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Graveley

Attractions and Places To See around Graveley - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Graveley include a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. Graveley, a village in North Hertfordshire, offers a rural setting with farmland and green belt land. The area features traditional English points of interest, providing opportunities for countryside walks and exploring local heritage. Visitors can discover a variety of attractions that highlight the region's past and tranquil environment.

Best attractions and places to see around Graveley

  • The most popular attractions is Houghton Mill, a historical site that is the last remaining working watermill on the River Great Ouse. A mill has been present here for nearly 1,000 years and is currently maintained by the National Trust.
  • Another must-see spot is Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, a cycle way. This former rail line has been converted into a guided bus lane with a parallel cycle path, offering a flat and car-free connection through pleasant countryside and picturesque villages.
  • Visitors also love Grafham Water, a lake. This large reservoir offers a route around its perimeter, featuring varied terrain and scenic views.
  • Graveley is known for historical sites, natural features, and traditional public houses. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to picturesque village ponds and expansive countryside.
  • The attractions around Graveley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and 40 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Grafham Water

Highlight • Cycleway

Grafham Water is a site of Special scientific Interest covering almost 2000 acres. Built in 1965, it is the 8th largest reservoir in England. The lake hosts a water sport centre and cafe. Making it a great place to take a break.

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Houghton Mill

Highlight • Historical Site

This is the last remaining working watermill on the River Great Ouse. A mill has been here for nearly 1,000 years and is currently cared for by the National Trust. You have to be a member or pay to look around the building but it is well worth it as the hosts are very knowledgeable and helpful. The car park is £2.50 a day for non-members. 2025 - There is now a time limit for parking for members and I dont know what the situation/charges are for non members. I park in Godmanchester in the stree for free now and walk the circular walk via the mill.

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Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This is a former rail line, converted to a guided bus lane i.e. closed to traffic except buses, which are kept to their concrete "rail tracks". The cycle lane runs parallel, going through pleasant countryside and picturesque villages. Safe for families and segments alike & an easy way out of Cambridge.

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Far Fen Lake

Highlight • Lake

Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.

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Buckden Towers and Gardens

Highlight • Historical Site

Buckden Towers, comprising the Great Tower, walls and grounds, are all that remains of Buckden Palace which dates from 1479. The site of the Palace is over 900 years old and was identified in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to the Bishop of Lincoln.

Historically, Buckden has played an unhappy role. Henry VIII's first wife Katherine of Aragon was locked up here for not producing a male heir. A few years after Katherine's death Henry, took his fifth wife, Catherine Howard there to escape the plague in London.

However, it was during their stay at Buckden that Henry accused his new young wife of adultery with Thomas Culpeper, eventually leading to her execution.

Buckden Towers are privately owned and have conference room and retreat facilities, self-catering apartments and a tea-room.

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Tips from the Community

dipdot123
August 31, 2024, Far Fen Lake

Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.

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The cycle path along the top of the dam is wide and flat and gives great views across the reservoir. Reach it from the Visitor Centre at the northern end although access at the southern end is trickier as you have to squeeze through a narrow gap next to a locked gate by the main road.

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Not very visible from the road, hidden behind a tall brick wall. You can peep through the old gateway or else from the driveway at the far left of the wall.

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North West trail blue bell woods

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Braders
April 22, 2023, Grafham Water

Good cafe usually busy but plenty of space for bikes and a playpark for youngsters. Great crazy golf course due to open May 2023.

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slueart
February 13, 2023, Far Fen Lake

The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)

Translated by Google

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It's also a bridleway so watch out for occasional piles of horse shit.

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Natalie
January 13, 2023, Houghton Mill

A mill has stood here for nearly 1000 years. Houghton Mill is the final working watermill on the River Great Ouse. The mill is in the care of the National Trust and is open to the public (entrance fee applies). Please see their website for more details https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/houghton-mill-and-waterclose-meadows

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Graveley?

Graveley is rich in history. You can visit the 12th-century flint-built St Mary's Church, explore the picturesque ruins of a 14th-century church in nearby Chesfield, or admire the historic cottages and houses along Graveley High Street, some dating back to the 16th century. Don't miss Graveley Hall, which incorporates medieval timber, and an 18th-century milestone marking its distance from London.

Are there natural attractions to visit near Graveley?

Yes, Graveley offers several natural attractions. The picturesque Graveley Village Pond, complete with ducks and fish, is a tranquil spot. The village is surrounded by extensive farmland and green belt land, providing a predominantly rural setting. For a larger natural area, Grafham Water, a large reservoir, offers varied terrain and scenic views, while Far Fen Lake is part of an RSPB Nature Reserve, known for its wildlife.

What outdoor activities are available around Graveley?

The area around Graveley is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy scenic circular walks across the Hertfordshire countryside, offering glimpses of the Chiltern Hills and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Cycling is popular, especially on the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path. For more structured activities, you can find numerous routes for gravel biking, running, and road cycling.

Are there good walking or hiking routes near Graveley?

Absolutely. Graveley is surrounded by countryside perfect for walking. You can find circular walks offering scenic views and opportunities to observe wildlife like skylarks and butterflies. Many routes are available for different skill levels, including running trails that can also be enjoyed as walks. The area's rural setting ensures a peaceful experience.

Can I go cycling around Graveley?

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area. A notable route is the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, a former rail line converted into a car-free path that connects through pleasant countryside and picturesque villages. Additionally, there are many road cycling routes and gravel biking options available in the wider Graveley area.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Graveley?

Graveley offers several family-friendly options. The Houghton Mill is a historical site that is also family-friendly, offering insights into a working watermill. The Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path provides a safe and flat route for family bike rides. Additionally, Graveley Fruit Farm is listed as an outdoor children's farm activity, offering a chance to experience rural life.

Where can I find traditional English pubs in Graveley?

Graveley is home to traditional English pubs that are prominent features along the High Street. You can visit 'The George and Dragon' and 'The Waggon and Horses' for food and drink. The 'Highwayman' pub at Jacks Hill also has historical ties, named after a notorious highwayman, adding to the local charm.

What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/723609" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Houghton Mill</a> and what can I do there?

Houghton Mill is the last remaining working watermill on the River Great Ouse, with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years. Maintained by the National Trust, visitors can explore the building, learn about its history from knowledgeable hosts, and enjoy the surrounding area. There's also a campsite nearby, and the path through the mill connects across the Great Ouse.

What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/461932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path</a>?

The Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path is a unique route built on a former rail line. It features a guided bus lane with a parallel cycle path, offering a flat, car-free connection through pleasant countryside and picturesque villages. It's considered safe for families and an easy way to cycle out of Cambridge.

What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/80566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grafham Water</a>?

Grafham Water is a large reservoir that offers a popular route around its perimeter. The path features varied terrain and scenic views, making it suitable for cycling and walking. It's recommended to go anti-clockwise for a faster and more straightforward experience, and facilities like Rutland Cycling and coffee shops are available.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on walks near Graveley?

On walks through the Hertfordshire countryside around Graveley, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers might spot skylarks and yellowhammers. The area is also home to various butterflies. For a more dedicated wildlife experience, Far Fen Lake, part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, is a magnet for diverse wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese.

Are there any specific historical landmarks related to the Great North Road in Graveley?

Yes, Graveley has historical ties to the Great North Road. Graveley High Street itself was once part of this significant coaching route connecting London with York and Edinburgh, and features many old houses, some dating back to the 16th century. A surviving 18th-century milestone in the village reports it is 33 miles from London, serving as a tangible remnant of when the Great North Road was a turnpike.

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