Surrounding cities and towns and villages of interest

Buckden - Approximately 4 miles - is listed in the Doomsday Survey of 1086 as a manor belonging to the Bishop of Lincoln, valued at just over £16 and consisting of a "church, a mill, a few cottages and a wood a mile square." Buckden Towers has strong connections with Katherine of Aragon and has a rich history spanning over 900 hundred years. It has been home to the Bishops of Lincoln.

At Buckden you will find several pubs, two hotels and a Chinese takeaway, as well as a post office, greengrocers and convenience store.

Kimbolton - Approximately 7 miles - is noted for its Castle where Katherine of Aragon had her last residence. It was also the home of the Montagu family for over 300 years. The Castle features Pellegrini murals and the beautiful courtyard shows the Fourth's Earl's Coat of Arms. The Castle is now owned and run as a school. The Church of St. Andrew is well worth a visit.

There are several pubs, a post office, and general store.

Huntingdon - Approximately 8 miles- a market town that grew up around a river crossing on the Great Ouse. It is linked to Godmanchester by a beautiful 13^th century road bridge over the Ouse. It provides traditional shopping with independent traders, high street chains and an open air market held on the Market Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Olive Cornwall's former school is now a museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the Lord Protector's life.

There are several pubs and restaurants, and a multi screen Cinema and fast food restaurants on the outskirts of the town.

St. Neots - Approximately 8 miles- a town named after St.Neot, a Saxon monk, whose bones were housed in a monastery close to the current town. The newly refurbished Market Square is still the town's centrepiece today. There are over 100 listed buildings in the old town. Today the St. Neots museum provides a fascinating insight into the town's history.

The town is noted for its many pubs! There is also a variety of local shops, supermarkets and high street chain stores. The open air market is held on the Market Square on Thursdays.

St. Ives - Approximately 10 miles- originally developed from a 7^th century ford on the River Great Ouse. Today a 15^th century stone bridge still spans the river. At its centre is the tiny chapel of St Ledger. It is one of only four surviving bridge chapels in England. From the bridge there are lovely views of the quayside buildings.

St. Ives has several pubs and restaurants. The high street has the usual mixture of local shops, supermarkets and chain outlets. An open air market is held on Monday and Friday.

Major towns/cities: (all within a 20 mile radius)

• Cambridge
• Peterborough
• Bedford

Local amenities, Interests and things to do

Nature reserves/bird watching -

• Grafham Water Nature Reserve and Wildlife Centre - 01480 812660.
• Brampton Wood
• Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon - 01480 451568.

There is a lakeside restaurant with magnificent views overlooking Grafham Water serving hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. A well stocked shop that sells a wide range of fishing equipment, outdoor clothing and accessories is also available.

• Grafham Water Sailing Club - West Perry, Grafham. 01480 810478
• Grafham Water Sailboard Shop - Sailing Club, West Perry. 01480 811242
• Grafham Water Fishing - The Lodge, Plummer Car-park, Grafham. 01480 810531
• Grafham Water Training and Outdoor Activities Centre - West Perry. 01480 810521
• Grafham Water Cycling - Marlowe Car-park, Grafham. 01480 812500.
• Hire of bicycles, tandems, children's bicycles, helmets and child seats.
• Also a wide range of bikes, accessories and clothing are sold in the spacious shop and a repair and sales service is available.
• The Grafham Water Exhibition Centre, shop and cafeteria. 01480 812154.
• Exhibition Centre- Information on Grafham Water including video coverage.
• Shop- A wide range of gifts and souvenirs
• Cafeteria- Serving hot and cold food and drinks in a large restaurant and patio area.