Pepys Library Tours

Come and see the fascinating library of Samuel Pepys at Magdalene College Cambridge. The library is housed in their original bookcases, or ‘book presses’ as Pepys called them, and the collection includes his original diaries. The Pepys Library is a rare survival of a complete private library from the 17th century.

The tour will consist of accompanying guests through Magdalene College into the Pepys Library, where there will be a 45 minute talk about Samuel Pepys and his books, and a further 15 minutes for guests to look at the exhibits on display.

This tour is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and above. Face coverings are encouraged though not compulsory.

The library has a small entrance area and therefore we ask that guests arrive without a bag if at all possible. We will ask for any bags to be left in the entrance area prior to entering the library, to protect the historic furniture. For security reasons, photography or video/audio recordings are not permitted in the library.

Please note that the Pepys Library is located on the first floor of an historic listed building and, most unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access. We are looking at plans to remedy this.

For a more informal look at the Pepys Library without a tour, please consult the college website to check the schedule of 'drop in' visits offered.