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.
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.
Animals
No animals, other than service animals, are not allowed in College.
Art collection
At Newnham College, art seamlessly weaves into the fabric of our buildings and gardens, reflecting our vibrant identity and enriching our cultural life. As you explore our campus, you’ll encounter an impressive array of fine and decorative artworks, including an exceptional collection of portraits that tell the stories of our distinguished community.
Highlights include masterpieces by Dame Laura Knight, Lucy Madox Brown, and Gertrude Hermes, as well as exquisite pieces by William De Morgan, Dora Gordine, and Mary Fedden. Noteworthy portraits, such as Pernel Strachey by Henry Lamb, Katharine Stephen by Glynn Philpott, and Jane Harrison by Augustus John, stand as testaments to our illustrious past. We also celebrate contemporary creativity with works by artists like Cathy de Monchaux, Sinta Tantra, Juliette Losq, Erika Tan, and Gillian Wearing, whose pieces continue to inspire and resonate within our historic spaces.
Car parking
Parking at Newnham is limited and available on request only.
Check in/out
To check in, please go to the Porters’ Lodge, where you will be give directions to your room, a key and swipe card. Access to the College after 23.00 is by the main front entrance at the Porters’ Lodge. Please return your key to the Porters Lodge on check out. Please note that a charge will be made for keys which are 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 are equipped with induction hearing loops and closed captions on screens and additional screens with large type on request. Bedrooms suitable for wheelchair users are available. We can offer small rooms with streaming for those who prefer a quieter environment. More information is available on AccessAble.
Food and drink
The Buttery is open for breakfast from Monday-Saturday, serving hot English breakfast, cereal, toast, hot and cold beverages and other options.
The Iris café is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday-Sunday, serving bacon baps, egg baps, sausage rolls, paninis, focaccia sandwiches, pastries, cakes, hot and cold barista-style beverages and more!
There is a wide range of pubs offering good food and several excellent restaurants all within a 5-10 minute walk of the College. If you just need a snack, there is a vending machine and cold still and sparkling water in the Buttery.
If you are with a group, please contact your organiser to check arrangements.
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 ill, please contact the Porters’ Lodge for assistance. They can give you details of local GPs. If it is an emergency please call 999 first, then the Porters’ Lodge.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available in all bedrooms and public areas. Please ask at the Porters’ Lodge for the password. It is displayed in bedrooms and meeting rooms.
Lost property
Items left behind will be retained at the Porters Lodge. Please call the Porters on 01223 335700 to arrange return.
Parking
Parking is limited at Newnham College and available by prior arrangement only.
There is pay-as-you-go street parking in lots of streets surrounding the College. There is a public car park at Lammas Land playground. The closest covered car park is the Grand Arcade.
Parking for bicycles is close to the Porters’ Lodge at the front entrance.
Security
The Porters’ Lodge is staffed 24/7. If you have an emergency, please dial 999 and then the Porters Lodge on 01223 335700. Fire instructions are included in each bedroom and meeting room on the back of the entrance door. Please ensure your room is locked at all times as the College cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property.
Taxis
A free taxi phone is located at the Porters’ Lodge.
We encourage all guests to contact the Porters' Lodge or the Conference Office with any questions or information in advance of arrival that will help us plan effectively so you have an enjoyable visit to Newnham College. We look forward to hearing from you!