Round Church Visitor Centre

Round Church red logo

Step Into Cambridge’s History

The Cambridge Story Exhibition

The Cambridge Story is a 12-panel journey from Roman times to the present which aims to set Cambridge in context, giving you access to the greatest minds and movements which have shaped Britain over two millennia.

 

Highlighting the dynamic influence of Christianity on the cultural, political and intellectual history of the West, this is an exhibition which unveils the big picture, while keeping Cambridge in focus as a key centre of dramatic societal changes. Join us at the Round Church Visitor Centre for this enriching learning experience.

‘Saints & Scholars’ Film

Narrated by Sir David Suchet, our film ‘Saints and Scholars’ gives a compelling introduction to the rich history of Cambridge. In our 23 minute video, we invite you to discover the Christian story of Cambridge and to meet some of the most significant thinkers of the last few centuries. Watch the film below or view in person at the Round Church Visitor Centre!

History of the Round Church

Modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Round Church was built by crusaders in the 12th century. A city landmark long before the formation of the university, the church has stood as a witness to the Christian faith for nearly 900 years of Cambridge history.

Stunning 12th-century architecture

One of Cambridge’s most iconic buildings, the Round Church was constructed c. 1130 and predates the university by 75 years. The church’s imposing Norman architecture, marked by thick pillars and rounded arches, is complemented by stunning stained glass windows, fascinating stone faces, beautiful 15th century carved wooden angels, Victorian tiles, and much more.

 

Stop by the Round Church Visitor Centre and explore a unique part of Cambridge’s history!

Opening Times
Visitor Centre:

 

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 1:30pm – 5pm  (4.45pm last entrance)

Wednesday: 10am – 5pm  (4.45pm last entrance)

Thursday: 10am – 5pm  (4.45pm last entrance)

Friday: 10am – 5pm  (4.45pm last entrance)

Saturday: 10am – 5pm  (4.45pm last entrance)

Sunday: Closed

 

Guided Walks:

 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 2.15pm

 

Entrance and Walk Fees
Entrance to the Round Church

 

  • £3.50 – Standard Entrance
  • £1.00 – Teenagers and Students
  • FREE – Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin students, Cambridge residents (CB1-CB5), children under 13 (must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

 

Guided Walks (includes entrance to the Round Church)

 

  • £16 – Standard ticket
  • £14 – Student ticket
  • FREE – Children under 13 (must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy a ticket?

Visit the Round Church in the centre of Cambridge during our opening hours. One of our friendly volunteers will be there to help, and admission can be purchased by cash or card upon arrival.

 

If you would like to visit with a group of more than 10 people, it is helpful if you can get in touch on bookings@christianheritage.org.uk to arrange this.

 

Tickets for our guided walking tours can also be purchased at the Round Church, although we recommend booking in advance – please visit our guided walks page for further information.

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance for guided walks. For admission to the Round Church Visitor Centre, we do not offer online booking, and there is no need to book in advance, unless you are planning to visit with a group of more than 10 people. Simply visit us in the centre of Cambridge during our opening hours.

 

Group visits are welcome – if you would like to visit with a group of more than 10 people, it is helpful if you can get in touch on bookings@christianheritage.org.uk to arrange this.

How do I organise a group visit?

Group visits are welcome! If you would like to visit with a group of more than 10 people, it is helpful if you can get in touch on bookings@christianheritage.org.uk to arrange this.

 

We offer discounted admission of £2.50 per person to groups of more than 10 people. The fee for students/teenagers is £1 per person, regardless of group size.

 

Groups of more than 30 people at a time are not generally permitted, so we may ask you to split into smaller groups and stagger your visit times if you wish to come with a group larger than this. Groups of more than 15 people are not generally permitted around a guided walk start-time (usually 2pm-2:40pm, Wednesday to Saturday). The film can be watched by up to 15 people at one time (please bear in mind that there may be other members of the public watching it as well).

 

Payment for Visitor Centre admission can be made by cash or card upon arrival. We can arrange advanced payment for group visits if preferred.

Where is the Round Church Visitor Centre?

You can find us in the centre of Cambridge, opposite St John’s College. Our address is:

The Round Church
Bridge Street
Cambridge
CB2 1UB

How do I get to the Round Church Visitor Centre?

By car:

  • The Round Church is located in Cambridge city centre, to which vehicle access is limited.
  • The nearest car park is Park Street, which is under 5 minutes’ walk from the Round Church. If parking in Cambridge city centre, please be aware of possible congestion, one-way streets, pedestrian zones, and bus gates.
  • We would recommend using Park & Ride facilities where possible.

 

By train:

  • The Round Church is located in Cambridge city centre, approx. a 25-30 minute walk from Cambridge train station.
  • Several buses run between the station and the city centre, with some stopping outside the Round Church.
  • There is also a taxi rank located outside the station.

 

By coach:

  • There are coach drop-off points on Chesterton Road (approx. a 10-minute walk from the Round Church) and Queens’ Road (approx. a 15-minute walk from the Round Church).
  • There is coach parking available at Madingley Park & Ride.
Are there services held at the Round Church?

By 1994, the Round Church’s congregation had outgrown the building. They moved to a larger venue – St Andrew the Great – where they continue to meet today. As regular Sunday services no longer take place at the Round Church, the building is now home to the Round Church Visitor Centre, and guided walking tours of Cambridge depart from inside. The church also houses a study centre for Christian students at the University of Cambridge, and acts as a venue for regular public events through Life in the Round.

Is the Round Church accessible?

Due to the historic nature of the building, the Round Church is only partially accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter. There is step-free access from the street but please be aware that this is via an uneven surface. The ambulatory and exhibition have step-free access. There is a small step down into the centre of the nave and another step up into the chancel. There is step-free access to the film via an aisle between the pews, which is wide enough for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The film is generally viewed from seating on the pews; it is possible for 1-2 wheelchair users to view the film at a time. Please feel free to get in contact with us if you have any questions ahead of your visit.

Does the Round Church have toilet facilities available?

We regret that we do not have toilets available for public use at the Round Church. The nearest public toilets are located on Jesus Green or at the Lion Yard shopping centre.

Can I take photographs inside the Round Church?

Personal photography of the building is very welcome. Photographs should not be taken of the exhibition.

How long should I allow for my visit?

We would recommend allowing approximately 45-60 minutes to enjoy the film, exhibition and Round Church.

 

The guided walks of Cambridge last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. The tours begin with an introduction to the origins and history of the Round Church, but please allow extra time if you would like to have a more detailed look around, to watch the film or to read the exhibition.

In a typical year . . .

1348

Enjoy our 90 minute guided walks of Cambridge

15910

Experience our Round Church Visitor Centre

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