Bury St Edmunds established itself as one of Britain's earliest recorded conference centres when the Barons chose the Great Abbey for their deliberations over the drawing-up of Magna Carta in 1215. Although the Abbey is no longer available, the town continues to be a magnet for discerning conference organisers offering a first class choice of venues coupled with excellent accommodation, leisure and cultural opportunities. Bury St Edmunds is the thriving hub of East Anglia. It is situated midway between Ipswich and Cambridge on the A14 which links Felixstowe with the Midlands. London and Birmingham are less than two hours' drive on uninterrupted dual carriageway and Stansted, with air links to most major British and European cities, is only 60 minutes. Rail travellers join the InterCity Anglia line at Stowmarket or Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds has a variety of venues for conferences, meetings, seminars and exhibitions ranging from the elegant splendour of the Athenaeum and grandeur of the Corn Exchange, to the impressive Ickworth House as well as both modern and traditional hotels. Best Western Hotels have had a presence in the town for a number of years as have the privately owned Angel and Butterfly Hotels, both of which also have partner hotels in the region. In addition there are numerous smaller hotels and guesthouses. All are committed to providing a high quality service. Outside conference hours Bury offers excellent leisure, sporting and cultural opportunities. For more details please call the conference office. |