Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic city of striking charm, balancing a lively atmosphere with serene riverside scenery. For those staying in Cambridge for the conference, we have put together a short guide of places to stay, where to eat, and things to do during your stay.

Accommodation

The conference is based in Eddington, in the northwest of the city. There are a selection of hotels available either in Eddington itself, or in Cambridge city centre. There are easy transport links between Eddington and Cambridge city centre (see Venue). 

Eddington

• Turing Locke offers modern, apartment-style rooms, while Hyatt Centric Cambridge is a 4* sustainable hotel. Both hotels offer a communal coworking space and workout studio, with in-house restaurants and bars.

• Premier Inn Cambridge North is a 10 minute walk to the conference venue.

Cambridge city centre

Accommodation in Cambridge can cover almost every budget and taste.

• For a more luxurious stay, the Varsity hotel and spa is a 4* boutique hotel in the heart of Cambridge city centre, with a rooftop bar overlooking city skylines. Clayton Hotel Cambridge is a 4* hotel, just steps away from the station. The Hilton Cambridge is the largest hotel in Cambridge with a 4* rating and very central location.

• At certain times of the year, it is possible to stay within one of the iconic Cambridge colleges. However, rooms are limited during University term times. Any availability is shown through University Rooms.

• For the more budget-conscious, Travelodge and Premier Inn are affordable hotel chains with several hotels in and around Cambridge. YHA Cambridge offers shared dorms and private rooms, 5 minutes walk from the train station. 

For more accommodation options, please see Visit Cambridge - Accommodation.

Places to Eat

For a small city, Cambridge offers a wide diversity of bars and restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. A few personal recommendations from the conference team are provided below.

• Fitzbillies is famous in Cambridge for traditional Chelsea buns, and afternoon tea.

• Cambridge Market Square is home to a historic market with lots of street food options during the day.

• Jacks Gelato is the place to go for unique gelato flavours (even in January, and ask about the secret flavour!).

• Little Petra is a traditional Jordanian restaurant, within walking distance from the train station.

• Dishoom's Permit Room offers all day Bombay-inspired comfort food and cocktails.

• Hot Numbers serve good coffee and brunch items in several locations around the city.

• Mill Road is one of the most lively parts of Cambridge, packed with different independent bars and restaurants.

Things to do

Although January is in the middle of British winter, there are still plenty of things to do in and around Cambridge, should you choose to extend your stay while visiting for the conference.

• There are several free museums, including the Museum of Zoology, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and the Polar Museum. The Cambridge Botanical Garden is open year around.

• Many of Cambridge University's historic colleges are open to visitors during the day, either for free or for a small charge. The world-famous King's College Choir regularly perform in free Evensong services in the Chapel. 

• Parkrun is a weekly free 5km community running event, with one held in Eddington on Saturday mornings.

• Cambridge Corn Exchange has hosted a range of events and shows for the last 150 years.

• Explore the River Cam on a traditional Cambridge Punt - but dress warmly!

• Discover tiny portals to other worlds by searching out the unique Dinky Door trail.

• Hear about the darker and mysterious side of the city through a Creepy Cambridge Ghost Walk.