St Neots Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of St Neots with our comprehensive tour guide that covers things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to St Neots

St Neots is a charming town located in Cambridgeshire, East of England, United Kingdom. It is known for its scenic views, diverse culture, and historical significance. The town has a vibrant community, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience English life outside of the city. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and local customs in St Neots.

List of Places to Visit in St Neots

If you’re wondering what to see in St Neots, our list of places to visit will guide you.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

St Neots has a rich historical significance, and some of the must-visit museums and historical places include:

  • St Neots Museum: This award-winning museum showcases the history and culture of St Neots and has several exhibitions on display.
  • The St Neots Picture Gallery: The picture gallery boasts some of the most spectacular paintings and portraits from local artists.
  • St Mary’s Church: This church dates back to the 12th century and is an excellent example of Norman architecture.

Natural Attractions of St Neots: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

St Neots is surrounded by natural beauty, making it the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Some of the must-visit natural attractions include:

  • Paxton Pits Nature Reserve: This reserve has several trails, and bird hides and boasts an array of wildlife and bird species.
  • The Riverside Park: This park is perfect for picnics and has a boating area.
  • Priory Country Park: This park has several trails and boasts beautiful lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St Neots

Are you a fan of hiking or biking? St Neots has several hiking and biking routes that showcase the town’s natural beauty. Some of the best routes to consider include:

  • The St Neots Green Wheel: This route takes you along local green spaces, village lanes, and nature reserves.
  • The Ouse Valley Way: This route takes you along the River Great Ouse, and you’ll witness the natural beauty of St Neot’s riverside landscape.
  • Grafham Water Circular Walk: This walk takes you around the reservoir and has stunning views throughout.

Best Things to Do in St Neots: Activities and Tours

If you’re wondering what to do in St Neots, below are some of the must-try activities and tours:

  • St Neots River Cruise: Take a scenic river cruise and witness the town’s beauty from the water.
  • St Neots Ghost Walk: Take an eerie tour of some of the town’s most haunted places, accompanied by expert guides.
  • St Neots Beer Festival: This festival is held annually and features some of the best locally brewed beers and ciders.

Week-Long Itinerary for St Neots

If you have a week to spend in St Neots, below is an itinerary that showcases the town’s best features:

Day 1-2

  • Visit St Neots Museum and St Neots Picture Gallery
  • Take in the views of the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
  • Take a St Neots river cruise in the evening

Day 3-4

  • Explore the scenic beauty of Grafham Water
  • Hike the Ouse Valley Way trail or the St Neots Green Wheel
  • Visit St Mary’s Church

Day 5-6

  • Take the St Neots Ghost Walk tour
  • Visit Priory Country Park
  • Enjoy drinks at the St Neots Beer Festival

Day 7

  • Buy souvenirs from the local markets and shops
  • Relax at the Riverside Park
  • Enjoy dinner and drinks at local restaurants and bars

Food and Drink Scene of St Neots

St Neots has a vibrant food and drink scene that offers an array of local and international dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips
  • Bangers and Mash
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Apple Crumble and Custard

Local Beverages

  • Local Ales
  • Cider

Where to Stay in St Neots: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St Neots has several options for accommodation, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best options include:

  • The Eaton Oak Inn
  • The Horseshoe Inn
  • Premier Inn St Neots

What to Buy in St Neots: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re wondering what to buy in St Neots, below are some of the authentic souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Handmade pottery
  • Local honey
  • Delicious homemade jams and chutneys
  • Locally brewed beers and ciders
  • St Neots branded items such as t-shirts and bags

Local Culture and Customs of St Neots

St Neots has a rich cultural heritage, and the locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Some of the local customs include:

  • Saying please and thank you
  • Queuing in an orderly manner
  • Tipping is not customary but appreciated

Best Time to Visit St Neots

The best time to visit St Neots is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and sunny. However, the town is beautiful to explore all year round.

Do’s and Don’ts of St Neots

To make your trip to St Neots smooth and enjoyable, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Respect the locals and their customs
  • Take care of the natural environment when hiking and biking
  • Try local dishes and beverages

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Violate local customs and beliefs

Safety and Health

To ensure a safe and healthy trip to St Neots, keep the following information in mind:

Safety in St Neots

St Neots is a safe town, but it’s always important to take precautionary measures such as:

  • Keeping an eye on your belongings when out and about
  • Not walking alone in isolated areas at night

Health in St Neots

St Neots has several medical centers and hospitals. It’s important to have travel insurance, and keep emergency numbers handy in case of a medical emergency.

Getting to St Neots: Transportation Options and Logistics

To reach St Neots, below are some transportation options:

Airports Near St Neots

  • London Luton (LTN)
  • London Stansted (STN)
  • London Heathrow (LHR)

Bus Stations Near St Neots

  • St Neots Bus Station
  • Huntingdon Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: St Neots train station connects to other major cities in the UK.
  • Car: St Neots is easily accessible by road via the A1 and A428 highways.

How to Get Around in St Neots

St Neots is a small town, and the best way to get around is by foot or bike. Taxis and buses are also available for transportation within the town.

Where to Go Next from St Neots: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time to spend near St Neots, here are some nearby destinations to check out:

  • Cambridge
  • Bedford
  • Kimbolton Castle

Conclusion

St Neots is a beautiful town that offers a blend of culture, nature, and history. This comprehensive guide will help you make the most out of your visit by providing you with information on the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to buy. With its friendly residents and vibrant community, St Neots is a must-visit destination in the UK.