Attractions and Places To See around Old Hurst - Top 20

For cycling, the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path offers a flat, car-free connection through pleasant countryside. If you're looking for walking, there are various routes available, including easy hikes like the 4.5 km loop from St. Ives, and moderate options such as the 11 km Broughton Village Centre loop. You can find more details on these and other trails in the hiking guide for Old Hurst.

Yes, Johnsons of Old Hurst is a multifaceted attraction perfect for families, featuring a farm shop, tea room, and Johnsons Zoo with over 100 animals, woodland walks, a sandpit, and a playground. The Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path is also safe and enjoyable for families, offering a flat route. Additionally, Godmanchester Nature Reserve provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and walks suitable for all ages.

You can explore Houghton Mill, the last working watermill on the River Great Ouse, which has a history spanning nearly 1,000 years. Another significant site is St Ives Bridge and Chapel, a 15th-century bridge unique for incorporating a chapel, one of only four in England. St Peter's Parish Church in Old Hurst, dating back to the 13th century, also offers a glimpse into the village's rich past.

The region boasts several natural havens. Godmanchester Nature Reserve, built on a former gravel pit, features four lakes, grasslands, and is excellent for birdwatching. Far Fen Lake, part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, is recognizable by its island and is a magnet for various wildlife. Wild Aldhurst, a rewilding conservation project, offers 6 hectares of wetlands and 60 hectares of grassland and heathland for public recreation.

The Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path is known for being flat and smooth. It follows a former rail line, converted into a guided bus lane with a parallel cycle path, making it an easy and car-free route through the countryside.

Yes, Johnsons of Old Hurst is a large establishment with a farm shop, zoo, and restaurant, so ample parking is generally available for visitors.

Johnsons of Old Hurst has its own tea room and steakhouse on site. Near Houghton Mill, there is a National Trust cafe. The nearby towns of St Ives and Godmanchester also offer a selection of cafes and pubs.

Godmanchester Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife year-round. It is particularly good for spotting songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and overwintering wildfowl, suggesting that autumn and winter months could be excellent for observing migratory birds.

Many of the natural areas and trails around Old Hurst are suitable for dog walking. For instance, the Godmanchester Nature Reserve offers pleasant walks, and the Houghton Mill area also has dog-friendly paths along the River Great Ouse. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves.

The Hursting Stone (Abbot's Chair), a glacial relic steeped in local folklore, is a unique historical curiosity, though it is now located outside the Norris Museum in St Ives. Wild Aldhurst, a rewilding conservation project, offers a chance to experience a significant biodiversity enhancement project in a tranquil setting.

Beyond visiting the attractions themselves, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Cycling is popular on the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path. Hiking and running trails are abundant, with options ranging from easy 4.5 km loops to moderate 12 km routes, such as the Houghton Mill – St Ives Bridge and Chapel loop. Explore more options in the hiking guide and running trails guide for the area.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The historical sites like Houghton Mill and St Ives Bridge and Chapel offer rich heritage. The natural reserves, such as Godmanchester Nature Reserve and Far Fen Lake, are valued for their tranquility and wildlife. The flat, car-free nature of the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path is also highly praised for cycling.