Waterclose Meadows Campsite FAQs

Where is the nearest village?

Waterclose Meadows campsite is on the edge of the twin villages of Houghton & Wyton in Cambridgeshire. Larger towns such as Huntingdon and St. Ives are only a few miles away, St Ives can be easily reached on foot, bike or canoe.

Where is the nearest food shop?

The village community shop and post office is only a short stroll away and all the major supermarkets are within a few miles of the campsite.

Where is the nearest pub/restaurant?

There are two pubs a short stroll away in the village, and several others within walking or cycling distance. Campsite staff can provide further details.

Where is the nearest bank?

There are banks in the local towns of St. Ives and Huntingdon and a Post Office in the Houghton & Wyton community shop a short stroll away.

Do you take bookings?

Advance bookings can be made using the online booking system. Please note the minimum night stay restrictions:

Tents/caravans/motorhomes - 1 night – weekdays, 2 nights – weekends, 3 nights – bank holiday weekends

Pods: 2 nights, 3 nights - bank holiday weekends

Pitches are allocated on arrival and we are unable to reserve pitches or confirm a pitch location until your day of arrival.

Do you accept dogs?

Waterclose Meadow is a dog-friendly campsite and all well-behaved dogs are welcome at no additional charge. They must be kept on a lead at all times and exercised away from other campers. Please pick up after your dogs right away.

One of our standard camping pods is also dog friendly. Due to their size we can only allow one dog per pod, but if your booking is not for the full occupancy please contact the team to discuss the possibility of bringing an additional dog.

Do you hire freeze packs?

No, but we provide a small freezer for guests to use in the facilities block.

Do you exchange gas cylinders?

No, but there are two marinas a short drive away which should be able to help.

Where are some good walks/cycle trails for families?

There are many great walking and cycling trails of varying lengths around Houghton Mill.

Can we go fishing nearby?

There is coarse fishing on the River Great Ouse, which flows close to the campsite, at certain times of the year. A National Rod license is required on National Trust property and an additional local fishing licence for other areas of the river, available from the Houghton & Wyton village shop.

Where is the nearest bus stop?

There is a bus stop just outside the village, a short walk away. Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge are all easily accessible via the bus service, and there are bus stations at St Ives and Huntingdon.

Do you accept trailer tents/caravans/campervans?

Tents (maximum dimensions 7m by 5m), campervans, caravan, motorhomes and trailer tents are all welcome (max length 8 metres) and we have all grass pitches with no hard standing.

Do you have laundry facilities?

Yes. The washing machine is £3.50 per use and the tumble drier is £1.00 per 15 min cycle.

What places are there to visit nearby?

Waterclose Meadows campsite is on the site of the National Trust’s historic Houghton Mill (free entry to National Trust members). There are many walking, cycling and canoeing routes all around the local area and Cambridge can be reached easily by bus or car.

Slightly further afield (less than an hour by car) you can reach several other National Trust properties including Wicken Fen nature reserve, Wimpole Estate and Anglesey Abbey.

Do you take credit card payments?

You can book online in advance with debit and credit cards, and payment can also be taken at the campsite via credit/debit card.

Can I charge my electric car?

No. We currently have no designated EV points at Waterclose Meadows Campsite or Houghton Mill. Zap-map will be able to help you find the nearest charging points.

Do you take group bookings?

During peak season and weekends, we are unable to accommodate any groups of more than four separate pitches. If you are with an educational group such as a school, Scouts or Duke of Edinburgh Award, please use the group booking enquiry form further down the page.

Are you open all year round?

We are open from the beginning of March until 2nd January 2024.

We are coming in a caravan and will be with friends coming in a tent, can we pitch next to each other?

When you arrive, please let the welcome team know that you are staying with friends, we will endeavour to pitch you together. Waterclose Meadows is a small campsite so you’ll never be too far away from friends or family.

I am coming with my family & friends can I be pitched next to them?

We’ll do our best to pitch you together.

I am staying in a pod, what do I need to bring?

The pods are fully equipped, all you will need is your bedding (including pillows) and don’t forget a tea towel if you’re planning to wash up.

Can I have a fire or barbecue?

We don't allow fires, but you are welcome to use a barbecue if it is raised off the ground to protect our grass.

Can I bring my canoe or paddle board?

Yes. Canoes and paddleboards will need to be licensed via the Environment Agency and stored safely when not in use. Please talk to one of the team when you arrive who will be happy to help.

Can under 18s stay at the site?

All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult

Can I park my car by my tent?

Our standard tent pitches allow one car to be parked next to you on your pitch.

We have limited parking on site for any additional vehicles other than those already included in the booking so please do contact our team before the day of your arrival.

Do I have to pay for the showers?

No, they are included in the pitch price.

How long does my electric hook up cable need to be?

You may need a 25-metre cable.

Do you have wifi?

No.

Do I have to be a member of the National Trust to stay with you?

No, everyone is welcome. National Trust members get free entry to National Trust properties and free parking in National Trust car parks

I am already a National Trust member do I get a discount?

Unfortunately, we can’t offer a reduction in our fees to National Trust members. Any profit generated from the campsite helps support and finance our conservation projects and we thank you enormously for your continued support.