LATEST NEWS
NEWS & UPDATES
FROM DOWNING
Enjoy events at Downing in the sunshine this summer!
As British Summertime has started, the Downing Events Team are hopeful of some glorious weather here in Cambridge! Our West Lodge Gardens and Fellows' Gardens are a wonderfully open green space, ideal for Summer BBQ’s and Garden Parties. Book your event at Downing and your guests can enjoy the excellent wines, exquisite canapes and our latest BBQ menu all whilst relaxing in vibrant & beautiful surroundings at the College.
Introducing Howard Lodge | 29 Ensuite Deluxe Rooms for both Conference and Leisure Guests
For the first time in Downing College's history, residential accommodation will be available to book throughout the year, with the introduction of Howard Lodge. Following refurbishment in summer 2026, the 29 en-suite bedrooms will welcome guests from autumn onwards for residential conferences, academic programmes and events of every kind. Forming part of the stunning Howard Court, Howard Lodge sits beside the Howard Theatre and Howard Building, overlooking the peaceful West Lodge gardens, allowing delegates to step straight from meetings into green open space for easier networking, relaxation and team building. Set within Downing's celebrated neoclassical grounds, guests will enjoy direct access to the College's landscaped gardens and full range of conference and dining facilities, all on a single, secure site just a short walk from the city centre offering a fully integrated Cambridge experience with no hotel coordination or transfers required. For more information on Downing College's existing accommodation, conference and event facilities, or to discuss adding accommodation to a booking, please contact the Conference Office at conference@dow.cam.ac.uk or 01223 334860.
Howard Conference Centre | Downing College
Located at the heart of Downing College's celebrated neoclassical grounds, the Howard Conference Centre offers a setting unlike any other in Cambridge. With direct access to Downing's beautifully landscaped gardens and a full range of versatile conference and dining facilities, the centre provides everything needed for a successful event on a single, secure college site just a short walk from the city centre. Whether hosting a conference, academic programme, meeting or celebration, guests benefit from the unique combination of historic surroundings, peaceful green spaces and modern facilities — all seamlessly integrated to create a truly memorable Cambridge experience. To find out more about what the Howard Conference Centre can offer your next event, please contact the Conference Office at conference@dow.cam.ac.uk or 01223 334860.
Howard Theatre
Our beautiful, unique Howard Theatre is the perfect venue for groups up to 150 guests. Our knowledgeable onsite AV team will provide support throughout the day offering a wide variety of services including filming, recording and streaming. The ground floor Grace Howard Room is the ideal room for delegates to arrive for registration and works very well for refreshments and lunches. French windows lead out onto the West Lodge gardens for some air during breaks and lunch. Why not finish the event with a drinks reception or a gala dinner in one of our beautiful private dining rooms.
AV Team Support
Our dedicated and experienced in-house Technology Support Team work with our Event Planning Team throughout the coordination stages. Together, they ensure that the room setups and all requirements are understood and correct, and provide AV support on the day allowing speakers and client event organisers to relax and focus. The Technology Support Team also provide face-to-face contact, ensuring that everything is ready on the day and quickly responding to any last minute requests, providing reassurance for both regular and new clients. Whether you need help with a projector, presentation, filming or streaming, our team will be by your side.
Private Dining
Downing College's Private Dining offering brings restaurant-standard cuisine to some of Cambridge's most distinctive settings, with menus created by Executive Head Chef Stephen Wade using seasonal, organic and locally sourced produce. From an intimate drinks reception with canapés to a full sit-down dinner, events can be tailored for groups of all sizes, with the West Lodge and Maitland Rooms offering a warm and inviting setting for up to 34 guests. Every dinner is presented with silverware, fresh flowers, candelabras and table linen as standard, complemented by personal touches such as bespoke menu cards, and delivered by a friendly and attentive team alongside a carefully selected wine list. White linen, candelabras, exquisite menus and excellent wines, set against classical architecture — this is the Cambridge College experience, and our team will create an occasion to remember. Visit our Private Dining page for more information, or contact the Conference Office at conference@dow.cam.ac.uk or 01223 334860 to discuss your enquiry.
Gala Dinners
For larger celebrations, Downing College's magnificent College Hall provides an extraordinary setting for gala dinners, accommodating up to 150 guests in truly memorable surroundings. As with all private dining at Downing, menus are created by Executive Head Chef Stephen Wade and his team using seasonal, organic and locally sourced produce, ensuring restaurant-quality cuisine that is perfectly prepared and exquisitely presented. Each gala dinner is enhanced with silverware, fresh flowers, candelabras and table linen as standard, along with personal touches such as bespoke menu cards and directional signage, all supported by a carefully chosen wine list and an attentive, experienced team. White linen, candelabras, exquisite menus and excellent wines, set against classical architecture — this is the Cambridge College experience, and our team will create an occasion to remember. Visit our Private Dining page for more information, or contact the Conference Office at conference@dow.cam.ac.uk or 01223 334860 to discuss your enquiry.
Group Accommodation
My name is Grace, and I am the new Conference and Events Coordinator here at Downing. I am the current face and writer behind the Newsletter, and am looking forward to keeping you up to date with ‘all things Downing’. I am a 2023 Criminology Graduate from the University of Lincoln, where my passion for Events Planning started from my role of Social Secretary & Ladies Captain for my University Hockey Team.
At the weekends I enjoy countryside walks with my two dogs (cocker spaniel & a dachshund) and spending quality time with family and friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here so far, Downing has the most wonderful community and I feel extremely privileged to work here. I look forward to working with and meeting our clients and members of Downing College!
Downing College is a fantastic residential conference and event venue, but did you know you can book our bedrooms for a group or individually? We have 180 ensuite bedrooms onsite, many with views of our grounds and gardens. The College is located in the centre of Cambridge just 12 minutes walk from the railway station perfect for a visit for work or pleasure to the City. Find out more by visiting our Accommodation page.
Downing College Weddings
Did you know that Downing College is licensed for outdoor weddings? Couples can choose to get married outdoors in the picturesque Fellows' Garden with the College Hall as a backdrop.. Don't worry, the Howard Building will always be available in the event of some bad weather, but fingers crossed it won't be required! If you are a Downing member or CU Alumni we still have a couple of dates left for summer 2026.
With its classical architecture and beautiful lawns, onsite accommodation and superb catering, Downing College makes a stunning wedding venue.
Visit our Wedding page to find out more and contact our Wedding Coordinator.
Downing Garden Tours and Courses
For the first time, Downing College is opening up it’s 20-acre site to gardening enthusiasts! Discover the gardens, meet the award-winning team and learn some new skills in a beautiful College environment. Whether you would like to have a gentle stroll and tour followed by some lunch in the College Hall, or get your hands dirty with a propagation course, this spring and summer we are offering the tours and courses with our Head Gardener Jack Sharp and his team.
Find out more about the course on our web-site.
Team Building on the River Cam
Cambridge is renowned for academic excellence, fine architecture... and rowing! The Cambridge Rowing Tank located in the Downing College Boat Club, is the first 8-person indoor training facility of its kind in the East of England. Consisting of two 10 tonne pools of water and a high tech AV system, this facility allows rowers to improve their technique in laboratory style conditions.
While you are holding your conference or meeting at Downing, why not try the ultimate "Cambridge" teambuilding activity by learning techniques in the tank, and afterwards, return to the College for a gala dinner and drinks!
For further information, contact our team conference@dow.cam.ac.uk
Summer at Downing College
As British Summertime has officially commenced, the Downing events team are hopeful of some glorious weather in Cambridge. Our West Lodge Gardens and Fellows' Gardens provide wonderfully open green space, ideal for BBQs and garden parties, and you are welcome to walk on the grass! Book your summer event at Downing and your guests can enjoy excellent wines, exquisite canapes and our latest BBQ menu all whilst relaxing in Downing's gardens.
Christmas at Downing College
Looking for a College venue for your Christmas party? Downing provides the perfect festive backdrop to your event, private dinner for up to 36 in the West Lodge and Maitland room, or under the 14ft Christmas tree in the College Hall. After a 4 course dinner, why not carry on the party in the Howard Building with a separate bar and lounge, and a disco or band upstairs in the Assembly Room. Accommodation is also available for your guests if they want to avoid queuing for a taxi!