Girton College, Cambridge

History

On 16 October 1869, the ‘College for Women’ opened at Benslow House in Hitchin, 30 miles south of Cambridge. This was a small-scale start in a rented property but the new College was born of an audacious vision.

As student numbers grew, and the Hitchin lease drew to an end, it was decided to move nearer to Cambridge for ease of integration into the life and work of the University. Various options were debated and in 1872 a site close to Girton village was secured. Here there was room for buildings and gardens and the potential for later growth.

 In October 1873, the College, and its then 13 students, moved from Hitchin to Girton into a building designed by Alfred Waterhouse (and later augmented by both his son and his grandson). The new building could accommodate up to 21 students and three resident staff. Its three floors also included a dining hall (now Old Hall) and kitchens, reading room, reception room, three lecture rooms, a prayer room, entrance hall, and servants’ quarters. From the very beginning, Girton opened a door to the residential educational experience that is the hallmark of collegiate Cambridge.

Girton was the UK’s first residential institution offering university-level education for women. Girton’s foundation was a bold step towards women’s full and equal participation in political, social and economic life. Girton became a mixed college in 1979. 

Today, Girton College is a permanent institution within the world-class University of Cambridge, with enough heritage and new build accommodation, spread over 65 acres of gardens and grounds, to house over 700 of its students.

Food & beverage

All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. The cafeteria and the social hub café bar offer meals, snacks and hot drinks throughout the day which can be purchased using a debit or credit card. Meals puchased through the cafeteria can be eaten in the Great Hall. The social hub café bar offers a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks in the evenings.

During term, October - June, rooms are on a room only basis. July - September breakfast is inlcuded.

Please note the cafeteria or social hub café bar are currently not open until 11am on Sundays 

Grounds & Gardens

The college sits in 50 acres with woodland walks, orchard, pond and gardens which guests are welcome to enjoy.

Other facilities

Residents have free access to parking, Wi-Fi, the indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, chapel, prayer room, peoples portraits, museum (open on a Thursday) and grounds. The laundry room has washing machines and tumble dryers (token operated). 

Please note, there must be a minimum of two swimmers to use the swimming pool.