Huntingdon, well known for its links to Oliver Cromwell, is a bustling historic market town to the north of Cambridge. The town straddles the ancient Roman Road of Ermine Street (part of the Great North Road), where it crosses the River Great Ouse. Within the town's market square are several buildings of note including the Town Hall (built in 1745), the Medieval All Saints Church and the Cromwell Museum. In the centre of the square sits the town's war memorial, sculpted by K. Scott (widow of Scott-of-the-Antarctic). The town centre has a good selection of independent and high street brand shops and holds weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturday. Hinchingbrooke Park and Riverside Park offer pleasant country walks, a nature reserve and are the venues for numerous events throughout the year.

Highlights and Attractions

The George Hotel, once a posting house, was owned by Oliver Cromwell’s grandfather and became the headquarters for Charles I in 1645. Since 1959 the courtyard and balcony has been used for Shakespeare performances by a theatre company run by the Shakespeare at the George Trust.

There are many local attractions and interesting places to visit nearby including: Houghton Mill, Hitchingbrooke House and Country Park, Huntingdon Racecourse and Grafham Water with its many water-based activities and nature reserve.

Commuting

Huntingdon has good road access to the A1 and A14 with Cambridge approx. 35 minutes’ away by car. There is also a guided bus service which offers even easier access to Cambridge. Regular train services to London and to the North (via Peterborough) run from Huntingdon Station with journeys into London King’s Cross in about 50 minutes.

Food & Drink

The Old Bridge House is an ivy-clad 18^th century boutique hotel set on the banks of the River Great Ouse and has a restaurant with an excellent reputation.

The Cock in Hemingford Grey is about 5 miles away and has been awarded Cambridgeshire Dining Pub of the Year several times.

Education

There are a number of well-regarded primary and secondary schools within Huntingdon including: Huntingdon Primary and Stukeley Meadows Primary and St Peter’s and Hinchingbrooke secondary schools. Kimbolton School, an independent co-educational school for all ages, has a dedicated bus service to Huntingdon. Cambridge also offers a wide selection of independent schools.