Newnham College, Cambridge

Check in: 14:00 (2:00pm) Onwards (arrivals may be allowed outside this window if your travel plans can't be adjusted however this is subject to availability)

Check out: 00:00 (12:00am) - 10:00 (10:00am)

History

Newnham College was founded in 1871 by visionaries who believed in women's intellectual equality and right to a first-class education. Driven by determination and courage, they established the college despite significant challenges.

Initially a house for five students attending Cambridge's "Lectures for Ladies.", by 1875, Newnham Hall opened, and the College expanded steadily, adding multiple buildings and facilities. Early struggles included limited university recognition and degree rights for women. Despite these challenges, Newnham contributed significantly to women's education, culminating in full membership in the University of Cambridge in 1948.

The founders of Girton College, Cambridge’s first women’s college, and Newnham, its second, recognised and campaigned for the standards of higher education to be improved so that women could compete with men at the highest level.

Newnham remains a College for "strong, witty and rebellious" women, fiercly proud of its its unique and storied history.

Food & beverage

The welcoming atmosphere at Newnham College invites relaxation and enjoyment. The Iris Café is located near the Porters' Lodge and Dorothy Garrod bedrooms and is a bright and airy space with a stunning ceiling-mounted sculpture. Immediate access to the terrace makes it perfect for summer days. Options avaialble at the Iris Café are:

• Barista-style coffee and a selection of teas
• Cold drinks including fresh smoothies, kombucha and juice from the Cambridge Juice Company
• Warm bacon baps, egg baps and sausage rolls.
• Paninis and baguettes, some of which can be warmed. Bloomer and focaccia sandwiches.
• Pastries and cakes

Grounds & Gardens

Newnham's enchanting grounds and gardens are open and you are welcome to walk on the grass. Set in 17 acres, the main site is divided up into large lawns, wildflower areas, herbaceous boarders and formal gardens. Tree-shaded lawns and a large sports field just beyond offer plenty of space for relaxation surrounded by buildings designed in the romantic Queen Anne style. Running west from the back of the Old Labs is a woodland nutwalk. At the far end of the sports field near the Observatory, are Newnham's unique collection of bearded Irises.

Other facilities

Art is displayed throughout Newnham’s buildings and gardens, reflecting the identity and enhancing the cultural life of the College. The collection comprises fine and decorative works of art, with notable portraits by artists like Henry Lamb, Glynn Philpott, and Augustus John.

Newnham’s art collection began in the College’s early days and continues to grow through alumnae gifts and bequests. Featured artists include Dame Laura Knight, Lucy Madox Brown, Gertrude Hermes, William De Morgan, Dora Gordine, and Mary Fedden. Contemporary works by Cathy de Monchaux, Sinta Tantra, Juliette Losq, Erika Tan, and Gillian Wearing are also part of the collection.