Venue address:
Real Ideas, Market Hall, Duke St, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 4PS
(NB: this is not ‘Real Ideas, Ocean Studios’ which is in a different part of the city)
We encourage all those who are able to use public transport to attend the gathering.
Free Bus – provided by Engage
Departs from Drake Circus (Plymouth City Centre) at 11.30am on the 14th May, and Arrives at Real Ideas Organisation at 11.45am ready for conference commencing. Available for those attending Fringe activities in Plymouth City Centre.
Departs from Real Ideas Organisation at 4.45pm on 15th May and Arrives at Plymouth Train Station at approximately 5pm. Available for all delegates travelling home via train.
Reserve a space on the bus via the Break out & Fringe booking form.
Travelling by Rail
Plymouth is served by the national rail network. The city’s primary train station, Plymouth, is a 10 minute drive from the venue, with a taxi rank outside.
The nearest train station, Devonport, is 15 minute walk from the venue through a lovely public park. There is no taxi rank at this station.
A connecting local train is available from Plymouth station to Devonport station, a 3min trip with approx. one service every hour.
Great Western Railways (GWR) operates across the South West of England.
You may be able to access discounted travel by breaking your journey as you enter the GWR network (e.g. at London Paddington).
Discount is also available on GWR routes with a ‘Conference Rail Tickets’, to buy these you will need proof of purchase for your Groundswell conference place: https://www.gwr.com/your-tickets/ways-to-save/business-travel/conferences-and-events
Travelling by local Bus
Exit Plymouth train station via the main entrance, bus stops are to the right, on the main road past the car park.
Local buses 2, 16, 33, 43 and 50 run regularly to ‘Western Approach’ stop, then change to the 21 Spark, 21A Spark, 21B or 14 buses, which will take you to ‘Chapel Street’ bus top, a 4 minute walk to the venue.
Tickets can be bought on board the bus.
Travelling by Bike
Real Ideas, Market Hall has covered bike parking.
An electric bike battery charging area will be available inside the venue.
The Beryl Bike network operates across Plymouth, the nearest hire point to Plymouth train station is to the right, past the car park, then left uphill before the big roundabout.
To ride a Beryl bike or e-scooter you must register on the Beryl app and have a UK-valid driving license or provisional license.
Travelling on foot
Real Ideas, Market Hall is:
40 minute walk from Plymouth train station
25 minute walk from central Plymouth
15 minutes walk from Devonport train station
10 minute from the nearest swimming spot Mount Wise Pools.
Travelling by Car
Market Hall has disabled parking spaces, please book these in advance by indicating on your booking form.
On-street parking is available around the venue.
An electric car charging point is available.
Travelling by Air
The nearest airports are Southampton and Exeter. We discourage delegates from flying to the gathering wherever possible, due to the environmental impact of this mode of transport.
Accommodation
We have secured discounts for Groundswell delegates at the following hotels. Limited rooms are available so early booking is recommended.
- Copthorne Hotel Plymouth using booking code ENGAGE, via this link: http://tiny.cc/CopthornePlymouthEngage
- Leonardo Hotel Plymouth using group code ENGAGE15 valid until 15 April: www.leonardohotels.co.uk
The following hotels are central and easy to get to from the main venue. Prices can vary depending on when you book, rooms in the list below may be cheaper than the discounted rooms above, we recommend you look at a few options before booking.
- Bristot Pierre bistrotpierre.co.uk/rooms
- Crowne Plaza www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/plymouth/plhuk/hoteldetail
- Fox on the Hoe www.foxonthehoe.com
- Moxy (Marriott) www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nqypo-moxy-plymouth
- New Continental Hotel www.newcontinental.co.uk/
- OYO Plymouth www.oyorooms.com/gb/88289/
- Plymouth Backpackers www.plymouthbackpackers.co.uk/rooms
- Premier Inn (Derry’s Cross) www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/devon/plymouth/plymouth-city-centre-derrys-cross.html
- Travelodge www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/251/Plymouth-hotel