Emmanuel is in the heart of Cambridge, in a main shopping area, yet is off the tourist track and never feels crowded or pressured. It is one of the larger colleges in Cambridge, a community of more than 600 people.

The buildings range from the medieval to the late twentieth century and the gardens have extensive lawns, magnificent and rare trees, and ponds that are home to large numbers of ducks and fish. It is easy to forget that this setting is separated by only a few yards from a vibrant city centre. 

The College was founded in 1584. It is not by Cambridge standards a particularly ancient foundation, but its history is long and distinguished.