LOCAL GUIDE

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Established 1086. A 2-minute walk down Church Street (street next to The Lion, adjacent to High Street) and you will visit St Mary’s Church, dating back to 1086. The “Churchyard” grounds surrounding the church contains 383 gravestones. Guests are welcomed to tour the Church during open hours from 9.00am – 5.00 pm most days. 

For a leisurely walk or scenic run there is a great path that leads to Buckden Marina. Walk outside the front of the Hotel and turn right, then right again onto Church Street. Cross the road and follow all the way down to the Marina. This will take approximately 30-40 minutes at a walking pace or 15-20 minutes at a leisurely run. 

A short 4-mile drive from the hotel will take you to the third largest reservoir in England, Grafham Water.

For over 30 years Grafham Water has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. On the western end there is a 280-acre nature reserve, with ancient woodlands, reed beds and populations of birds and amphibian species.

Grafham Water is a beautiful place for trout and predator fishing. It has a 9-mile track which is great for cycling and walking.

The Grafham Water Centre is prefect for those who are looking for something adventurous. The centre offers a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, paddlesports, climbing and archery.

Located just outside of Huntingdon, Houghton Mill can be found on an island on the Great Ouse River. Discover the amazing survival story of a mill that faced demolition, was saved by the local villagers and restored to working order that allowed the tradition of milling on the site for over 1000 years to continue.

You can try your hand at making flour as well as enjoying the tranquillity of the river setting.

The mill is closed from November to March, but the tea-room is open all year around.

Part of probably the most famous College at Cambridge University, the chapel is a must see on any visit to Cambridge. The foundation stone was laid by Henry VI in 1446.

During the War of the Roses building of the Chapel continued but after Henry VI was killed in the Tower of London in 1471 very little work was done for the next 22 years under Edward IV. Work continued again under Richard III. It was left to the Tudor Kings, Henry VII and Henry VIII to finally complete the chapel.

The world-famous Choir was founded in the 15th century and its primary role is to perform at the daily services held in the Chapel. 

This is the main river that runs through Cambridge.

Any trip to the river must include some punting. Punting was introduced around 1902. It rapidly became very popular and today there are probably more punts on the River Cam than any other river in England.

There are several companies on the Cam that operate tours and hiring of punts to visitors. Most colleges have punts for the exclusive use of students, however, Trinity College have punts

for hire to the public. The main features of the church include the tower doors and font which dates from the 13th century. The nave with wooden figures of St Stephen, Saint Bartholomew, Saint Jude and Saint Matthew that were placed in the church in 1930 having been saved from the Archdeaconry Library. There are also stained glass which dates to the Victorian era.

Services take place every Sunday from 10.30 am. 

Belonging to Cambridge University, the botanic gardens was founded in 1846 and is a heritage listed garden. It has been designed to be enjoyed all year round.

The gardens have a number of trails and the Head of Horticulture selects plants each week that are at their best and these are included in the Plant Picks trail.

There is also a Glasshouse Range, which offers a refuge on a cold day. There is also a range of wildlife to be found in the gardens.  

Looking for something different in terms of a museum, then this is the place for you. The centre hosts hands-on exhibitions, which makes the history of computing relevant and fun for all ages.

There are a number of exhibits for you to enjoy. These range from different types of personal computers to games consoles. This is the perfect chance to re-live some childhood memories. 

This is the only WWII American Cemetery in the UK. The cemetery was opened in 1943. It is the final resting place of 3812 men and women who gave their lives during the Battle of the Atlantic.

The flag pole is a good point of orientation and is possible to view the entire site.

Entry is free of charge.