Six reasons why you should visit Girton College on the University of Cambridge Open Days

We may be known as one of the ‘far away’ Colleges, but Girton is just a short drive, walk, or cycle out of Cambridge city centre. 

With over 20 acres of gardens and orchards set alongside beautiful red brick buildings to explore, here are just 6 of the reasons why you should add Girton to your list of places to visit on 4 and 5 July. 

Discover Girton’s pioneering history

Did you know that Girton was the UK’s first residential institution for the higher education of women? Girton’s early alumni included the first woman elected as Fellow of the Royal Society, Hertha Ayrton.

Get answers to all your burning questions

Our student ambassadors will be available throughout the day to show you around and answer any questions you might have – about accommodation, the admissions process or what it’s actually like to live at Girton.

Explore student accommodation with our room viewings

On 4 and 5 July, we’re opening up a selection of accommodation especially for prospective students to come and look around. Find out where you could be living and learning if your application to Girton College is successful.

Visit a College, take a break

Girton is the perfect place to stop and pause during a busy day visiting the sites of the University of Cambridge. Take a peaceful stroll through the gardens, explore our 150-year-old orchard, and refuel on caffeine and cake at the Social Hub café.

Come and see our bees

Earlier this year, Girton welcomed some unique new College members – a hive of bees! Based next to our sensory garden surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, these new residents have bagged one of the College's best spots. 

Check out our on-site museum

If you join us on Thursday 4 July, you can check out The Lawrence Room, our on-site museum home to Mediterranean, Anglo-Saxon and Egyptian art and artefacts. The star of the show is Hermione – a first-century AD Roman portrait mummy. The beauty of Hermione’s portrait and the intricate pattern of her linen wrappings make her remarkable. The inscription Hermionê Grammatikê (‘Hermione the language teacher’ or ‘Hermione the literary lady’) makes her unique, and her resting place apt.

The Lawrence Room is open on Thursdays between 14:00 and 16:00.

More about visits and open days here.