Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Iris Café

Newnham College, Dorothy Garrod Building - Ground Floor, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9DF

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To and Around Newnham College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Newnham College is situated just south west of Cambridge city centre in Sidgwick Avenue which can be accessed from the A603. Please note that Silver Street is closed to cars for part of the day and has a ‘tidal flow’ system for the rest. At most times it will be easier, when approaching the College from the southern part of Cambridge, to use Fen Causeway. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There are 4 car parks at Newnham College; Visitors Car Park, Clough Car Park, Peile Car Park and the Sportsfield Car Park. Blue Badge parking is available in the Visitor Car Park. Anyone requiring on-site parking will need prior permission. For short-term visitors and for those with disabilities it is helpful to contact the Head Porter in advance. Students are not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements. On-street parking on Sidgwick is free to holders displaying their Blue Badge.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. Newnham College has several bicycle storage facilities. The main one being the bike shed that runs between Newnham Walk and Sidgwick Avenue, parallel to the Rosalind Franklin Building. There are also cycle stands in the Clough and Peile car parks.
    • For more information on getting to Newnham College please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is via the Porters’ Lodge which is located in Sidgwick Avenue, close to the Visitors Car Park. Access is via a sloped walkway with a slight gradient leading to an automatic door with an opening width of 92cm. The sloped walkway bypasses 4 steps (Photographs 1 and 2). From the Porters' Lodge there is internal step-free access to the ground floors of the Dorothy Garrod and Fawcett Buildings and out to the gardens.
    • There is also step-free access to Clough Building from Sidgwick Avenue via the slight ramp leading to the Buttery Street Entrance. The ramp bypasses 1 step (Photograph 3). This entrance has a single automatic door with an opening width of 114cm (Photograph 4). A key card is required is to activate this entrance, or you can press the intercom button to talk to the Duty Porters who can remotely open this street door. The height of the key card reader and intercom button is 88cm. Alternatively, there is the Kennedy Street Door which is located further along Sidgwick Avenue and gives access to the Kennedy Building (Photographs 5 and 6). This entrance has a manual door, which may be difficult for some to open, with an opening width of 78cm. There is a 4cm step at the entrance which is not clearly marked. A key card is required for this entrance. The height of the key card reader is 110cm. This entrance has a single automatic door with an opening width of 114cm (Photograph 4). A key card is required is to activate this entrance, or you can press the intercom button to talk to the Duty Porters who can remotely open this street door. The height of the key card reader and intercom button is 88cm.
    • In addition to the entrances in Sidgwick Avenue the College site can also be accessed via the Peile Building. The entrance to that building is located in the Peile Car Park but was out of use at the time of the survey due to construction works (Photograph 7). There is also a long, level gravel footpath leading into the College site from the Sportsfield Car Park which can be accessed from Barton Road (Photograph 8). This footpath can also be accessed via a single manual pedestrian gate at the end of Clare Road (Photograph 9). The gate is heavy and has an opening width of 137cm. This gate is open between 07.00 and 20.30.
    • Finally, there are several access points to the College site in Newnham Walk. The Clough Gates (under the Pfeiffer Arch) at the end of Newnham Walk have a pedestrian gate (Photograph 10) which gives access to the gardens via a passageway under the Pfeiffer Arch. The pedestrian gate is quite narrow and if the gate is closed (but unlocked) it is very heavy to open without assistance. The pedestrian gate is held open and has an opening width of 80cm. The surface immediately beyond the gate has a slight gradient up then down (Photograph 11). For those with key cards there are 2 more step-free gates along Newnham Walk which give access to the College site at either side of the Dorothy Garrod Building (Photographs 12 and 13). Both gates are manual with opening widths of approximately 90cm and card readers at approximately 120cm. There are also key card gates at either end of the bike shed passageway that runs between Newnham Walk and the Visitors Car Park (Photographs 14-16). The gates open automatically when activated but the gate at the Newnham Walk end does have a 4cm step at the threshold (Photograph 17). Finally, there are several access points to the College site in Newnham Walk. The Clough Gates (under the Pfeiffer Arch) at the end of Newnham Walk has a pedestrian gate (Photograph 10) which give access to the gardens via a passageway under the Pfeiffer Arch. The pedestrian gate is quite narrow and if the gate is closed (but unlocked) it is very heavy to open without assistance.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The external areas of the College site have an extensive network of gravel paths that are flat and mostly wide (120cm-150+cm) (Photographs 18-24). There are many bench seats and deckchairs provided for people to rest. Many of the buildings are connected internally but all buildings can be accessed externally from this network of paths.
    • The small Rose Garden close to the Pfeiffer Building is accessed via 6 steps that do not have handrails or markings (Photograph 25). There are also 6 unmarked steps, without handrails, for access to a raised area with a monument and stone seats in the Western Garden, in front of the Peile Building (Photographs 26 and 27). Close to the Old Labs there is bench seat shelter which is accessed via a paved path which is quite uneven (Photograph 28). There are 2 steps leading up to the seating compartments (Photograph 29).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • There is step-free access into most of the buildings on the College site and there are also lifts in the Clough Building (Photographs 30 and 31) which give access to the upper floors in that building.
    • There is not much directional signage (Photographs 32 and 33 show the map boards that were seen along 2 of the paths) around the external areas of the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Porters’ Lodge (please see the Detailed Access Guide for further information).

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Visitors Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Sidgwick Avenue, close to the Porters' Lodge.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porter's Lodge and the Rosalind Franklin Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 450cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Porters' Lodge.

Getting To (Iris Café)

  • Location View
    • The Iris Café is located on the ground floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Goddard Building.
    • The café is accessed off the left hand side of the Porters' Lodge.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Iris Café.
    • Newnham College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in Sidgwick Avenue.
    • This entrance gives access to the Porters' Lodge and Dorothy Garrod Building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'PORTERS' LODGE'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 118cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located along the walkway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located between the Sidgwick Avenue path and the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • The sloped walkway leading to the entrance has a block paving surface and is slightly uneven in places.
    • A key card is only required at this entrance between 00.00 and 06.00.

Outside Access (Patio Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the Newnham College gardens.
    • This entrance gives access to the Iris Café.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 120cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 121cm.
    • There are 2 additional sets of similar doors in this area which have one door locked and do not have a key card reader.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in the doorway.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 3cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
    • There is also a single manual door with a locked extension leaf.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is a Localised Field Induction Loop (LFL) for which the customer has to turn their hearing aid to T.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 99cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 71cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 72cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 71cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 36cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 107cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables, armchairs, sofas, booths, bench seats, stools and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • Access to the additional seating area is via through the patio doors.
    • Additional seating is on the patio which is a stone paved and gravel area.

Toilet with Adaptations (Porters' Lodge - Visitors - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the rear left of the Porters' Lodge reception area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 239cm (4ft 10in x 7ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Porters' Lodge - Visitors)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located off the left of the Porters' Lodge reception area.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.