Gonville & Caius College was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest Cambridge Colleges. The Old Courts are situated right in the heart of Cambridge and are home to a number of traditional rooms suitable for small meetings. whilst larger conferences can be accommodated in the historic surroundings of the Bateman auditorium. The main dining hall seats up to 184 guests and is the perfect setting for gala dinners and weddings.
As well as traditional event spaces, the College offers modern conferencing facilities at its West Road site. With on-site accommodation, including 172 en suite bedrooms, available during the University's vacation period, it is an ideal location for residential conferences.
Five Reasons To Book Gonville & Caius College
- Located in the heart of the city centre, a stone's throw from the market square
- Being the fourth oldest Cambridge College, the architecture provides a truly historic backdrop for your next event
- A combination of traditional and modern meeting space with courtyards for drinks receptions and private, Tudor dining rooms
- The gardens at the College's West Road site are perfect for team-building activities in the summer months
- Experience the wow factor on arrival; guests are greeted with a stunning avenue of trees, the College is the only one to have such a spectacle within its walls!
Sustainable Fact
Any food waste is collected and sent for composting.
Venue Insight
We caught up with Simon Gascoyne, Conference & Events Manager, to find out more about this unique academic venue.
Tell us all about your role
My role is fantastic! We liaise with a huge variety of people on a daily basis, from external event planners to internal customers including students, Fellows and colleagues. Our office is involved in planning and assisting all types of events from College feasts to company away days; weddings to student society dinners. We're also inolved in marketing activities and we operate our the bed and breakfast service too which is available during the University's vacation periods.
Tell us something we might not know about your venue
Lord Nelson's father was a Caian. Two cousins, both named Edmund Nelson, entered College in 1741 and 1743. The first was Horatio Nelson's father, the second become a Fellow. However, it is a myth that Nelson's father was a Fellow.
What has been your most memorable event?
One of my favourite annual events is a garden party for nearly 250 PhD students. It's held in the Harvey Court Gardens. There's a BBQ and Pimms a-plenty, and guests are entertained with a jazz band who play under the shade of the garden's beautiful trees. It's the absolute epitome of a great summer event, what's not to love!
What can guests expect when attending an event?
Guests arriving at our Old Courts can expect a friendly welcome from the Porters followed by a short walk through the historic courtyards. Once in their traditional style meeting room, or wood panelled Tudor dining room they will experience exemplary service and delicious, fresh, locally sourced food. Alternatively, guests arriving at our West Road site, close to the famous College Backs, will find modern meeting space and comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation and expansive gardens to relax in.
