Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows

Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows campsite are now closed for the winter, but the river and woods are still wonderful to explore out of season. You can warm up in the tea room with a hot drink and a delicious treat.

Houghton Mill is the last surviving mill on the River Great Ouse able to produce stone ground flour from a water-powered wheel. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of this historic building in action.

From stargazing to hunting funky funghi, set your children free at Houghton Mill with some of our favourite 50 things to do before you’re 11¾.

Enjoy the spectacular river-side and meadow walks from Houghton Mill to St. Ives, Huntingdon and Godmanchester. We've put together three downloadable walks to help you explore the area.

Enjoy some great canoeing along River Great Ouse and its tributaries from Houghton Mill. Pass through delightful meadows and pastures to the picturesque and historic towns of Huntingdon and St Ives.

Enjoy some great cycling through delightful meadows, historic towns and picturesque villages. Cycle safely direct onto the centre of Cambridge and explore NCN 51

Plan your next family adventure or tranquil retreat to our friendly riverside campsite. Bring your caravan or motorhome, pitch your tent, or even try glamping in our pods for an idyllic countryside escape.

Camp in style in our brand new camping pods. Our well furnished and equipped standard pod sleeps up to four and our luxury pod even features an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette.

Our friendly site offers fantastic facilities in an idyllic village surrounded by walking, cycling and canoeing routes with a local shop and pubs only a short stroll away.

Houghton Mill was a regional powerhouse at the height of the Victorian era, exploiting its position on the River Great Ouse to produce flour on an industrial scale. How did it get to that position and why did it all come to an end?

In the early 20th Century Houghton Mill was languishing in a state of disrepair and even faced demolition until it become one of the more unusual venues offered by the Youth Hostel Association.

Visit our exhibition of late 19th, and early 20th, century paintings and see Houghton Mill, St Ives and the surrounding area as it was over one hundred years ago.

Warm up, dry off or just enjoy a delicious treat in our friendly tea-room overlooking the historic mill. Please check our seasonal opening times.

The historic mill may be closed for the season, but you can still enjoy a special afternoon tea in the Houghton Mill tea room throughout the autumn and winter.

Houghton Mill stone ground wholemeal flour is milled in the traditional way using our quality French Burr stones to give a rich, nutty taste and rustic texture.

Do you have some spare time and would like to support the vital work of the National Trust? We have fantastic volunteering opportunities inside the historic mill, from running the original machinery to bringing its stories to life. Find out how to join the team.

Do you love being outdoors and meeting new people? We’re looking for volunteers on our friendly, riverside campsite to greet guests, stay as wardens or help us maintain the site. Find out how to join the team.