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Hughes Hall is located on Mortimer Road, close to the city centre and near Parker’s Piece, one of Cambridge’s largest open spaces. The college’s architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles, reflecting its history and evolution. The main building, Margaret Wileman Building, is a large Victorian house that retains much of its original charm. It serves as the heart of the college, with common rooms, offices, and dining areas.

In recent years, the college has expanded with the construction of modern facilities, including the Centenary Building, which provides accommodation and study spaces for students. The college’s relatively small grounds include landscaped gardens and outdoor seating areas, offering a peaceful space for relaxation and socialising. Hughes Hall’s location on the edge of the city centre provides easy access to Cambridge’s main academic and social hubs, while still maintaining a sense of tranquillity.

Homerton College’s architecture is a mix of traditional Victorian and modern design, reflecting its long history and recent development as a full member of the University of Cambridge. The original Victorian buildings, with their grand spires and intricate brickwork, form the heart of the college and give it a distinctive character. The Great Hall is one of Homerton’s architectural highlights, a grand space used for formal dining and college events.

In contrast to the historical buildings, Homerton’s more recent additions, such as the Mary Allan Building and the Cavendish Building, provide state-of-the-art facilities and modern accommodation. The college is set on extensive grounds, which include spacious lawns, beautiful gardens, and even a small orchard. This blend of historic and contemporary elements creates a peaceful, open environment that sets Homerton apart from many of the more central, enclosed colleges.

The architecture of Gonville & Caius College is a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and modern styles, reflecting its long history and evolving academic life. The college’s famous “Tree Court” and “Gonville Court” contain some of its oldest buildings, which date back to the 14th century. The most striking architectural feature is the trio of gates: the Gate of Humility, the Gate of Virtue, and the Gate of Honour, which symbolically represent the academic journey of students through the college.

The college grounds include tranquil courtyards and green spaces that provide a serene environment for study and relaxation. The more modern Harvey Court and Stephen Hawking Building offer up-to-date accommodation and facilities while maintaining harmony with the historic core. Caius also benefits from being close to the River Cam, adding to its picturesque surroundings and making it an inspiring place for students and visitors alike.

Girton College is situated about two miles northwest of Cambridge city centre, on a beautiful 50-acre site that offers a tranquil, rural atmosphere. The college’s original red-brick Victorian building, designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, is one of the most striking and recognisable in Cambridge. The main building, known as the “Tower Wing,” has a distinctive Gothic Revival style, with its bold arches, spires, and detailed stonework.

The college grounds are expansive and include large gardens, playing fields, and even a duck pond, creating a serene and spacious environment for students. Girton also boasts one of the best collections of art among Cambridge colleges, with its own museum, the Lawrence Room, housing a range of antiquities and rare objects. The mix of historic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings makes Girton a unique and inspiring place to live and study.

Fitzwilliam College’s architecture is an eclectic mix of modern and more traditional styles, reflecting its evolution over the years. The college’s main buildings were designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, whose modernist designs are a key feature of Fitzwilliam’s identity. The central Grove Building, with its striking, clean lines and use of glass and concrete, stands as a bold symbol of the college’s progressive outlook.

In contrast to this modernist core, Fitzwilliam’s grounds include The Grove, an 18th-century building that once housed the college’s original students. The college grounds are spacious, with plenty of green space, gardens, and trees, creating a peaceful and welcoming environment. The gardens, in particular, are a highlight, offering students and visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustle of Cambridge life. The extensive sports facilities and outdoor spaces also make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Emmanuel College is renowned for its beautiful blend of historical and modern architecture. The college’s original buildings, such as the chapel, were designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century and are prime examples of classical English architecture. The chapel was originally built as part of a Dominican friary before the college was founded, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the site. The Old Library, which dates back to 1677, and the Front Court are both well-preserved and give visitors a glimpse of the college’s past.

In contrast, the more recent North Court and South Court reflect the college’s growth and development in the 20th century, offering modern accommodation and facilities while maintaining harmony with the older buildings. The college’s gardens, including a picturesque pond and lush lawns, are some of the most tranquil in Cambridge, providing a peaceful escape for students and visitors alike. The Fellows’ Garden, in particular, is a hidden gem, offering a quiet, green space for reflection and relaxation.

Downing College is renowned for its grand neoclassical architecture, a striking departure from the Gothic and Baroque styles of many other Cambridge colleges. Designed by William Wilkins, the architect behind the National Gallery in London, the college’s elegant buildings are arranged around expansive lawns and form a harmonious quadrangle.

The central quadrangle, known as the Downing Site, is framed by columns and porticos, lending the college a sense of classical grandeur. The large green spaces and wide pathways give Downing a more open and spacious feel compared to the enclosed courts of older colleges. Its grounds are also beautifully landscaped, with mature trees and well-tended gardens, creating a peaceful oasis in the city’s heart.

Darwin College occupies a scenic position on the banks of the River Cam, with its buildings spread across a picturesque stretch of riverfront. The college’s main site is a blend of modern and historical architecture, reflecting its relatively recent establishment alongside Cambridge’s centuries-old traditions.

One of the key features is Newnham Grange, the former home of the Darwin family, which forms part of the college’s grounds. The house is a fine example of 19th-century domestic architecture and retains much of its period charm. Surrounding Newnham Grange, the college has expanded with modern additions, including the Rayne Building and the Darwin Library, providing state-of-the-art facilities while maintaining harmony with the natural environment. The college gardens, leading down to the river, offer a peaceful retreat for students, and the Darwin punt is a favourite among residents for enjoying Cambridge’s famous waterways.

Corpus Christi College’s architecture is a fascinating blend of medieval, Renaissance, and modern styles. The Old Court, dating from the 1350s, is one of the oldest surviving courts in Cambridge and retains much of its original medieval character. The Chapel, a beautiful example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, was built in the late 14th century and remains a focal point of the college’s spiritual life.

Across from Old Court is the more expansive and grand New Court, built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style. Its sweeping lawns and ornate stonework are a striking contrast to the more intimate and enclosed Old Court. The college also boasts a tranquil garden and the ancient Parker Library, housed in a building that echoes Corpus Christi’s long historical ties with academia.

Situated in the heart of Cambridge, Corpus Christi’s combination of historic architecture and modern facilities offers a charming and inspiring environment for its students.

Clare Hall’s architecture reflects its modern origins, with buildings designed to promote both communal and private study. The college’s main structures were designed by Sir Leslie Martin, blending contemporary and functional architectural elements with a sense of openness. The architecture is characterised by clean lines, expansive glass windows, and an emphasis on natural light, creating an atmosphere conducive to scholarly work and reflection.

The college is located on Herschel Road, slightly west of the city centre, in a quiet, residential area. Clare Hall’s grounds are compact but beautifully maintained, offering peaceful gardens and open spaces for relaxation. Unlike the historic grandeur of older Cambridge colleges, Clare Hall’s modern architecture and tranquil setting offer a calm, reflective environment that supports focused academic work.