Waterclose Meadows Campsite

On the River Great Ouse at the edge of Houghton village, Waterclose Meadows Campsite is in a charming, rural spot next to Houghton Mill. The 18th-century mill was saved from ruin by local people and restored to working order by the National Trust. It's full of traditional machinery, gives milling demonstrations and tells a story of milling on this site going back 1,000 years; you can visit for free during your stay and book tours online. There's a tea-room at the mill, and a cafe, pubs and community-run shop selling local produce in the village. 

Bring your own watercraft, or hire a canoe, rowing boat or punt to explore the quiet backwaters of the river. An hour or so of paddling will get you to St Ives, a historic market town with craft and antique shops, cafes, restaurants and good pubs. Pull up to a pontoon and stop for the afternoon. It's also an easy walk. There are lots of other walking paths and trails in the area - along the river or through the woods and meadows. You could take the circular route from Houghton Mill to Houghton Meadows, or follow an 8-mile trail through the Ouse Valley in search of lost mills. You'll find long bike routes as well as plenty of shorter, family-friendly ones, some suitable for balance bikes and scooters. 

You'll find lots to do here, so it's a good choice for a longer camping holiday. You have free entry at all National Trust places during your stay, including Wimpole Home Farm, Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve and Anglesey Abbey which are all less than 45 minutes away by car. Lyveden takes less than an hour to reach, and Woolsthorpe Manor, home to the story of Isaac Newton, is just a bit further. Local buses stop in the village, before heading on to St Ives, Huntingdon and Cambridge.

Check-in is from 1pm, with departures by 12noon. For group bookings, directions, late arrivals, facility information, electric vehicle charging, local area guides and more, please check the Guide to Waterclose Meadows Campsite.