St Neots hotels

Hotels in St Neots

The ancient market town of St Neots is in west Cambridgeshire, on the eastern side of England. Nestled around the banks of the River Great Ouse, the town's medieval heritage is still clearly evident today.

History

There have been settlements here for thousands of years, taking advantage of the rich clay soils in the valley of the River Great Ouse, and the access the waterway affords to trade links in Europe. Excavations have revealed that the Great North Road, just to the west and linking London to York and Scotland, was already a vital trading artery long before the Romans arrived. Around 1,000 years ago a Priory here acquired the bones of St Neot, a hermit from Cornwall, and a steady stream of pilgrims ensured the wealth of both the Priory and its surrounding community, which adopted the name of St Neots. The handsome market square that can still be seen today is a legacy of that early prosperity, which is also reflected in the Rivermill and Norman castle. There is an award-winning museum in the town, plus clearly marked trails with heritage boards that reveal the fascinating history of the area, through its beautiful buildings and some bizarre local characters!

Landscape

From St Neots hotels you can easily enjoy the lush and gently rolling countryside and a number of lovely parks. The Riverside Park provides peaceful walks along the riverbank, overlooked by huge weeping willow trees. Next to the park you will find Sudbury Meadow too, which is a conservation area filled with wildlife. The tranquil Great River Ouse is the most famous feature around St Neots, and there are ample opportunities to enjoy it. Anglers, swimmers and boat owners can all be found making the most of the clean water. You can take a relaxing River Boat Trip on weekends and bank holidays, between April and September, and absorb the ever-changing scenes between the Priory Centre and Eaton Socon Mill.

For a longer walk and some inspiring open spaces, visit Priory Park. Here you will find 80 acres of prime 18th-century parkland and extensive mature woodland, with plenty of great picnicking spots too.

Restaurants and Cafés

There's a varied mix of eating and drinking places in and around St Neots. You can choose one of the popular independent restaurants, a cosy coffee shop, or a family friendly pub, and you will also find some brilliant spots right on the river.

There is international cuisine of every kind, classic inns such as the Cambridgeshire Hunter, the Eaton Oak, and the George & Dragon, plus well-known café favourites such as the Ambiance Café in Riverside Park.