University Arms, on Regent Street in Cambridge, hosts conferences, dinners, weddings and civil ceremonies, with a Ballroom for up to 180 seated or 200 standing guests. The hotel overlooks Parker's Piece and has bedrooms on site, so delegates and wedding guests can stay under one roof.
Seminars and company events
The Ballroom is wood panelled, with stained-glass windows showing college crests and views over Parker's Piece. A solid oak partition divides it into two rooms, Crick and Watson, which together take up to 90 people. Watson alone takes up to 70. This allows a plenary in one half and a breakout or lunch in the other, or a smaller meeting in one room. The site says the venues have state-of-the-art facilities but lists no specific audiovisual equipment, so confirm the setup with the events team at events@universityarms.com. A brochure and a 3D virtual tour are available.
Weddings and receptions
The hotel hosts weddings and civil ceremonies. Its Ballroom is the main reception room, for up to 180 seated at dinner or 200 standing. Christmas and New Year's Eve events are also run.
Rooms and capacities
The Ballroom takes up to 180 seated or 200 standing. Crick and Watson, formed by closing the partition, together take up to 90. Watson takes up to 70. The Crick room's own capacity is not stated.
Catering
The kitchens of Parker's Tavern prepare the food. Menus are crafted by the culinary team around local produce, and tables are laid with bespoke silverware. Dining options are the Restaurant, the Bar and Afternoon Tea, with breakfast, a la carte and afternoon tea menus, and a varied wine list.
Accommodation
The hotel has suites, superior, classic and cosy rooms. The total number of bedrooms is not stated on the pages we reviewed.
History and setting
The hotel describes itself as Cambridge's leading luxury hotel since 1834 and the city's oldest hotel. It began as a coaching inn and has been a meeting place for over a hundred years. A Collegium Club offers experiences such as rowing, gin tasting, floral workshops and punting.
Getting there
The address is University Arms, Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AD. The site does not describe directions. Cambridge railway station is the nearest main station, and the hotel is within reach of the city centre on foot or by taxi. When you enquire, say whether you need the whole Ballroom or one half, and ask for the layout figures for your format, since the site gives only maximums. Rooms for delegates can be arranged alongside the event, and the Restaurant and Bar are open to guests for informal meals around it.
