Trinity College

Lonely Planet review

Henry VIII founded Trinity College in 1546, but it was left to Dr Nevile, Master of Trinity (1593-1615) during Elizabeth's reign, to fulfil his wishes, as Henry died six weeks after founding the college. Walk through the impressive brick gateway (1535) to see the statue of Henry that adorns it. His left hand holds a golden orb, while his right grips a table leg.

As you enter the Great Court, scholastic humour (the table leg was put there by students who removed the golden sceptre years ago) gives way to a gaping sense of awe, for it is the largest of its kind in the world. The place is dripping with history: to the right of the entrance is a small tree, planted in the 1950s and reputed to be a descendant of the apple tree made famous by Trinity alumnus Sir Isaac Newton. The square is also the scene of the run made famous by the film Chariots of Fire - 350m in 43 seconds (the time it takes the clock to strike 12). Although plenty of students have a go, Harold Abrahams (the hero of the film) never actually attempted it, and his fictional run wasn't even filmed here. If you fancy your chances, remember that you'll need Olympian speed to even come close to making it in time.