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Overview Availability Reviews Facilities & information Arrival information and directions

Downing College, dating from the early 1800s, has a unique setting amidst 20 acres of lawns and trees. While the college environment itself is quiet and peaceful, the museums, shops and River Cam in the very heart of Cambridge is only a few minutes walk away. Downing College is an ideal location for visitors on a leisure break or in Cambridge on business.

Their spacious bedrooms are fully equipped for the modern-day traveller, with facilities such as a flat-screen television, a spacious desk and free Wi-Fi. A hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities are also provided and bedrooms are cleaned daily by the College Domestic Assistants. There is free car parking available within the grounds, subject to availability; please request when you are making your booking.

Please note:

Downing College is unable to provide accommodation for anybody who is required to self-isolate. The College does not offer twin bedrooms however should you wish to request one, the Conference Team will endeavour to accommodate your request.

The College is unable to accept bookings for children of 16 years and under, or for Stag and Hen parties. Guests of 16 - 18 years must be accompanied by an adult (21 or over).

Check in: 14:00 (2:00pm) Onwards (no arrivals allowed outside this window)

Check out: 06:00 (6:00am) - 09:30 (9:30am)

History

Cambridge University and Downing College have been the starting place for many well-known actors, artists and politicians, trace the footsteps of some of Downing's famous alumni including John Cleese, Quentin Blake, Trevor Nunn, Thandie Newton and Mike Atherton.

When a door of No 10 Downing Street London was replaced in the 1960's, the original was donated to Downing College and is now the door of the College Office.

Food & beverage

If breakfast is not available or you have booked on a room-only basis, Cambridge has a wide variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from and in close proximity. Guests check-in at the uur Porters' Lodge which is open 24/7, and staff are on hand should you require any guidance or information about the College, your stay or recommendations for Cambridge .

The Lord Butterfield Cafe offers snacks and drinks during weekdays 8.00am-4.00pm and on Saturdays between 8.00am - 2.00pm.

The College is located on Regent Street where there are many restaurants and bars offering a wide range of cuisine.

Grounds & Gardens

Downing is set amidst 20 acres of lawns, trees and gardens for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

Visitors can enjoy such activities as punting on the River Cam, taking a guided walking tour of the city which is compact and easy to walk around or attending Choral Evensong in King’s College Chapel.

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is just 20 minutes walk from the College where you can discover plants from all over the World in 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses.

Other facilities

The Heong Gallery - Downing College opened the new public Art Gallery on 5th February 2016. Architects transformed the original Edwardian stables into the new gallery space which is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Please visit their website to find further information about the Heong Gallery and current exhibitions.

Opening Hours: Wednesdays: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Weekends and bank holidays: 10.00am - 6.00pm

Take a tour of the Classical Downing Architecture. Pick up one of their Architecture Tour leaflets from the Porters' Lodge to learn all about the buildings on the Domus and the history of the college.

The College has a small but modern gym facility, located behind the Howard Theatre, which may be used by guests. Please speak with Porter's Lodge for further information and access.

There are two outdoor tennis courts situated by the Singer Building. These may be used by arrangement with the Porters Lodge. The College does not hire out sports equipment so if you would like to use these facilities, please bring your own equipment.

A Wi-Fi code allows you access to the University of Cambridge wireless network and will be offered to you when you check-in at the Porters' Lodge.

Top facilities

Free WiFi

Free parking

Availability

Please select dates to view availability for this location

Reviews

4.5

Based on 317 reviews

Room
4.4

Value
4.2

Food
4.3

Service
4.7

Experience
4.6

★★★★★

244

★★★★

★★★

★★

★

We stayed here last year, in the same room, so we knew what to expect. The porter’s are all very friendly and helpful. The room is of a high standard with a lovely view, which we enjoyed. The air conditioning was very welcome as the temperature was in the 30s during our stay. The on site parking...
Jonathan DavidM 13/08/2022

Perfectly situated for exploring central Cambridge. Exceptionally helpful and friendly staff. Delicious and substantial breakfast. Well equipped and comfortable room. Only missed 5 stars across the board because the bed was a little too firm and the pillow a little too hard for my taste. My...
Suzanna and MartinT 21/08/2022

Really enjoyed my stay at Downing College. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful and the room was very quiet, clean & comfortable with a good view of the library! Proximity to town was great and the Heong Gallery Exhibition space an added bonus. I would definitely stay here again. Thank y...
Anon 14/04/2023

I came with a friend and we stayed at Downing College for 2 nights. The accommodation was excellent; the staff were all very friendly and helpful and the location was perfect; an excellent spot from which to explore the city.
BarbaraK 04/08/2022

Room better than many hotels - excellent bathroom and quiet aircon. Lovely view across college grounds. Breakfast very high quality with cheery staff. Would definitely return.
Anon 09/09/2022

Our second stay at Downing College and was just as good as our first. Porters and staff all very helpful and friendly, nothing too much trouble.
Anon 22/08/2022

Really friendly porters office, on site parking and great central location for university Xmas meal
GaryP 17/12/2022

The room was very large and comfortable and also the bathroom. Easy parking and good location
AnneG 14/08/2022

Dowing and the porters were great, comfortable room and lovely breakfast. I will be back.
Anon 14/08/2022

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Facilities & information

Summary

19th century buildings

Parking (free)

No smoking

Historic property

Facilities

Free broadband access (wired)

Free broadband access (wifi)

Shared gardens

Tennis court

Gym

Television

24 hour security

Linen included

Towels included

Iron/ironing board

Hair dryers

Central heating

Recreations

Pub (walking distance)

Museums (walking distance)

Gardens

Golf course (a short drive)

Tennis courts (walking distance)

Recommended restaurants (walking distance)

Theatre (walking distance)

Arrival information and directions

View map

Address: Downing College, Regent St, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CambridgeCB2 1DQ, United Kingdom

Guests should check-in and out at the Porter’s Lodge, located at the entrance to the College on Regent Street. It is possible for guests arriving before 2.00pm or departing after 10.00am to leave a small amount of luggage at the Porters' Lodge.

On arrival, all Guests are required under the Immigration (Hotel Records) Order 1972 to complete a registration form giving full name and address and nationality. Non-UK guests will also be required to provide the number and place of issue of their passport, their nationality and their next destination. These records must be kept for at least 12 months and be available for inspection by any police officer.

How to Find Downing College:

By Train: Downing College is situated about ¾ of a mile (15 minutes walk) from the station and is served by regular buses and taxis.

By Bus: Cambridge's main bus station, Drummer Street is only a 5-minute walk from the College.

Parking on-site is free but is subject to availability, so please ensure you add a parking request to your reservation at the time of the booking in the "Additional information" section of the booking form. If parking isn't available Downing College will contact you to suggest alternative parking facilities.

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