Destination Spotlight: Cambridge
Meet the unexpected with Cambridge
Welcome to Cambridge – a city defined by innovation, extraordinary talent, and a legacy that has shaped the world.
Located in the East of England, with direct links to London in under 45 minutes and Stansted Airport just 30 minutes away, Cambridge is well-connected and easy to reach. It’s home to the world-renowned University of Cambridge and a thriving science and technology sector, attracting global thought leaders and innovators.
For event planners, it’s a destination that offers far beyond lecture halls and libraries. Think candlelit medieval dinners, drinks beneath a whale skeleton, punting your way to a gala dinner, and venues where world-changing conversations once echoed. Cambridge doesn’t just host events, it inspires them - offering unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Venues that inspire
Cambridge Union Society
Step inside the world’s oldest continuously running debating society and feel the electricity of ideas past and present. Founded in 1815, the Cambridge Union Society has hosted everyone from Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and James Baldwin to Brian Cox and Emma Thompson.
Today, spaces such as the Debating Chamber, the Richard Hawkins Room, and the atmospheric Keynes Library - still marked by WWII shrapnel - add drama, history and storytelling power to any event.
Magdalene College
If your delegates have never dined by candlelight in a 16th-century hall, now is the time. Magdalene College offers one of Cambridge’s most magical settings: a medieval dining hall once used by Benedictine monks, lit entirely by candles.
With no electric lighting, up to 110 delegates can enjoy candlelit dinners beneath stained-glass windows and royal heraldry, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that is utterly unique.
St Catharine’s College
St Catharine’s College unites six centuries of heritage with modern innovation. Walk in the footsteps of alumni like Sir Ian McKellen (actor), John Addenbrooke (medical doctor), Harivansh Rai Bachchan (poet & writer), before heading to the contemporary McGrath Centre, a multi-purpose building fully equipped with AV facilities and an auditorium, foyer and bar for up to 154 people.
From elegant formal dinners in The Dining Hall for 180 delegates to high-tech meeting spaces, ‘Catz’ captures Cambridge’s signature blend of old and new perfectly.
Jesus College
Once home to medieval nuns, Jesus College now offers some of the city’s most character-filled meeting spaces.
The Prioress Room, once the chambers of the head of the nunnery from the mid-12th century to the late 15th century, is now available to host intimate meetings overlooking the Bronze Horse sculpture and tranquil courtyards. The Bronze Horse, designed and created by renowned British artist Barry Flanagan, is said to represent a Cambridge student, small in stature but poised for greatness through education and discipline.
Alongside the Chapel, Bain Room and manicured grounds, Jesus offers a further 16 unique spaces rich in both character and charm. You can find out more about them here.
Corpus Christi
In the heart of the city sits Corpus Christi, the sixth oldest Cambridge college and the only Oxbridge college to be founded by townspeople rather than royalty, nobility or the Church.
You can enjoy a grand dining hall, secluded gardens, and a 400-year-old mulberry tree in the Fellows’ Garden that has seen centuries of conversations unfold. Each corner is authentic and full of stories just waiting to be told.
St John’s College
Few entrances deliver a bigger ‘wow’ moment than St John’s College – complete with its very own private punt station.
Founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VIII, and with an impressive list of alumni, including 12 Nobel Prizes, seven Prime Ministers, 12 Archbishops of various countries and at least two princes and three saints, it’s 500 years of history are woven into every stone.
With 18 acres of stunning ground, enjoy a reception in the historic cloisters and gardens, cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs and dine in the magnificent 16th-century Hall – an unforgettable event setting and Cambridge at its most cinematic!
Newnham College
Founded in 1871 as one of the UK’s first women-only colleges, Newnham is a place shaped by trailblazers.
The Old Labs were established as a dedicated women-only scientific research facility, welcoming great minds such as Rosalind Franklin who discovered the DNA double helix. Today, the college offers a range of versatile and light-filled spaces. From the Observatory and Roof Terrace to elegant historic meeting rooms and 17 acres of sweeping gardens, Newnham is an inspiring choice with purpose and legacy at its core.
Selwyn College
Founded in 1882 and named after the first Bishop of New Zealand, Selwyn College offers a warm and welcoming collegiate atmosphere. Located beside the University’s arts, humanities and law faculties, the college features historic buildings transformed into modern meeting rooms, on-site accommodation and tranquil riverside gardens, making it the perfect place for academic-focused gatherings that value connection and conversation.
King’s College
No Cambridge event list would be complete without King’s College, instantly recognisable and one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. With its breathtaking riverside grounds and awe-inspiring Chapel, home to the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in Europe, King’s provides a truly iconic setting.
The college offers an exceptional range of event spaces, from dinners and drinks receptions for up to 500 delegates in the Georgian Gothic Hall, to meetings or intimate dinners for up to 50 in the Beves Room. On warm summer evenings, the Back Lawn can host up to 3,000 guests with the Chapel forming a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, King’s is also home to a wild hay meadow, ploughed by shire horses, which supports biodiversity, including more than 13 species of pollinators and thriving populations of bats and invertebrates.
Synonymous with Cambridge, King’s College offers an event experience like no other!
Museum of Zoology
Have you ever imagined hosting a drinks reception beneath a towering whale skeleton?
Well, the Museum of Zoology invites you to do exactly that. Whale Hall was designed especially to house the 21-metre-long Fin Whale and forms an impressive entrance to the museum. Available for exclusive hire, the museum allows delegates to wander through its extraordinary galleries and remarkable collections - from a Giant Sloth to one of the world’s most complete dodo skeletons. It’s unexpected, immersive and unforgettable.
Things to do
Green spaces and… Cows
How many times have you shared your commute with a cow? Well with a rich agricultural past in the city, delegates might find themselves sharing their scenic walk between venues with grazing cattle! Much like the shire horses at King’s, the Cambridge cows support biodiversity and sustainable land management, a visible example of the city’s sustainable practices.
Fitzbillies
Every great idea needs fuel and Fitzbillies delivers in the form of the legendary Chelsea Bun. Sticky, sweet and baked with the same recipe since 1920, it’s a firm favourite of Cambridge alumnus Sir Stephen Fry (actor and broadcaster) and a must-try for all delegates.
The Eagle
Just around the corner sits The Eagle – the historic pub where the discovery of the DNA double helix was first announced in 1953. Alongside thousands of messages covering the walls from RAF personnel during the Second World War, it’s a unique spot for post-conference conversations with a side of history!
Punting
Whether it’s a chauffeured tour along the iconic College Backs or a peaceful glide straight to your event venue, punting offers a timeless, relaxing way to experience the city and soak up centuries of history. Plus, it’s a quintessential Cambridge experience!
Chauffeured punt under the Bridge of Sighs.
Accommodation
University Arms
University Arms was Cambridge’s very first hotel and has been welcoming guests since 1834. Combining heritage with modern comfort, the historic Ballroom, complete with original stained-glass windows and space for up to 200 delegates, sets the tone for elegant gatherings, while beautiful bedrooms overlook Parker’s Piece. This venue oozes luxury and gives delegates a true sense of place from the moment they arrive.
Take a peek at the image below to spot University Arms in the background!
Graduate by Hilton
Sitting along the river, the Graduate hotel brings a playful academic twist to luxury accommodation and events. Think punt-themed décor, keycards featuring famous alumni, plus a scenic riverside garden perfect for relaxed outdoor receptions and networking.
Recap
So, to recap, why Cambridge?
- Iconic, one-of-a-kind venues that blend historic grandeur with modern design
- A world-leading hub for science, technology and innovation
- Centrally located, easy to reach and compact
- Unexpected experiences that spark conversation, curiosity and creativity
- Green, sustainable spaces that enhance delegate experience
Centrally located and globally respected, Cambridge isn’t just a place to meet, it’s a city that ignites ideas. From medieval candlelit halls and cutting-edge presentation spaces, to punting on the River Cam and networking beneath a whale skeleton, Cambridge turns meetings into moments.
With unrivalled academic expertise, distinctive venues and a sense of discovery at every turn, Cambridge delivers business events that feel purposeful, memorable and truly unexpected. Bring your next event to Cambridge, where history fuels innovation and delegates leave inspired.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with Cambridge’s dedicated team of experts to help you plan your event.
