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Van Mildert College

A natural lakeside setting and peaceful surroundings in one of the country’s most spectacular and historic cities combine to make Van Mildert College an ideal venue for any event.

Named after the last of Durham's mighty Prince Bishops, the College is only a short walk from the historic centre of Durham with its spectacular, world-famous Cathedral, which along with the city's Castle, has the accolade of being a World Heritage Site.
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The lake and buildings of Van Mildert College
Van Mildert College exterior at sunrise

Van Mildert College exterior

Students chatting in the Dining Hall

Van Mildert Dining Hall

About the College

Van Mildert College is named after William Van Mildert, the last of the Prince Bishops and a key figure in the foundation of the University. Founded in 1965, Van Mildert College is one of the largest University Colleges with over 1300 members and the largest dining hall within the University. Set upon a lake, Van Mildert College is situated in a unique and tranquil setting.

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Banqueting & Private Dining

Van Mildert can offer a gala dinner in the Ann Dobson Dining Hall for up to 350 diners in University vacations, our team can provide the highest quality food and drink in a stylish setting.

Resources

College Banqueting Menu 2023-24

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Accommodation

During University vacations Van Mildert College's accommodation, a short walk from the heart of the city, provides the perfect base from which to explore historic Durham City and the wider region.

The College has 30 twin en suite bedrooms in Tunstall Block. There are also another 377 standard bedrooms (with bathrooms facilities shared between 4 and 6 bedrooms) which are split between another 6 blocks within the College, making them ideal to house groups of school age children. All of these rooms are available in summer vacations.

Group bookings are welcome and catering can be arranged within the College's dining hall. The College also has a fully stocked bar.

Social Space can be offered in the Junior Common Room.

Groups requiring teaching or seminar rooms can use the College's meeting rooms or the nearby central teaching rooms, only a short walk away.

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Residential Conferences

During the University vacations Van Mildert can accommodate residential conferences for up to 50 delegates entirely within the College, situated a short 15 minute walk from the City Centre.

The College's meeting room is the Ustinov Room, which can hold up to 50 delegates in cabaret style. There are 125 en suite bedrooms (including 30 twin rooms) and also 377 standard bedrooms with shared bathrooms in the College which are available during summer vacations.

Should your conference require facilities in addition to those at Van Mildert College, then other University Venues that can be utilised. Other facilities include additional lecture rooms for up to 400, large halls suitable for exhibitions; additional bedrooms or even a Gala Dinner at Durham Castle, all situated within a short walk of the College.

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Meetings

Ustinov Room

Meeting Room Theatre Style Cabaret Classroom Boardroom U-Shaped Dining
Ustinov Room - 50 - - - -

 

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Guest Information

Travel Information

An East Asian woman talks on the phone while in her car

By taxi

Van Mildert College is a 5 minute taxi ride (aproximately £5) from Durham Station. All the taxi drivers know the College, so you won't need to give them directions.

Three female students walking in corridor in University College

By foot

If you're carrying light luggage, the walk from the station through town is picturesque and will take about 30 minutes, there is a tourist map on the platform. The College is situated just to the south Durham City centre.

By road from the north

Durham City is easy to approach from the A1 motorway. Leave A1(M) at Junction 62 and take the A690 to Durham. At the second roundabout turn left across the River Wear. Continue straight on through two sets of traffic lights and ascend past the University Science site. Keep going up the hill, go past Grey and Collingwood Colleges on the left, then at the top of the hill, turn right onto Elvet Hill Road. Take the first left and Van Mildert College is then on your left.

Signpost showing help, support, advice, guidance

By road from the south

Leave A1(M) at Junction 61. At the roundabout take first left on to A177 Bowburn and Durham. Go through Bowburn and Shincliffe and continue for 3-4 miles. Ascend to a roundabout, take the first left past the University Science Site and turn left at traffic lights. Ascend the hill (South Road) past Grey and Collingwood Colleges on the left, and take the right turn at the top of the hill, onto Elvet Hill Road. Take the first left and Van Mildert College is then on your left.

  

  

Get in Touch

Telephone: +44 (0) 191 334 2887

Van Mildert College

Durham University
Mill Hill Lane
Durham
DH1 3LH