Access to the College

Access to the College is via the Main entrance on Regent Street. For security reasons, the pedestrian gate is closed at 11.00pm (sometimes earlier, depending on external activity). Access after this time is via the Porters’ Lodge, by ringing the bell, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Please click on the maps below to see how to get to Cambridge and how to get to Downing College.

Availability of Bedrooms & Departure Times

Rooms are normally available to guests from 2.00pm on their day of arrival, and must be vacated by 10.00am on the day of departure. A luggage room is available on request. 

Full English breakfast is served in the Hall between 8am - 9.30am.

The Lord Butterfield Cafe offers snacks and drinks during weekdays 8am- 4pm and on Saturdays between 8am - 2pm.  

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

Please note: Downing College does not offer twin bedrooms however should you wish to request one, the Conference Team will endevour to accommodate your request.

College Lawns

The College tradition is that only the Master and Fellows of the College may walk on the lawns. The Paddock, situated to the south of the Main Court, is available for informal ball games and relaxation. Benches are provided for your comfort. 

Did you know?

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 Michael 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.

Enhancing Your Stay

Sports & Leisure

The College has a modest but modern gym facility, located behind the Howard Theatre, which may be used by conference guests. Before using the gym, you must sign the disclaimer form obtainable from the Porters’ Lodge. For health and safety reasons, there must be at least two people using the gym at any one time.

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

The Cambridge Experience

Cambridge gives visitors a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It is the quintessential English destination with ancient courts and halls sitting alongside contemporary award-winning buildings.

With 800 years of history, visitors can tread in the steps of famed alumni such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, William Wordsworth and Samuel Pepys.

You 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. We would highly recommend Hidden Cambridge who we have worked with and had great success with in the past.

On arrival

On arrival our guests are required under the Immigration (Hotel Records) Order 1972 to complete a registration form, giving name, 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 are kept for at least 12 months and are available for inspection by any police officer.