Outdoor activities at Houghton Mill

Child on a bike at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Whether you’re looking to raise your heart rate or simply to get some fresh air in picturesque surroundings, there’s plenty to do outdoors at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows. Discover the walking, cycling and canoeing routes around this special place.

Walking at Houghton Mill

Stretch your legs along the riverside and through meadows on walking routes from Houghton Mill to St Ives, Huntingdon and Godmanchester.

Houghton Mill to Houghton Meadows

Follow this circular walk across the water meadows and across the Ouse valley to discover the history of the local area.

Huntingdon and Godmanchester

Head off through a watery landscape in search of lost mills on this 8-mile walk through the Ouse valley.

St Ives and The Hemingfords

On this walk through the Ouse valley, you’ll discover the history of the charming market town of St Ives, returning through the unspoilt villages of The Hemingfords.

Cycling at Houghton Mill

There are some great cycling routes to and from Houghton Mill, and we’re on National Cycle Network Route 51 too. You can also safely cycle directly into the centre of Cambridge along the Guided Bus Route.

Canoeing on the River Great Ouse

There are some great canoeing routes along the River Great Ouse and its tributaries. You can hire a canoe, rowing boat or punt from Houghton Boats and explore at your leisure. Please call 07759 316260 for more information.

Please access the river using the slipways near the lock and please note that, if you bring your own boat or paddle board, you must have a waterways licence to launch on the river.

We advise against swimming at Houghton Mill

We strongly advise against swimming at Houghton Mill. It is an unsupervised stretch of water, with no lifeguards present. The sluice gates and mill machinery can cause strong currents. There are many submerged objects which may entangle or cause injury.

Mill and blossom at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows, Cambridgeshire

Discover more at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows

Find out when Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Things to do at Houghton Mill

Discover the 18th-century building at Houghton Mill, from Victorian machinery to freshly ground flour that you can buy to use at home.

Visitors engaging with Volunteer guide inside Houghton Mill

History of Houghton Mill

Houghton Mill was a regional powerhouse at the height of the Victorian era, producing flour on an industrial scale. It later welcomed artists and the YHA, as an unusual place to stay.

18th-century watermill at Houghton Mill, Cambridgeshire in spring

Visiting Houghton Mill

Between April and October, you can choose between two ways to visit our historic watermill. On Wednesdays, book in advance for a guided tour. A friendly, knowledgeable volunteer will take you on a journey from grain to flour. On Saturdays, come along for a self-guided visit to explore at your leisure. Read this article to help plan your visit.