Peterhouse
Peterhouse
4.5
About
Founded in 1284 by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, this is the oldest college in Cambridge, and with under 400 students, one of the smallest.
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4.5
39 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
17
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Manfred B
138 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We visited Peterhouse during our holiday in Cambridgeshire. On arrival we reported to the PLorter's Lodge, where Staff were very welcoming and took time to explain to us the most interesting features.
One aspect which we had not been aware of was the fact that Peterhouse is the only University in Cambridge that has not got "College" or "Hall" included in its name.
Unfortunately we were only able to see the Grounds and Dining Hall as the Chapel was closed for repair work.
We very much enjoyed our visit to Peterhouse.
One aspect which we had not been aware of was the fact that Peterhouse is the only University in Cambridge that has not got "College" or "Hall" included in its name.
Unfortunately we were only able to see the Grounds and Dining Hall as the Chapel was closed for repair work.
We very much enjoyed our visit to Peterhouse.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
Oct 2021
The oldest of the Cambridge colleges and unlike many of the many other colleges, is free to visit. The Old Court looks amazing, especially when facing the Chapel. The college also educated some of my favourite physicists in scientists Lord Kelvin, Henry Cavendish and James Clerk Maxwell.
Written 27 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PattyGRMac
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK528 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
Founded in 1284 this is the oldest university college and the smallest. Entry is free and it's a great place just to wander and soak up the atmosphere!
Written 10 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Publius_Ovidius
Cambridge, UK477 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
People normally just pass by Peterhouse, on their way to fancier grounds like Kings or Trinity. They might stop and take a quick photo but they won't bother having a better look. What a mistake! Peterhouse is the oldest Cambridge college and its small but beautiful grounds are a testimony to its rich history. With a building from each century since 1284 (the last one being the Whittle building that was opened by HRH Charles this January) it is truly a very interesting site. The gardens are also very beautiful (especially in the spring).
Definitely worth a visit if you are in Cambridge.
Definitely worth a visit if you are in Cambridge.
Written 31 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BroLucius
Southampton, UK3,018 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
This is one of the smallest and oldest colleges in Cambridge. Unlike the other colleges, I did not have to show a membership card to obtain free admission, so maybe there is no entrance charge for tourists. The first court you enter is intimately small, with brickwork of an attractive yellowish stone. The dining hall, small by college standards, is beautifully panelled. Somehow, the whole college has a very pleasing atmosphere.
Written 29 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve4499
Cambridge, UK5 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
One of Cambridge's best kept secrets is the daily office at Peterhouse chapel. While the tourist crowds queue in the rain for evensong at King's, a more intimate service goes on just down the street. During term time, Peterhouse services are weekdays at 8.15am and 7pm. Evensong is held on Wednesdays and Sundays at 6.30pm. The central stained glass, modelled after Rubens' Le Coup de Lance, is an important feature, and easily rivals anything held in the Fitzwilliam. Also notice the grave of Joseph Beaumont in the vestibule (author of Psyche).
Written 17 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One_of_the_BOFs
Cheltenham, UK7,020 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
As the first Cambridge college, this is a must for any 'historical' tour of the Cambridge colleges. What it lacks in comparison to some of the other larger and perhaps better known colleges, it makes up for in its uniqueness.
Written 8 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YI THONG
6 contributions
Dec 2019
I was there for my university interview. They provide free accommodation and food there. I hope I can get in! >_<
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel G
Singapore, Singapore8,674 contributions
Sept 2018 • Business
Peterhouse is the oldest college of Cambridge University. It is only open to the public at certain times of the year I understand but I couldn’t see there was anything or anyone to stop you entering. I was at a conference there so had a legitimate reason for being there.
The jet engine designed by Frank Whittle is on display. And the theatre has the portraits of former Masters and famous Peronians. The portrait of Lord Wilson, former Governor of Hong Kong and latterly Master of Peterhouse sits to the right of the library door.
Beautiful gardens, including a particularly impressive Fellows Garden with an ancient sundial. The Hall (ceremonial dining room) is impressive for its stained glass.
The chapel is presently closed for renovation and is surrounded by scaffolding.
The jet engine designed by Frank Whittle is on display. And the theatre has the portraits of former Masters and famous Peronians. The portrait of Lord Wilson, former Governor of Hong Kong and latterly Master of Peterhouse sits to the right of the library door.
Beautiful gardens, including a particularly impressive Fellows Garden with an ancient sundial. The Hall (ceremonial dining room) is impressive for its stained glass.
The chapel is presently closed for renovation and is surrounded by scaffolding.
Written 28 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spanner48
Wallingford, UK194 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Peterhouse is the oldest college in Cambridge [but don't you dare call it "Peterhouse College"] dating from 1284AD. And one of the three smallest, at around 240 undergraduates.
A long way south on Trumpington Street; so most tourists don't get that far. And the main street entrance is quite discrete, with views blocked by the back of the Chapel. But get past that, and Old Court opens out - one of the finest medieval courts, with THE finest lawn, in Cambridge.
Peterhouse, like all colleges founded before Henry VIII's break with Rome in 1534, is Catholic. And the Chapel makes that quite clear; compare it with those of the Protestant/Puritan post-break "junior" colleges.
Turn left, two thirds down Old Court, into the passageway between Refectory and Buttery. Then left again through the spring doors for the Refectory itself.
Then on into the College gardens, which extend right round behind the Fitzwilliam Museum and down to the University Engineering Department. Acres of completely quiet, beautifully landscaped and arboricultured space, shut off "far from the madding crowd".
You come out right at the south end, opposite the Judge Business School [the old Addenbrooke's Hospital].
No tourists; much beauty.
A long way south on Trumpington Street; so most tourists don't get that far. And the main street entrance is quite discrete, with views blocked by the back of the Chapel. But get past that, and Old Court opens out - one of the finest medieval courts, with THE finest lawn, in Cambridge.
Peterhouse, like all colleges founded before Henry VIII's break with Rome in 1534, is Catholic. And the Chapel makes that quite clear; compare it with those of the Protestant/Puritan post-break "junior" colleges.
Turn left, two thirds down Old Court, into the passageway between Refectory and Buttery. Then left again through the spring doors for the Refectory itself.
Then on into the College gardens, which extend right round behind the Fitzwilliam Museum and down to the University Engineering Department. Acres of completely quiet, beautifully landscaped and arboricultured space, shut off "far from the madding crowd".
You come out right at the south end, opposite the Judge Business School [the old Addenbrooke's Hospital].
No tourists; much beauty.
Written 30 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola! Hay que reservar esa visita? Es paga? había mucha gente? Millones de gracias!!! Saludos, Laura
Written 7 September 2022
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