Open Saturday

What is Open Saturday?

The Wellcome Genome Campus is open every third Saturday of the month for you to explore! Visit our changing exhibitions, meet scientists, try hands-on activities, and explore the Campus to discover its history and the cutting-edge science that happens here today.

An ideal trip for curious people of all ages; come and discover the exciting world of genomics in creative and delightful ways.

Open Saturdays are FREE for everyone but booking is required.

Open Saturday Highlights

Empowering People: Genetic Counselling in Focus

What is genetic counselling, what does a genetic counsellor do, and who gets to see one? The latest exhibition at the Wellcome Genome Campus explores this vital but often little-known subject.

Open Lab

Discover the cutting-edge science that happens at the Camous, and the many ways it is being used for human health and understanding our world. Open Lab is a guided experience that lasts about 45 minutes. There are three Open Lab visits per event, filled on a first-come-first served basis. The regular times are 1.30pm, 2.15pm and 3pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my transport/parking options for the event?

The Wellcome Genome Campus is situated about 10 miles south of Cambridge. Driving or cycling to the Campus is the easiest way to reach us. There is plenty of free parking at the Wellcome Genome Campus. Whittlesford Parkway and Great Chesterford train stations are both about 2 miles from the Campus but have limited facilities (neither has a taxi rank). Our closest bus route is the Citi 7 that runs between Cambridge and Saffron Walden; the nearest stop is in Ickleton, which is about a 20 minute walk to the Campus.

When should I arrive?

Open Saturdays are drop-in, and you can arrive at a time to suit you. Last admission to the campus is 3.15pm, and the event ends at 4pm.

When you arrive at the main entrance, please drive up to the security barriers and give your name to the person in the security booth. Please use the barrier intercom for access if the booth happens to be unattended.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No you don’t need to bring your ticket, as your name will be on our attendee list at the entrance.

Are refreshments available?

The event cafe will be open, selling a range of drinks and small snacks. The cafe doesn’t sell lunch but you are welcome to bring a packed lunch with you.

Are you accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility?

Our campus in general, and the spaces used as part of Open Saturday, are accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. The car park is a few minutes’ walk from the conference centre, where the main Open Saturday activities are held. If it is easier for you or a member of your group to be dropped directly outside the conference centre you are very welcome to do so. Please speak to the staff member at the security gate and they will direct you.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the conference centre to our Open Lab experience. Surfaces are mostly flat and even, though there is one slope at the halfway point. We have an assistance wheelchair available for anyone who wishes to use it. Please let a staff member know when you arrive. If you have any other questions regarding access, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you have any other questions or concerns about accessibility please do get in touch.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

If you have any questions about this event, or our work in general, please email engage@wellcomeconnectingscience.org