Cambridge Junction: Dynamic Hub for Arts and Live Performance
Cambridge Junction: A vibrant, inclusive arts venue where live music, theatre, and creativity converge in the heart of Cambridge.
Cambridge Junction is a vibrant live music and arts venue in Cambridge, England, located on Clifton Way. Established in 1990 on the site of the former cattle market, it features three versatile performance spaces hosting music, comedy, theatre, and dance. As a charity and social enterprise, it fosters creativity and community engagement, supporting emerging artists and offering inclusive cultural experiences.
A brief summary to Cambridge Junction
- Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX, GB
- +441223511511
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early for popular events to secure good spots, especially in the standing area of Junction 1.
- Use the Cambridge Leisure multi-storey car park nearby and validate your parking ticket at the J2 Box Office for discounted rates.
- Take advantage of the numerous cycle racks if arriving by bike, as Cambridge Junction is very bike-friendly.
- Check the venue’s schedule in advance to explore diverse programming including music, comedy, theatre, and dance.
- Engage with the venue’s community and creative learning programs to experience its social mission firsthand.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
Cambridge Junction is a 10-minute walk from Cambridge Railway Station. From the station, proceed via Station Place and Hills Road, crossing the railway bridge to reach the venue. This route is accessible and well-signposted, with frequent train services connecting Cambridge to London and regional cities.
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Car
Access Cambridge Junction via Junction 11 on the M11 motorway, then follow A1309 into Cambridge. Parking is available at the adjacent Cambridge Leisure multi-storey car park on Clifton Way, with discounted rates for venue visitors who validate tickets at the J2 Box Office. Expect moderate traffic during event times.
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Bus
Regular bus services run along Hills Road and Cherry Hinton Road, stopping near Cambridge Junction throughout the day and early evening. Night buses also serve the area, connecting to various city districts. Check local timetables for current routes and schedules.
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Bicycle
Cambridge Junction is bike-friendly with numerous cycle racks outside. It is approximately a 30-minute bike ride from the city centre along safe, designated cycling routes, making cycling a convenient and eco-friendly option.
Cambridge Junction location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cambridge Junction
A Legacy of Creativity in Cambridge
Cambridge Junction opened in 1990 on the historic site of Cambridge's former cattle market, transforming the area into a thriving cultural landmark. Over the decades, it has evolved into a cornerstone of the city's arts scene, blending contemporary performance with popular culture. The venue’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and presenting cutting-edge work has made it a vital platform for artists and audiences alike.Versatile Spaces for Diverse Arts
The venue comprises three main performance areas: Junction 1, a large standing space with an 850-person capacity primarily for live music and club nights; Junction 2, a 220-seat theatre ideal for comedy, theatre, and dance; and Junction 3, a smaller multipurpose space flooded with natural light, perfect for learning, rehearsals, and talks. This range allows Cambridge Junction to host a broad spectrum of events, from intimate performances to large-scale concerts.Community Engagement and Social Mission
Operating as a charity and social enterprise, Cambridge Junction reinvests over half of its income into its social mission. It actively works with young people and local communities to remove barriers to participation, fostering inclusivity and creativity. Its Creative Learning department offers hands-on opportunities for youth engagement, while artist development initiatives support residencies, workshops, and new commissions.Location and Urban Context
Situated in the southwest of Cambridge, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre and near Cambridge Railway Station, the venue is easily accessible. It sits adjacent to the Cambridge Leisure Plaza, surrounded by a lively mix of restaurants and amenities. The area has undergone significant regeneration, making the Junction part of a vibrant urban cultural quarter.Programming and Cultural Impact
Cambridge Junction presents an eclectic programme encompassing live music, comedy, theatre, dance, and club nights, showcasing both local talent and national acts. It serves as a meeting point where art meets life, reflecting the city’s youthful energy and intellectual vibrancy. Its reputation for excellent facilities and supportive staff has earned it recognition as a jewel of the East of England’s cultural landscape.Facilities and Visitor Experience
The venue offers secure adjacent parking with discounted rates for visitors, numerous cycle racks, and accessible entrances. Onsite amenities include bars, merchandise stands, and comfortable seating areas. The welcoming atmosphere and professional service enhance the overall visitor experience, making it a popular destination for both casual attendees and dedicated arts enthusiasts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cambridge Leisure Park
0.1 km
A lively Cambridge leisure hub offering diverse dining, entertainment, and modern facilities for all ages and tastes.
Hills Road War Memorial
0.6 km
A poignant bronze statue on Hills Road honoring Cambridgeshire’s war heroes, symbolizing sacrifice and the journey home.
Romsey Terrace
1.0 km
Explore the historic charm of Cambridge from Romsey Terrace, a convenient bus stop that connects you to the city's vibrant attractions and culture.
Reality Checkpoint
1.4 km
A colorful Victorian lamppost marking the boundary between Cambridge's academic bubble and the real world, standing proudly at Parker’s Piece.
Duke House
1.7 km
A charming boutique guesthouse blending historic elegance with warm hospitality in central Cambridge.
Cambridge Market Square
2.0 km
Explore Cambridge Market Square: a vibrant hub of culture, delicious food, and unique shopping experiences in the heart of this historic city.
Remember Cambridge
2.0 km
Explore the historic city of Cambridge with Remember Cambridge's guided walking tours, uncovering hidden gems and iconic sights in this charming university town.
Great St Mary's
2.0 km
Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of Great St Mary's, the University Church in Cambridge, a must-visit landmark for tourists.
Map of Cambridge
2.0 km
Explore the artistic heart of Cambridge with a visit to the iconic sculpture at St Mary's Passage, a perfect blend of history and creativity.
Senate House Hill
2.0 km
Historic Senate House Hill in Cambridge offers stunning views, iconic architecture, and a vibrant academic atmosphere at the heart of the university city.
King's College Chapel
2.1 km
Explore the architectural wonder of King's College Chapel, a stunning masterpiece of Gothic design and a vital part of Cambridge's rich heritage.
The Old Schools
2.1 km
Historic university landmark at Trinity Lane, blending Gothic and classical architecture at the heart of Cambridge's academic tradition.
The Centre for Computing History
2.1 km
Explore the evolution of technology and gaming at The Centre for Computing History, a must-see museum in Cambridge, offering hands-on exhibits and educational events.
All Saints Church
2.1 km
Explore the architectural and spiritual beauty of All Saints Church, a historic gem in the heart of Cambridge, showcasing stunning Gothic design and tranquility.
Rose Quarter Cambridge
2.1 km
Explore the Rose Quarter in Cambridge, a charming tourist destination filled with history, delightful cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
TheLight-Cambridge
0.1 km
Experience the latest films in comfort and style at The Light Cinema Cambridge, your modern entertainment destination in the city.
Tenpin Cambridge
0.1 km
Cambridge’s go-to spot for bowling, karaoke, arcade games, and lively social gatherings in a vibrant leisure park setting.
Cambridge Science Centre
0.3 km
Explore hands-on STEM exhibits, live science shows, and workshops at Cambridge Science Centre—where young minds ignite a passion for discovery.
WeWork
0.4 km
Flexible coworking with vibrant community spirit and premium amenities in Cambridge’s dynamic new business quarter.
The Calling
0.6 km
A compact, high‑energy monthly club night at Q Club—loud guitars, close-up stages and a friendly, student-rich crowd for late-night alternative music.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
0.7 km
Explore 40 acres of botanical wonders and scientific heritage in the heart of Cambridge’s historic university city.
St. Paul's Church
0.9 km
Historic Gothic Revival Anglican church on Hills Road, Cambridge, blending architectural heritage with vibrant community spirit.
The Alma
0.9 km
A traditional Cambridge pub offering hearty meals, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere in a charming historic setting.
Romsey 'R' sculpture
1.0 km
Celebrate Cambridge’s railway heritage through the evocative Romsey 'R' sculpture, a community-inspired landmark at Cavendish and Mill Road.
Romsey Town Post Office
1.0 km
Compact, practical post office on Mill Road serving Cambridge’s Romsey neighbourhood with full counter services and a local high‑street atmosphere.
Cambs Antique Centre
1.0 km
Discover timeless antiques and vintage treasures in a historic Cambridge brewery turned charming antiques centre.
Cambridge Gateway from India
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant cultural connections between India and Cambridge at this engaging centre on Mill Road.
Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum)
1.1 km
Explore the UK’s premier Arctic and Antarctic museum, where heroic expeditions, indigenous cultures, and cutting-edge polar research come alive in Cambridge.
David Parr House
1.1 km
Discover the hidden Victorian masterpiece of artisan David Parr, where every wall tells a story of craftsmanship and passion in Cambridge.
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge
1.1 km
A majestic Gothic Revival Catholic church in Cambridge, famed for its soaring spire, rich history, and vibrant spiritual life.
Essential places to dine
Al Pomodoro
0.2 km
Experience the authentic taste of Sicily with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality in the heart of Cambridge.
Tawa Kitchen
0.4 km
Savor fresh, authentic Indian cuisine with vibrant vegan options in a cozy Cambridge setting at Tawa Kitchen.
SLINGERS Smokeworks Station Road
0.6 km
Discover SLINGERS Smokeworks: A unique dart bar in Cambridge serving gourmet burgers and innovative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.
Salisbury Arms, Cambridge
0.9 km
A historic Cambridge pub famed for wood-fired pizzas, quality ales, and a friendly, lively atmosphere in a charming neighborhood setting.
Limoncello
1.0 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm meet in Cambridge's beloved deli, bistro, and courtyard garden on Mill Road.
Tradizioni
1.0 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Cambridge.
Fancett's
1.0 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro in Cambridge serving seasonal, expertly crafted dishes with warm, attentive service in an intimate setting.
Bedouin
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of North Africa in the heart of Cambridge’s Mill Road at Bedouin.
Hungrill
1.0 km
Authentic Greek cuisine with generous portions and friendly service in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant Mill Road.
Kingston Arms
1.1 km
Discover traditional British hospitality at The Kingston Arms in Cambridge—your perfect pub retreat with craft beers and delightful outdoor spaces.
The Oak Bistro
1.1 km
Classic British bistro with exceptional Beef Wellington, warm hospitality, and a charming heated garden in the heart of Cambridge.
Maurizio Dining & Co.
1.1 km
Authentic Italian dining with fresh pizzas and pasta in a warm, rustic setting on Cambridge’s vibrant Mill Road.
Vanderlyle
1.1 km
Creative vegetarian tasting menus crafted from local, seasonal produce in a warm, intimate setting on Cambridge’s vibrant Mill Road.
The Old Bicycle Shop
1.2 km
Historic cycling heritage meets modern gastropub charm in Cambridge’s quirky and sustainable Old Bicycle Shop.
The Olive Grove
1.2 km
Savor authentic Greek cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant Regent Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cambs Frocktails
0.4 km
Boutique fashion finds capturing individual style and charm on Cambridge's Station Road.
Romsey Mill Charity Shop
0.9 km
Mill Road’s friendly charity shop — thrift, small discoveries and funds for local youth and family services in Cambridge.
The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre
1.0 km
Vibrant Cambridge antique centre in a former chemist shop, brimming with 20th-century toys, jewelry, and eclectic finds from fun-loving dealers.
Not Listed
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant local culture and unique offerings at this charming shop in the heart of Cambridge.
The Hive
1.1 km
Discover a charming treasure trove of antiques and vintage finds in the heart of Cambridge at The Hive.
Beehive Centre
1.7 km
A dynamic shopping centre in Cambridge offering diverse stores, dining, and free parking for a convenient retail experience.
Primark
1.7 km
Discover affordable fashion and home essentials at Primark Cambridge, your budget-friendly style destination in the city center.
CJ’s Vintage Store
1.7 km
Discover timeless fashion treasures and iconic vintage streetwear at CJ’s Vintage Store, a stylish gem in the heart of Cambridge.
Sense
1.7 km
Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.
Jemporium Vintage
1.8 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage treasures from the 50s to the 90s in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant fashion scene.
The Stock Shop
1.8 km
Discover stylish ladies' fashion and accessories in a unique hospital setting at The Stock Shop, Cambridge's trusted retail haven since 1988.
Oliver Bonas
1.8 km
A feel-good British lifestyle store in Grand Arcade offering colourful fashion, curated homeware and choice gifts across a spacious ground-floor shop.
The Works
1.8 km
Bargain-packed paradise of books, crafts, toys, and gifts on Cambridge's Fitzroy Street—creative treasures at unbeatable prices.
Samuel Smiley
1.8 km
A charming gift shop on Cambridge’s historic Trumpington Street, offering unique local treasures and a warm shopping atmosphere.
Greaterskies
1.8 km
Cambridge studio and shop for personalised, astronomically accurate star‑map prints and tasteful gift items.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Station Tavern
0.5 km
Cambridge's first Young's pub, steps from the station: British seasonal eats, fine ales, and terrace vibes for travelers and locals.
Rock
0.8 km
Cherry Hinton's go-to Greene King pub for hearty meals, well-kept ales, and neighborhood camaraderie on lively Cherry Hinton Road.
Devonshire Arms
0.9 km
Cambridge's cozy real ale gem with ciders galore, Caribbean kicks, and a labyrinthine layout that invites you to settle in for the evening.
196 cocktail bar
1.0 km
Discover Cambridge’s intimate cocktail haven with expertly crafted drinks, cozy vibes, and attentive service on vibrant Mill Road.
The Live and Let Live
1.0 km
A cosy, no-frills Cambridge neighbourhood pub with real-ale focus and an intimate, community-centred atmosphere.
Panton Arms
1.0 km
A traditional Cambridge pub offering hearty homemade food, quality ales, live music, and a friendly dog-welcoming atmosphere in a vibrant city setting.
The Royal Standard Pub
1.2 km
Cambridge's Mill Road gastropub pouring exceptional gins, craft beers, and hearty plates in a quirky, cosy haven for every occasion.
Tall Trees
1.2 km
Eclectic basement bar in Cambridge with live music six nights a week, plant-based menu, and expertly crafted cocktails.
The LAB
1.2 km
1920s-inspired cocktail bar with a scientific twist, serving inventive drinks and tapas in a stylish Cambridge setting.
The Petersfield
1.2 km
A friendly and lively pub in Cambridge offering classic drinks, a welcoming garden, and a cozy atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
The Cambridge Blue
1.3 km
Historic Cambridge pub famed for its award-winning real ales, vast beer selection, and vibrant community spirit in a charming Victorian setting.
Novi Kitchen + Bar
1.5 km
A stylish Cambridge hotspot blending Modern British small plates with botanical cocktails in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
The Geldart
1.5 km
A vibrant gastropub in Cambridge blending historic charm, creative hot rock dining, and a lively retro music atmosphere for a unique experience.
The Blue Moon
1.6 km
Cambridge's craft beer heartbeat: rotating taps, live gigs, and cozy pizzas in a welcoming pub alive with local energy.
The Castle Bar
1.6 km
Lively city centre bar pulsing with late-night DJ beats, sizzling Hot Rock steaks, and Cambridge's infectious student energy until 3am weekends.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sing Dizzy
0.1 km
Sing Dizzy offers Cambridge a lively karaoke bar experience with costumes, props, and an extensive song list for unforgettable nights of fun and music.
80s karaoke bar
0.9 km
Neon-lit, 80s-themed karaoke on Hills Road—compact, group-friendly singalongs from the early evening into the night.
Salisbury Club
1.1 km
Cambridge's cozy Mill Road club: retro discos, pool tables, cheap drinks, and community spirit in a true local gem.
Cambridge Pop-up Speakeasy Jazz
1.6 km
Free live jazz pop-ups in a historic Cambridge pub: intimate sets, diverse musicians, speakeasy vibes on select Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
Cambridge Lola Lo
1.9 km
Step into Cambridge Lola Lo, a vibrant tiki-themed nightclub with tropical vibes, lively dance floors, and a stunning rooftop terrace in the city centre.
High Five
1.9 km
Cambridge's electrifying gay nightclub where themed nights, drag glamour, and inclusive dance floors ignite unforgettable evenings in the city heart.
Vinyl Cambridge
2.0 km
Dance through decades on a glowing LED floor at Vinyl Cambridge's throwback haven—2-for-1 drinks, VIP vibes, and non-stop retro anthems await in the city center.
MASH
2.1 km
Cambridge’s vibrant independent nightclub offering themed music nights and a welcoming, safe party atmosphere until the early hours.
La Raza
2.1 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain at La Raza, Cambridge’s premier cocktail bar and tapas restaurant, featuring live music and a lively atmosphere.
Hidden Rooms
2.2 km
Experience the ultimate nightlife at Hidden Rooms in Cambridge, a cocktail bar and live music venue offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Modern Jazz
2.2 km
Discover the heart of Cambridge's jazz scene at Modern Jazz, where live performances create a captivating ambiance for music lovers.
EBC Shop
2.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at EBC Shop in Cambridge, where the music keeps you dancing and the atmosphere is always electric.
Fort St George
2.5 km
Historic riverside pub on Cambridge's Midsummer Common, serving hearty ales and classics with unbeatable Cam views and garden vibes. (162 characters)
Unique Bar Newmarket
19.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Unique Bar Newmarket, where great drinks, dancing, and good vibes come together for an unforgettable evening.
The Lounge
20.7 km
A lively nightclub and wine bar on The Broadway, offering vibrant late-night entertainment in the heart of St Ives.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
