Attractions and Places To See around Upwood and the Raveleys - Top 20

The region is rich in history. You can visit Houghton Mill, a historic watermill on the River Great Ouse with nearly 1,000 years of history. Another significant site is St Ives Bridge and Chapel, a 15th-century bridge unique for incorporating a chapel. Don't miss the Holme Posts, which are historical monuments illustrating land subsidence after the draining of Whittlesey Mere.

Yes, Upwood and the Raveleys offer several natural spaces. Godmanchester Nature Reserve, located on a former gravel pit, features four lakes, grasslands, and hedgerows, known for diverse birdlife and Roman heritage. You can also explore local nature reserves like Upwood Meadows, Lady's Wood, and Raveley Wood, which are easily accessible from the villages and offer year-round interest.

The area is great for walking. The 'Upwood Ramble' is a popular route that encompasses Upwood Meadows, Lady's Wood, and Raveley Wood. There are options to lengthen or shorten this walk, with a longer circular walk extending to Ramsey via Bury, totaling approximately 20 km (12.5 miles). For more running-specific trails, you can find options like the 'RAF Upwood – Wistow Pub loop from Bury' or the 'Charter's Spinney loop from Raveley Wood' on the Running Trails around Upwood and the Raveleys guide.

Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Houghton Mill offers tours and a chance to learn about its history. Godmanchester Nature Reserve is excellent for wildlife spotting and walks. The local nature reserves like Upwood Meadows are also great for family outings, especially for enjoying wildflowers and observing nature.

Absolutely. The region offers various cycling opportunities. You can explore routes like the 'View from Walton Hill – View of the Fens Near Ramsey loop from Upwood' or the 'Farmers Coffee Shop – Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse loop from Upwood'. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Upwood and the Raveleys guide. There are also MTB trails available, such as the 'Fen Drayton Lakes and Ouse Valley Loop' in the MTB Trails around Upwood and the Raveleys guide.

The Holme Posts are a fascinating historical monument directly related to land subsidence. These distinctive green posts were originally buried in 1848 to measure how much the land sank after Whittlesey Mere was drained. The tops of the posts, once level with the ground, now stand approximately 4 meters above it, clearly demonstrating the extent of peat shrinkage.

Yes, St Ives Town Centre is a lovely place to visit. It offers plenty of coffee shops, food places, and shops for resupply. It's also known for its beautiful traffic-free bridge and is a convenient spot to rest during a longer ride or walk.

Houghton Mill is the last remaining working watermill on the River Great Ouse, with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years. It is cared for by the National Trust. Visitors can tour the building and learn from knowledgeable hosts about its operation and history. There's also a campsite next to the Mill, and a path through it connects Houghton and the Hemingfords.

St Ives Bridge and Chapel is a 15th-century bridge crossing the River Great Ouse. It is one of only four bridges in England to incorporate a chapel, which historically served a dual purpose as a toll-house. Today, it's a beautiful, traffic-free landmark on the edge of the Fens.

Godmanchester Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife. You can expect to see a variety of songbirds, ducks, geese, and kingfishers. It's also an important site for overwintering wildfowl. The reserve's diverse habitats, including lakes, grasslands, and hedgerows, support a rich array of species.

The region offers year-round interest. Late springtime is particularly beautiful in Lady's Wood with an abundance of bluebells and primroses. Upwood Meadows are renowned for wildflowers, including green-winged orchids and cowslip, providing summer-long color. For walking, be aware that some parts of routes like the Upwood Ramble can be wet and muddy, especially outside of drier seasons, so strong footwear is recommended.

Beyond the main highlights, you can find other interesting historical structures. Upwood Mill, a windmill situated on a ridge between Upwood and Great Raveley, was recorded as early as 1815 and once served local farmers. Additionally, Three Horseshoes Cottage in Great Raveley, with parts dating back to the late 17th century, was formerly one of two pubs in the village and also housed a small shop and butcher.