Newnham College, University of Cambridge
Historic women’s college with stunning Victorian architecture and tranquil gardens, a serene Cambridge retreat rich in heritage.
Newnham College, founded in 1871, is a historic all-women’s college at the University of Cambridge, renowned for its striking Victorian and Arts and Crafts architecture and beautifully maintained gardens. Located on Sidgwick Avenue, it offers a tranquil retreat from central Cambridge’s bustle, with notable features including the Clough Gates, serene lily ponds, and sunken rose gardens. The college embraces its pioneering legacy in women’s education and is welcoming to visitors, especially garden enthusiasts and history lovers.
A brief summary to Newnham College, University of Cambridge
- Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge, CB3 9DF, GB
- +441223335700
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Clough Gates to appreciate their historical significance and intricate design.
- Explore the gardens early in the day for a peaceful experience and beautiful natural light.
- Check the college website or contact the Porters’ Lodge to confirm garden opening times.
- Enjoy refreshments at the Iris Café, which offers light meals and accessible facilities.
- Respect group size limits and supervise children closely around water features in the gardens.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Frequent bus services run from Cambridge city center to Sidgwick Avenue, with a travel time of approximately 15–25 minutes. Tickets cost around £2–£4. Buses operate regularly during the day but check schedules for evening and weekend services.
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Walking
A pleasant 25–35 minute walk from central Cambridge through university parks and along quiet streets. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors, providing a scenic approach to the college.
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Cycling
Cycling from central Cambridge takes about 10–15 minutes via dedicated bike lanes. Bike rental is widely available in the city. Secure bike parking is available near the college entrance.
Newnham College, University of Cambridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Newnham College, University of Cambridge
A Legacy of Women’s Education and Academic Excellence
Newnham College was established in 1871 as one of the first women’s colleges at the University of Cambridge, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s higher education in the UK. It played a pioneering role in campaigning for women’s rights to receive degrees, a struggle commemorated by the impressive Clough Gates, named after Anne Jemima Clough, an early suffragist and education advocate. The college continues to uphold this legacy, fostering an environment of academic rigor and empowerment for women.Architectural Charm and Arts and Crafts Influence
The college’s buildings showcase a distinctive late 19th-century Dutch and Victorian architectural style infused with Arts and Crafts elements. The red brick structures are arranged in a maze-like complex that invites exploration. The design emphasizes craftsmanship and harmony with the surrounding gardens, creating a unique aesthetic that blends historic charm with a peaceful collegiate atmosphere.Gardens as a Secluded Urban Oasis
Newnham’s gardens are among the most beautiful and meticulously maintained in Cambridge. Visitors can enjoy tranquil walks around the lily pond, sunken rose garden, and other carefully curated green spaces. These gardens provide a serene escape from the busy city and are ideal for quiet reflection or a relaxed picnic. The college allows visitors on most days, with group size restrictions and supervision advised for children due to natural hazards.Visitor Experience and Cultural Significance
While primarily an academic institution, Newnham College welcomes visitors with a relaxed policy and no entrance fees, making it accessible to those interested in history, architecture, and horticulture. The Iris Café on site offers light meals and refreshments, enhancing the visitor experience. The college’s location on Sidgwick Avenue places it near other university sites and green spaces such as Grantchester Meadows, enriching the cultural and natural context of a visit.Notable Alumni and Intellectual Heritage
Newnham has nurtured many influential women across science, literature, and politics, including Rosalind Franklin, Katharine Whitehorn, and AS Byatt. The college’s intellectual heritage is palpable in its serene study spaces and historic rooms, some of which were once occupied by figures like Sylvia Plath and Germaine Greer. This heritage adds depth to the visitor experience, connecting the present to a rich past of female scholarship and creativity.Community and Events within Historic Grounds
Beyond its academic role, Newnham hosts various events such as conferences, workshops, and private tours of the gardens led by the Head Gardener. The college’s welcoming atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a cherished locale for both the university community and visitors. Checking ahead for opening times and visitor guidelines is recommended, especially during term time and holiday closures.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Old Schools
0.9 km
Historic university landmark at Trinity Lane, blending Gothic and classical architecture at the heart of Cambridge's academic tradition.
Senate House Hill
0.9 km
Historic Senate House Hill in Cambridge offers stunning views, iconic architecture, and a vibrant academic atmosphere at the heart of the university city.
Bridge of Sighs
1.1 km
A Victorian Gothic covered bridge spanning the River Cam, linking history and beauty at St John's College, Cambridge.
Arts Picturehouse
1.1 km
Discover a unique cinematic experience at Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge's historic cinema showcasing independent films and classic favorites.
The Round Church
1.2 km
Explore The Round Church, a captivating medieval Anglican church in Cambridge, known for its unique architecture and rich historical significance.
Christian Heritage
1.2 km
Explore the Round Church in Cambridge, a stunning Norman architectural gem and a key site of Christian heritage, rich in history and spirituality.
Westminster College
1.2 km
Historic theological college blending Victorian architecture with contemporary faith education in Cambridge's academic heart.
Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum)
1.3 km
Uncover the history of polar exploration at the Scott Polar Research Institute, a captivating museum in Cambridge dedicated to the icy frontiers of our planet.
Magdalene Bridge
1.3 km
Historic cast-iron bridge over the River Cam, linking Cambridge’s academic heart with its ancient trading past.
Museum of Cambridge
1.3 km
Explore the Museum of Cambridge, where local history comes alive through fascinating artifacts and engaging exhibits that tell the story of this historic city.
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge
1.3 km
Explore the breathtaking architecture and serene atmosphere of The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs in Cambridge.
Kettle's Yard
1.3 km
Discover Kettle's Yard, Cambridge's unique art museum blending contemporary art with a serene home-like setting perfect for inspiration.
Christ's Pieces
1.4 km
Discover the lush landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Christ's Pieces, a picturesque park in the heart of Cambridge, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.
Reality Checkpoint
1.4 km
A colorful Victorian lamppost marking the boundary between Cambridge's academic bubble and the real world, standing proudly at Parker’s Piece.
Parker's Piece
1.4 km
Explore Parker's Piece, Cambridge's iconic park, where history meets nature in a picturesque setting perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of Classical Archaeology
0.2 km
Explore one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Greek and Roman plaster casts in a serene Cambridge museum.
The Red Bull Newnham
0.4 km
A friendly Newnham pub by the River Cam serving pizzas, changing ales and a sunny waterside terrace for warm days.
St Mark's Church
0.4 km
Historic St Mark's Church in Newnham offers a welcoming spiritual sanctuary and vibrant community hub on Barton Road, Cambridge.
Empire Grill
0.4 km
Cambridge’s beloved late-night takeaway spot, famed for huge portions and unbeatable burger sets, open daily from 5 PM to midnight.
Newnham House
0.4 km
Historic Newnham House blends serene gardens and classic Queen Anne architecture with modern student living just minutes from Cambridge city centre.
Granta Moorings
0.4 km
Discover Cambridge’s iconic river with Granta Moorings—expertly guided punts and self-rental canoes from the best mooring on the College Backs.
Lammas Land
0.5 km
Historic riverside commons where medieval grazing rights meet modern recreation.
Newnham Croft Social and Sports Club
0.5 km
A friendly, historic Newnham community club hosting live music, quiz nights, pool and local events in a relaxed, inexpensive setting.
Queens' College
0.5 km
Discover Queens' College, Cambridge: a historic riverside haven famed for its iconic Mathematical Bridge and serene academic charm.
Sheep's Green
0.5 km
A tranquil riverside nature reserve in Cambridge blending historic grazing meadows, rich wildlife, and a unique outdoor river pool.
Mathematical Bridge
0.6 km
Discover the iconic wooden Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College, a marvel of 18th-century engineering and enduring Cambridge legend.
The Backs
0.6 km
A serene riverside stretch behind Cambridge’s historic colleges, blending stunning Gothic architecture with lush gardens and tranquil river views.
The Rush
0.7 km
Discover The Rush at Sheep's Green, a peaceful riverside nature reserve near Cambridge city centre, perfect for relaxation and wildlife watching.
Coe Fen
0.7 km
Tranquil fenland green space beside the River Cam, blending natural beauty with historic Cambridge charm.
Little St Mary's Church
0.7 km
Discover centuries of history and serene beauty at Little St Mary's, Cambridge’s historic parish church beside Peterhouse.
Essential places to dine
Sala Thong
0.4 km
Authentic Thai cuisine with vibrant flavors and generous portions in a cozy Cambridge setting.
Rice Boat Cambridge
0.4 km
Experience authentic Kerala cuisine with fragrant spices and freshly made breads in a warm, contemporary setting at Rice Boat Cambridge.
Granta
0.4 km
A charming historic pub on Cambridge’s River Cam offering classic British fare, riverside views, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
MillWorks
0.4 km
Historic watermill transformed into a vibrant modern brasserie with riverside views and charcoal-grilled British cuisine in Cambridge.
Garden House
0.6 km
Seasonal grill-focused dining with riverside views in a stylish, sustainable setting at Graduate Cambridge.
The Cambridge Chop House
0.8 km
Classic British steakhouse with locally sourced ingredients, historic charm, and stunning views opposite King's College Chapel in Cambridge.
Smokeworks
0.9 km
Savor authentic American barbecue with tender smoked ribs and lively vibes in the heart of Cambridge’s historic center.
Bread & Meat
0.9 km
Savor Cambridge’s top roast meat sandwiches and comfort food in a relaxed, ethically minded eatery at 4 Bene't Street.
Aromi
0.9 km
Experience authentic Sicilian cuisine and stone-baked pizzas in a vibrant, historic Cambridge setting with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Browns Cambridge
0.9 km
Elegant British brasserie in Cambridge with Art Deco charm, quality cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Pint Shop
0.9 km
A vibrant gastropub in Cambridge blending historic charm with an exceptional craft beer selection and hearty British fare.
Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of Japanese sushi and Nordic grilled sticks in the historic heart of Cambridge, where tradition meets innovation.
Honest Burgers Cambridge
1.0 km
Savor fresh British burgers and handmade rosemary chips in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant Corn Exchange district.
Market House
1.0 km
Historic charm meets modern British-Asian cuisine in Cambridge’s Market House, a multi-level dining and wine destination with a sustainable ethos.
Trinity Restaurant
1.1 km
A charming Cambridge eatery blending classic pies with contemporary style opposite Trinity College’s Great Gate.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Co-op Food - Grantchester Street - Newnham
0.4 km
Cambridge's Newnham convenience cornerstone: fresh local bites, quick services, and co-op community spirit since 1912.
Greaterskies
0.6 km
Cambridge studio and shop for personalised, astronomically accurate star‑map prints and tasteful gift items.
Samuel Smiley
0.7 km
A charming gift shop on Cambridge’s historic Trumpington Street, offering unique local treasures and a warm shopping atmosphere.
Nomads
0.8 km
Discover authentic handmade jewelry, textiles, and artisan crafts at Nomads, Cambridge’s vibrant gift shop celebrating global and local craftsmanship.
Indelibly Cambridge
0.8 km
A compact, well-curated King’s Parade shop for Cambridge-themed gifts, prints and locally made keepsakes—perfect for quick souvenirs with local character.
Podarok
0.9 km
Discover unique gifts, quirky handbags, and beautiful jewellery at Podarok, Cambridge’s independent boutique in the Arts Quarter.
Parade
0.9 km
Discover unique Cambridge souvenirs at Parade Gift Shop, perfectly located on historic King's Parade with stunning views of King's College.
Ark
0.9 km
Compact independent gift shop on historic Peas Hill serving market crowds, theatregoers and locals with curated Cambridge keepsakes.
Iris and Violet Cambridge
0.9 km
Discover vibrant, curated womenswear and lifestyle pieces in the charming heart of Cambridge at Iris and Violet boutique.
Giles & Co
1.0 km
Compact Trinity Street giftshop specialising in Cambridge-branded clothing, personalised keepsakes and locally sourced presents with friendly, knowledgeable service.
Souvenirs And Gifts
1.0 km
Authentic Cambridge souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of Market Hill.
The Cambridge Gift Shop
1.0 km
A compact, friendly gift shop on Rose Crescent offering locally made crafts, stationery and Cambridge-themed keepsakes in a tidy, well-curated space.
Oliver Bonas
1.0 km
A feel-good British lifestyle store in Grand Arcade offering colourful fashion, curated homeware and choice gifts across a spacious ground-floor shop.
Sugarmark!
1.0 km
Capture Cambridge's charm with Sugarmark!'s iconic mugs, apparel, and prints from the heart of Market Hill—perfect souvenirs blending heritage and style.
The Department of Magical Gifts
1.0 km
Step into Cambridge’s enchanting Harry Potter shop where magic, whimsy, and unique gifts create a spellbinding experience for all ages.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Iris Bar
0.1 km
Modern cafe buzz in historic Newnham College: exceptional coffee, fresh bakes, and student energy amid Cambridge's academic gardens.
The Anchor
0.6 km
Charming historic riverside pub in Cambridge offering classic British fare, craft beers, and live jazz in a lively yet relaxed setting.
The Mill
0.6 km
Cozy 19th-century riverside pub in Cambridge offering real ales, hearty British fare, and a warm, music-filled atmosphere.
Eagle
0.8 km
Cambridge's legendary pub where DNA's secret was toasted, WWII airmen left their mark, and real ales flow amid historic haunts.
Bath House
0.9 km
Historic 17th-century Cambridge pub pouring Greene King cask ales and classic grub in a dog-friendly, family-welcoming spot steps from university landmarks.
BrewDog Cambridge
0.9 km
Experience bold craft beers and innovative food in the heart of historic Cambridge at BrewDog’s lively and welcoming bar.
Tall Trees
1.0 km
Eclectic basement bar in Cambridge with live music six nights a week, plant-based menu, and expertly crafted cocktails.
2648 Cambridge
1.0 km
Step into 2648 Cambridge for expertly crafted cocktails in a nostalgic, vinyl-filled setting at the heart of Trinity Street’s vibrant nightlife.
La Raza
1.1 km
Cambridge's basement gem for Spanish tapas, craft cocktails, and live funk beats—from daytime café to late-night haven.
Bar -OH
1.1 km
Inventive cocktails and live music pulse through this intimate Cambridge gem, blending artistry with electric evenings until the wee hours.
Revolution Cambridge
1.1 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and nightlife hotspot in central Cambridge with rooftop terrace, karaoke pod, and diverse event spaces.
Ta Bouche
1.1 km
Experience Cambridge’s lively cocktail scene with creative drinks, fresh food, and a vibrant social atmosphere at Ta Bouche.
Town and Gown
1.1 km
A vibrant Cambridge pub and intimate theatre where university meets local life in a lively, historic setting with great food and entertainment.
The Cambridge Tap
1.1 km
Lively craft-beer bar in a converted bank, known for burgers, cocktails and an upstairs room with college views.
The Castle Bar
1.1 km
Lively city centre bar pulsing with late-night DJ beats, sizzling Hot Rock steaks, and Cambridge's infectious student energy until 3am weekends.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cambridge Lola Lo
1.0 km
Step into Cambridge Lola Lo, a vibrant tiki-themed nightclub with tropical vibes, lively dance floors, and a stunning rooftop terrace in the city centre.
High Five
1.0 km
Cambridge's electrifying gay nightclub where themed nights, drag glamour, and inclusive dance floors ignite unforgettable evenings in the city heart.
MASH
1.1 km
Cambridge’s vibrant independent nightclub offering themed music nights and a welcoming, safe party atmosphere until the early hours.
Vinyl Cambridge
1.1 km
Dance through decades on a glowing LED floor at Vinyl Cambridge's throwback haven—2-for-1 drinks, VIP vibes, and non-stop retro anthems await in the city center.
80s karaoke bar
1.5 km
Neon-lit, 80s-themed karaoke on Hills Road—compact, group-friendly singalongs from the early evening into the night.
The Calling
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Calling, Cambridge's premier event management venue, perfect for unforgettable experiences and fun times.
The Tram Depot
1.8 km
Discover the lively ambiance of The Tram Depot in Cambridge, where great food, local ales, and music nights create unforgettable experiences.
Cambridge Pop-up Speakeasy Jazz
1.8 km
Free live jazz pop-ups in a historic Cambridge pub: intimate sets, diverse musicians, speakeasy vibes on select Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
Fort St George
2.0 km
Historic riverside pub on Cambridge's Midsummer Common, serving hearty ales and classics with unbeatable Cam views and garden vibes. (162 characters)
Cambridge Working Mens Club
2.1 km
Discover the lively ambiance of Cambridge Working Mens Club, a perfect blend of local culture, music, and community spirit.
EBC Shop
2.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at EBC Shop in Cambridge, where the music keeps you dancing and the atmosphere is always electric.
Sing Dizzy
2.2 km
Sing Dizzy offers Cambridge a lively karaoke bar experience with costumes, props, and an extensive song list for unforgettable nights of fun and music.
Salisbury Club
2.7 km
Cambridge's cozy Mill Road club: retro discos, pool tables, cheap drinks, and community spirit in a true local gem.
Rock
3.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine at The Rock, a beloved pub and restaurant in the heart of Cambridge.
The Lounge
18.7 km
A lively nightclub and wine bar on The Broadway, offering vibrant late-night entertainment in the heart of St Ives.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Arts Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
