CAMBRIDGE MEETINGS GUIDE

FACTS AND FIGURES

According to the 2011 Census, the population of Cambridge stands at 123,900; a 13% increase in the past 10 ten years; a much higher increase than the national average of 7.8%. On average, Cambridge has a younger population than the UK average due to the 26,000 students attending Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin.

75% of Cambridges population are between 16-64 and of working age; a higher figure than the national average of 65%. It has been found that the largest industry sector in Cambridge is professional, scientific and technical, of which there are 960 units in the city; and expertise in infectious diseases and cancer.  This is followed by the retail sector with 700 units, and the information and communication sector with 625 units.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Cambridge can easily be accessed by air, with Cambridge airport a mere 3 miles away from the city centre offering flights to a few European holiday destinations. For people wanting to reach Cambridge from further afield, major international airports Stansted and Luton are only forty minutes and an hour away respectively.

Cambridge is served by the East of Englands busiest train station, with 7.66million passengers passing through each year. Cambridge is popular with commuters to London, with direct trains running every fifteen minutes, taking just 50 minutes to reach the capital. Direct trains run to other cities in the UK, including Norwich in 80 minutes and Birmingham in 160 minutes.

Once in Cambridge, getting around the compact city couldnt be easier with the many bus routes on offer. Stagecoach is the principal bus service, offering routes from the suburbs to the city centre; and there are 5 park and rides open 7 days a week, making it easy to reach the centre no matter where you are.

Those of you who enjoy exercise will truly appreciate the Cycling Town of 2008, Cambridge. Following this award, Cambridge has been adding extra cycle paths to satisfy the large number of cyclists; Cambridge has the highest level of cycle use in the UK making it easy to explore the city by bike.

CAMBRIDGE VENUES

For a relatively small city, Cambridge sure does boast a large number of hotels, 90 in total. With 2 five star and 47 four star hotels, companies with larger budgets searching for decadence will find plenty of choice. Equally, the city also offers luxury on a budget with 33 three star and 2 two star hotels; meaning Cambridge really does have something for everyone.

There are 114 conference and meeting venues in Cambridge in total, 4 of which can hold more than 500 delegates, and 2 of which can hold over 1000, so companies requiring a vast meeting space can rest assured that there is something for them. Equally, Cambridges venues cater for smaller parties too, with 32 venues designed solely for 30 delegates or less. The largest venue in Cambridge, the Corn Exchange, can hold up to 1,400 delegates, and boasts an exhibition space of 467 metres squared.

LEISURE AND TOURISM

Cambridge is a city that enjoys the presence of a large amount of tourists, so it would be a shame if you and your delegates didnt explore the city. Many people flock to the world-famous Cambridge University to admire the pretty architecture and peaceful green surroundings. The University is home to eight museums, most of which are free, displaying everything from antiques to the artwork of international artists.

For those of you wanting to sit back and relax, what better way to spend an afternoon than punting on the river Cam? Enjoy the city views from the tranquil waters, it is not something you can do in just any city!

Cambridges nightlife is best described as low key, expect to spend the evening with a few pints at one of the many pubs either in the city centre or by the riverside. For an evening with a difference, join the locals at one of the three cinemas offering an impressive choice of art house films. If lively bars and clubs are more your thing, head to Market Passage for live music and cocktails.

Images courtesy of VisitCambridge

Click here to view Meeting Venues in Cambridge