Castle Mound
A castle mound raised by the Normans in 1068, the highest point in central Cambridge. Visitors can climb it for free and look out over King's College Chapel and the college spires.
In 1068 William the Conqueror built a wooden castle here, later rebuilt in stone. The castle has long since disappeared, leaving only an artificial mound about 12 meters high. A spiral path takes a few minutes to reach the top, which is the highest point in the city. On clear days you can see King's College Chapel, the tower of St John's College Chapel and, in the distance, the direction of Ely Cathedral. Admission is free, visitors are few, and sunset is a good time to come. It is at the north end of Castle Street, next to Kettle's Yard and the Cambridge & County Folk Museum. It is about a 10-minute walk north from St John's College along Bridge Street.
Opening hours
All day (daytime)
Nearby sights
- Kettle's Yard
- Magdalene College & Pepys Library
- St John's College, Cambridge
- Trinity College, Cambridge
- King's College Chapel, Cambridge
- Great St Mary's Church
- Cambridge Market Square
- Corpus Clock