This page provides all the essential details for your visit, ensuring you can fully enjoy everything our College has to offer.
Whether you're here for a meeting or special occasion, to explore our lush gardens, immerse yourself in our architectural splendour, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere, Newnham offers a unique and enriching experience. Discover the stories behind our historic buildings, enjoy a stroll through our renowned gardens, or attend one of our engaging public events.
We understand that attending a conference or event in a new place can bring questions and uncertainties. You might be wondering about travel arrangements, finding your way around, or what to expect when you arrive. Rest assured, we are here to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Once you arrive at our central Cambridge location, you’ll find clear signage, friendly staff, and a welcoming environment designed to help you feel at ease. From comfortable accommodations to beautiful surroundings, we ensure that your time with us is productive, relaxed, and stress-free.
Academic community
Please note that the College gardens are surrounded by areas where staff, students, and academics are working. Please keep any noise disturbance, particularly close to the buildings, to a minimum—especially during the Easter (Examination) term.
Accommodation services
Bed and breakfast bedrooms are provided with refreshments, toiletries, internet access and fresh towels. Provision of services can differ for group accommodation. In the interest of ecology, towels are changed on request.
Accreditation
Newnham College is proud to be a member of the Meetings Industry Association (mia) and a MIA Accredited venue.
Animals
No animals, other than service animals, are allowed in College.
Arrival
If you are driving or cycling into College, please contact the Head Porter or Senior Porters to confirm where to park (if parking is permitted). Parking is not available on site unless pre-arranged. There are parking meters for street parking on both Sidgwick Avenue and Newnham Walk. Upon arrival, please enter via the Porters’ Lodge entrance on Sidgwick Avenue, CB3 9DF. The Porters’ Lodge is staffed 24/7. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to them in person or call 01223 335 700.
Art collection
At Newnham College, art is part of our buildings and gardens, reflecting our vibrant identity and cultural life. You’ll see a range of fine and decorative artworks, including portraits of our distinguished community. Highlights include works by Dame Laura Knight, Lucy Madox Brown, Gertrude Hermes, William De Morgan, Dora Gordine, and Mary Fedden, as well as notable portraits by Henry Lamb, Glynn Philpott, and Augustus John. Contemporary artists include Cathy de Monchaux, Sinta Tantra, Juliette Losq, Erika Tan, and Gillian Wearing.
Accommodation
Check in/out: To check in, please go to the Porters’ Lodge for your room directions, key and swipe card. After 23.00, access is via the main front entrance at the Porters’ Lodge. Please return your key there on check out. A charge will be made for keys not returned.
Check in – 2pm
Check out – 10am
Accessibility
Newnham College has wide doorways and flat floors in the main areas, which are brightly lit. Most meeting rooms have induction hearing loops and captions on screens. Large-type screens and quiet rooms with streaming are available. Bedrooms suitable for wheelchair users are also available. More information is available on AccessAble.
Evacuation
Assembly points are located in the main gardens or car park areas outside each building. Please familiarise yourself with the “IN CASE OF FIRE” notices and fire exit signage. Do not use lifts during an evacuation—use staircases or wait in refuge points in stairwells. Refuge call points are available to alert the Duty Porters you need assistance.
Fire Alarm Bell testing
Takes place weekly between 11:00–12:00 on Sunday mornings. If the bell sounds for more than 10 seconds, treat it as a real fire and evacuate immediately to your assembly point.
First Aid
The Duty Porters are trained first aiders and are available 24/7 in the Porters’ Lodge. An AED (defibrillator) is located there too. All accidents or near misses must be reported so an incident report can be completed. Call 01223 335 700 for help.
Food and drink
The Buttery is open for breakfast Monday–Saturday with hot English breakfast, cereal, toast, and drinks. The Iris Café is open daily for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of hot and cold food and barista drinks. Nearby, you'll find pubs and excellent restaurants within a 5–10 minute walk. A vending machine and sparkling/still water are available in the Buttery. Please note: Iris Café and Buttery only accept card payments. If you are with a group, please check arrangements with your organiser.
Gardens
Newnham’s beautiful gardens are open for all to enjoy—walking on the grass is encouraged!
How to find us
Please see our Contact & Find Us page.
Illness
If you are unwell, contact the Porters’ Lodge for help. They can direct you to a local GP. In an emergency, call 999 first, then notify the Porters’ Lodge.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available in bedrooms and public areas. The password is displayed in bedrooms and meeting rooms or available from the Porters’ Lodge.
Lost property
Lost items are held at the Porters’ Lodge. Call 01223 335700 to arrange collection or return.
Open water
The College has open water in the Sunken Rose Garden near Sidgwick Hall. Children must be supervised at all times.
Parking
Parking is limited and available only by prior arrangement. Pay-as-you-go street parking is available nearby, and public parking is available at Lammas Land and the Grand Arcade. Bicycle parking is available near the Porters’ Lodge.
Security
The Porters’ Lodge is staffed 24/7. In an emergency, dial 999 and then call the Lodge on 01223 335700. Fire instructions are posted on the back of doors in bedrooms and meeting rooms. Please keep your room locked; the College cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged property.
Smoking
No smoking (including vaping) is permitted in College buildings or gardens except in the designated smoking area: the Sportsfield near the BBQ. Alternatively, you may smoke outside the College gates. Please dispose of litter responsibly.
Taxis
A free taxi phone is available at the Porters’ Lodge.
We encourage all guests to contact the Porters’ Lodge or the Conference Office in advance with any questions or details that will help us prepare for your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Newnham College!
