One of Cambridge University's oldest colleges has had to close to the public after tourists were caught going into students' bedrooms.

Clare College can no longer cope with "bus loads" of tourists - who are predominantly from Japan and China - turning up unannounced, according to a source, and has closed its grounds to the public for the first time in its near 700 year history.

The university's second oldest college, which counts Sir David Attenborough among its alumni, spans the River Cam and offers one of the most picturesque routes to the city as well as ornate gardens.

With signs warning visitors to remain on the public pathways going unheeded, visitors have been caught traipsing through the Scholar’s Garden and Old Court, entering student dormitories - and some have even ended up on the roof.

Now after seven centuries, the college, which was founded in 1326, says it has no choice but to lock its gates after the problems were brought up in a recent "health and safety review."

The college already provided strict guidance on its website for visitors, warning that “no cycles, dogs, radios or picnics” are permitted on its grounds, whilst walking on the carefully maintained lawns is also prohibited.