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West · Founded 1871

Newnham College

One of the first Cambridge colleges for women and still women-only, with some of the most generous college gardens in Cambridge open to visitors.

Official site
Founded1871
WhereWest
TypeCollege

The college

A closer
look.

West — Sidgwick Avenue

Founded 1871. Founded in 1871, when Henry Sidgwick opened a house for five women students, and today one of Cambridge's remaining women-only colleges.

Queen Anne-style red brick by Basil Champneys, built in stages from 1875, with white-painted gables and ornamental detail along Sidgwick Avenue; the ranges are linked by one of the longest continuous indoor corridors in Europe and stand in 17 acres of gardens.

Find it · West · Founded 1871Newnham College
Drawing routeThe itinerary still works without the map.
52.2000°N, 0.1075°WGet directions

On a visit

Don’t miss.

  1. 01The Pfeiffer Arch gatehouse
  2. 02Basil Champneys' red-brick ranges
  3. 03The sunken rose garden
  4. 04The herbaceous borders and wildflower areas
  5. 05The Iris Café

Connected to

Notable
names.

  • Rosalind Franklin
  • Sylvia Plath
  • Jane Goodall
  • Emma Thompson
  • Germaine Greer
  • Mary Beard

Before you go

Visiting Newnham College

The gardens are open to visitors free of charge on most days of the year, with groups limited to six people except by prior arrangement; the college closes at some periods, such as the Christmas vacation, so it advises checking with the Porters' Lodge before a special trip.

Opening hours, admission and access change often — check the official site before you travel.

Founded
1871
Area
West — Sidgwick Avenue
Type
College

Editorial record

Reviewed, sourced and accountable.

This guide to Newnham College is maintained by an independent editorial team. Changing visitor details should always be confirmed with the responsible organisation.

Reviewed on
Written and reviewed by
Above Guide Editorial Team
Verified identifier
Wikidata Q1247589