and Crafts style, which forms part of the college’s original site. The gardens surrounding the college provide a quiet, tranquil retreat, allowing students a break from the busier parts of Cambridge. These serene outdoor spaces, combined with modern facilities, create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for students.

The architecture of King’s College is dominated by its breathtaking chapel, which took over a century to complete. The chapel, with its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling, intricate stained-glass windows, and majestic organ, is one of the most famous buildings in Cambridge. The College’s Front Court, designed by Sir William Wilkins in the 1820s, adds a neoclassical elegance to the college grounds, contrasting beautifully with the chapel’s Gothic grandeur.

King’s College’s grounds are extensive, including large lawns that stretch down to the River Cam, where students and visitors can enjoy views of the iconic “Backs,” a scenic area behind several of Cambridge’s historic colleges. The college’s proximity to the river makes it an ideal spot for punting, a popular Cambridge pastime. The expansive gardens, stunning architecture, and serene river setting combine to make King’s College one of the most visually striking colleges in Cambridge.

Jesus College’s architecture is a unique blend of medieval, Tudor, and modern styles. The college is built around a series of picturesque courts, with the First Court and Cloister Court being some of the most beautiful examples of collegiate architecture in Cambridge. The chapel, originally part of the Benedictine nunnery, is a stunning example of Norman architecture, with a striking 13th-century tower and peaceful interior.

The college grounds are among the most extensive of any Cambridge college, featuring large gardens, playing fields, and open green spaces. The Jesus College gardens, particularly the Orchard, offer a tranquil retreat for students and visitors alike. The mix of historic buildings and wide, open spaces gives Jesus College a distinctive character, combining tradition with a sense of serenity and openness.