Downing College

Founded in 1807, Downing College has a unique and magnificent setting midst twenty acres of lawns and trees, yet is within half a mile of the historic centre of Cambridge. The buildings date back to the beginning of the 19th Century and are predominantly neo-classical in style conveying a sense of elegance and spaciousness.  All this is combined with an excellent range of conference and function facilities that can accommodate large conferences, smaller meetings, board meetings, weddings, gala dinners and private dining.

The Howard Building, a modern lecture facility situated on West Lodge Garden, donated to the College by Dr Alan Howard is in keeping with the original buildings and has been widely acclaimed for its architectural splendour consisting of a reception room with bar and lecture theatre. The new Howard Theatre, due for completion in late 2009, will offer tiered and gallery seating for up to 160, as well as the Grace Howard Room, a 160 sqm space, perfect for exhibitions, refreshments and a number of dining options.

At Downing we pride ourselves in providing a friendly and professional service with high standards, where nothing is too much trouble.  You will be supported by our experienced Conference Team who will assist you with the detailed planning of your event from conception to completion. 

 

Rooms

Capacity									Room Information
View larger version	The Howard Building - Lecture Room	0	100	160	60	30	40	60	This magnificent building, created specifically with conference requirements in mind offers two floors of facilities. On the first floor the 160 seat Lecture Room is fully equipped with a multi-media projection and audio system. There is a small stage area to allow the speaker to be elevated, making the room ideal for presentations, lectures, training sessions and other events. The flat floor allows for flexibility of layout from theatre style to boardroom and cabaret. The building is fully accessible, with a lift between the floors.
View larger version	The Howard Building - Lounge	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	This magnificent building, created specifically with conference requirements in mind offers two floors of facilities. On the ground floor the Howard Building Lounge offers a large reception area with a fitted bar, ideal for registrations, drinks receptions, refreshments breaks and lunch or dinner buffets. The building is fully accessible, with a lift between the floors.
View larger version	The Howard Theatre (t)	0	0	160	0	0	0	0	The new Howard Theatre offers tiered and gallery seating for 160. The design, by Quinlan and Francis Terry, shows the College's commitment to neo-classicism whilst at the same time offering an environmentally-sustainable stone building using ground-source technology for heating and cooling. Inside the decorative ceiling evokes the spirit of Georgian Theatre. All floors are fully accessible by lift.
View larger version	The Grace Howard Room	80	180	90	0	0	0	80	The Grace Howard Room is on the ground floor of the new Howard Theatre and offers a space of 160sqm, ideal for exhibitions and refreshment breaks, as well as a number of different dining options, such as formal dining for up to 80 and drinks receptions for up to 180.
View larger version	The Hall	168	168	0	0	0	0	0	The Hall, has a grand classical interior with columns and finishes that reflect the spirit of the Greek revival period. This flexible space lends itself to all forms of catering, from cafeteria style meals to formal dinners and wedding receptions for up to 168 guests
View larger version	Music Room & Annex	0	0	60	20	20	20	0	Located directly above the West Lodge, the Music Room & Annex are a stunning combination of two adjoining rooms, which can be used as one space, or as separate rooms. An ideal venue for boardroom style meetings or presentations, break out rooms, or for refreshments and receptions.
View larger version	West Lodge and Maitland Rooms	50	70	60	15	20	20	0	Located below the Music Room and the Annexe, the West Lodge and Maitland Rooms are adjoining, multi-purpose rooms, which are ideal for smaller seminars, or one large meeting room when joined. They are particularly suitable for company presentations, private dinners for up to 50, as well as drinks receptions and parties.
View larger version	Wilkins Room	0	22	30	18	22	22	0	Elegantly situated overlooking the tranquil East Lodge Garden, this room is ideal for boardroom style meetings or lectures.
View larger version	The Fleet Room	24	0	0	0	0	14	0	Located close to the Hall, the Fleet Room is an elegant wood-panelled room ideal for smaller lunches and formal dinners for up to 24 guests.
View larger version	The Howard Theatre - Meeting Rooms 1-3	0	0	0	0	0	10	0	Meeting Rooms 1-3 are situated within the new Howard Theatre and offer the perfect solution for smaller, boardroom-style meetings. The rooms are fully equipped with a suite of audio-visual facilities.

Accommodation

								Room Information
	285	148	137	75	30	2	Yes	A recent refurbishment programme has given us 96 superior standard en suite bedrooms, 32 of which have been furnished with double beds. A further 49 standard en suite rooms complete the complement of 146 en suite rooms. A small number of rooms in the superior accommodation have accessible status. Many of the rooms can also be offered for twin occupancy. An image of a standard bedroom can be found in the Gallery.

Technical Facilities

Overhead Projector & Screen
Flipchart
35mm Slide Projector
TV & Video
Data Projector
Photocopying
IT Facilities
DVD
Broadband
Multi-media projection system
PA System
Radio Microphones
Internet Access

For any facilities we do not have, we can offer competitive rates on a whole range of hired in audio visual facilities and support staff.

Sports Facilities

Tennis
Croquet
Sports fields
Fitness Studio

Notes

Parking	50 spaces
Weddings	Civil Wedding License Non College Members Wedding Receptions
Music	Yes
Summer School	18 - can be flexible
Policies on Children	Children with parents during daytime events only
Notes	No religious music allowed for civil ceremonies.

Contact Info

Tel: 01223 334860

Web: Click here to view the venue's website >>

Email: conference@dow.cam.ac.uk

If you contact any venues directly, we would be very grateful if you would be kind enough to let them know that you found the details here.

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