Founded by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) in 1948, Denman offered day schools and residential courses in cookery, craft and lifestyle, as well a variety of events, conferences and weddings.

The present house dates from the late 17th century but was heavily remodelled for Thomas Duffield in around 1820.

[3] By the 21st century, students attending Denman did not have to be members of the WI, and the college accepted male and female learners, as well as those with young children for family courses in the Cookery School.

Course subject areas included arts, crafts, music, history, sport, technology and more.

In July 2020 the trustees announced that they could no longer afford to run Denman at a loss, and proposed its permanent closure.