Family Day on Saturday, 19 July 2025

We are delighted to welcome you back to Selwyn for our annual Family Day — a relaxed and informal afternoon for alumni, friends, families and children of all ages, taking place from 2.00 - 5.00pm on Saturday 19 July.

We'll be serving welcome drinks in Old Court upon arrival, from 2.00 - 2.30pm. Feel free to come a little earlier and bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. And don't miss the chance to play our giant Jenga and Connect Four! 

The Old Court café bar will also be open throughout.

Find our events itinerary and the booking form below.

For families & children

Mad Science Shows
2.15 - 2.45pm and 3.45 - 4.15pm:
Join the Mad Scientists for this motion and mayhem, high-voltage show that sparks excitement. Brave volunteers can have a hair-raising experience on the pedal powered Van de Graaff as static electricity lifts their locks sky high, and you’ll even witness lightning leaping from the Tesla Coil to fingertips. Ideal for ages 4 - 11, but fun for all ages.

Children's entertainer

Our amazing children's entertainer is back with their incredible balloon creations for the younger members of your family.

For grown-ups only

Selwyn wine cellar tours (Requires advance booking - places strictly limited)
2.15pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm
Join our Deputy Head Butler, Phil Shephard, for an exclusive tour of the Selwyn College cellar. Discover the variety of wines we store; learn how they're stored and enjoy the chance to ask Phil any questions you may have along the way.

This tour requires stair access and is not wheelchair accessible. Ceilings are low in some areas.

For all

Talk in the Quarry Whitehouse Auditorium: Surviving with kids in the rainforest
2.30 - 3.00pm
Selwyn alumnus Greg Dickens (SE 2004) took an 18-month sabbatical with his family, living in remote Amazonian and African communities to discover how children are raised in ways that promote better long-term health than in the UK. Greg will share highlights from his journey - like giant otters exploring just feet from his camp - along with some of the challenges, including battling spiders, snakes, and dealing with appendicitis 36 hours away from a hospital. Learn about the key findings he uncovered, and how his experiences led to lasting changes in how he approaches his children's long-term health.

Complimentary cream tea
3.00 - 4.00pm
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of scones, strawberries and cream in Old Court.

Gardens tour (Requires advance booking)
3.45 - 4.45pm
Join Head Gardener Alex Turner for a tour of the gardens. Find out more about the different plants and flowers and the work involved in maintaining these beautiful gardens, with the opportunity to ask questions and get tips for your own garden!

Music all afternoon
Live jazz from Olly Wedgwood (SE 1993) and his trio will set the perfect atmosphere while relaxing in the gardens.

Open access to all the new buildings
Explore the college's newest buildings during the afternoon at your own pace. Visit the Quarry Whitehouse Auditorium and Bartlam Library, enjoy 360° Cambridge views from the tower, and see the transformed Old Library, now housing College Archives, supervision rooms, and a medic/vet resources room with a digital dissection table.

We look forward to seeing you in July.

Please book in advance below for catering purposes, and to secure a place on one of the tours. There’s no charge for this event.