Whether you’re looking for picnics, punts or paddleboards, make a splash this summer at some of Cambridgeshire’s finest waterside spots
Words Phoebe Harper
Few things sound more blissful than a summer’s day by the water, spent sharing a picnic in a shady spot, cooling off in fresh rivers or perhaps cruising along scenic waterways on a leisurely boat ride.
In Cambridgeshire, we’re spoilt for choice with expansive lakes, the winding riverine landscapes of the Cam, the Great Ouse and the Nene, and the historic lodes that thread their way through the fenlands. Better yet, there is a bounty of places to eat, drink and take in the views along the way.
With our selection of the county’s best waterside spots, the highlight of your summer could be just around the river bend…
A day by the cam
No waterside guide to Cambridgeshire would be complete without a mention of the jewel in its crown: Cambridge itself.
As the city’s lifeblood, the River Cam winds through the famous Backs, bypassing some perfect picnic spots (try Laundress Green while picking up a pint to go from The Mill) and riverside cafes (Cafe Foy is a firm local favourite on the quayside) and on to leafy Grantchester where tea rooms and beloved river swimming spots await.
Launching this summer, you may want to re-route via Parker’s Tavern at the University Arms before finding your spot by the water to collect one of its beautifully prepared picnic hampers. Bookable 24 hours in advance, sip and sup your way through a delectable selection of savoury and sweet treats (and an optional bottle of champagne, naturally) without any of the hassle of bringing your own supplies. Best of all, you can also borrow a bike to reach a desired place for parking your blanket.
If you’d rather linger over lunch, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge boasts one of Cambridge’s finest riverside terraces, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes while watching rowers and punters drift past.
For first-time visitors and seasoned locals alike, there’s nothing better than a punt ride, or hiring your own, from Rutherford’s or Scudamore’s for a duck’s-eye view of the city. Complete your riverside look with a timeless Panama hat from Laird Hatters. Crafted in the traditional style, it’s as practical as it is elegant, offering some welcome shade on a sunny day.
If the river’s not for you, families looking to cool off should head straight to the Sheep’s Green Learner Pool or the large paddling pool on Lammas Land for a child-friendly introduction to outdoor swimming. Finally, a dip in the Jesus Green Lido remains a summer institution.
Beyond the Backs
Venture outside Cambridge and the county opens up into a rich landscape of lakes, country parks, fenland views and some fine riverside establishments.
Just 25 minutes from Cambridge, the Waresley Park Estate has become a wellness destination for those seeking restorative experiences on the water. With a spring-fed lake set amid acres of parkland, visitors can book a host of activities including wild swimming, paddleboarding, lakeside sauna sessions and a floating sound bath experience. Afterwards, enjoy a hot drink on-site – or perhaps something iced – from Bean Theory coffee.
Elsewhere, Milton Country Park blends lakeland scenery with woodland walks and a cafe overlooking the water. The ideal choice for summer outings, pack a picnic to enjoy beneath the trees, follow an accessible walking trail or dial it up a notch with paddlesports including kayaking and canoeing, fishing and open-water swimming sessions. Nearby, the lake at Waterbeach offers a picturesque loop for cycling, walking or taking a jog, with swimming and paddleboarding activities also available for booking.
Continuing north, the former island city of Ely makes a wonderful waterside day out, combining spectacular cathedral views with a stretch of riverside that’s ideal for strolling, watching boats and enjoying an ice cream by the Great Ouse. Round off the day at The Three Pickerels in nearby Mepal. This recently refurbished waterside pub boasts a beer garden overlooking the river complete with a delectable pizza menu.
Follow the water
The Great Ouse is at its most charming around the medieval market town of St Ives and its surrounding wildlife hotspots, the Holt Island Nature Reserve and the RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve. When it’s time to refuel, The Pike & Eel offers a classic riverside pub experience overlooking the marina. With boats gently coming and going and outdoor seating beside the water, it’s a picture-perfect spot to toast a successful day outdoors.
Elsewhere, explore historic Houghton Mill – a preserved working mill owned by the National Trust. You may choose to amble along riverside routes through Waterclose Meadows, picnic beside the river or hire a boat through Houghton Boats to explore the Great Ouse at your own pace. Boat tours of the mill and its surrounds are run in partnership with the St Ives Electric River Boat Co, which offers river excursions including guided tours of the historic Manor at Hemingford Grey.
Nearby, Hartford Marina on the Great Ouse is far more than simply a place to moor a boat. Non-boating visitors can take in a beautiful setting with scenic marina views, waterside restaurant and bar. Then, out on the water, kayaking and paddleboarding can be booked, as well as accessible boat trips with The Ladybird Trust. Those craving more action should head to Lake Ashmore, where stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding await.
Waterside wonders
Further afield, Ferry Meadows in Nene Park at the county’s northern edge remains one of Cambridgeshire’s great outdoor destinations, with watersports, sailing, boat trips, fishing and all manner of other activities on offer. Finally, just a short distance away, Peterborough Lido is a beautifully restored Art Deco open-air swimming pool complex that remains one of the finest places to cool off on a hot afternoon.
As summer lazily drifts towards its golden finale, there’s still time to make lasting memories by the water. Whether you’re seeking tranquil rivers to sit by and peacefully watch the wildlife or an aquatic activity to get the pulse racing, some of Cambridgeshire’s most beautiful lakes, rivers and waterside adventures are right on your doorstep. With all this to discover and more, we’ve barely dipped our toe in the water.