Waterclose Meadows Campsite
This rural, village campsite is by the river and working mill; explore the area on foot, or by bike or boat.
At a glance
- Type of accommodation
- Tents, Campervans, Caravans, Motorhomes, Trailer tents, Pods
- Number of places / pitches
- 51
- Seasons
- 28 Feb 2025 - 4 Jan 2026
- Minimum stay
- 1 night
- Dogs welcome per pitch
- 2
About Waterclose Meadows Campsite
On the River Great Ouse at the edge of Houghton village, Waterclose Meadows Campsite is in a charming, rural spot next to Houghton Mill. The 18th-century mill was saved from ruin by local people and restored to working order by the National Trust. It's full of traditional machinery, gives milling demonstrations and tells a story of milling on this site going back 1,000 years; you can visit for free during your stay and book tours online. There's a tea-room at the mill, and a cafe, pubs and community-run shop selling local produce in the village.
Bring your own watercraft, or hire a canoe, rowing boat or punt to explore the quiet backwaters of the river. An hour or so of paddling will get you to St Ives, a historic market town with craft and antique shops, cafes, restaurants and good pubs. Pull up to a pontoon and stop for the afternoon. It's also an easy walk. There are lots of other walking paths and trails in the area - along the river or through the woods and meadows. You could take the circular route from Houghton Mill to Houghton Meadows, or follow an 8-mile trail through the Ouse Valley in search of lost mills. You'll find long bike routes as well as plenty of shorter, family-friendly ones, some suitable for balance bikes and scooters.
You'll find lots to do here, so it's a good choice for a longer camping holiday. You have free entry at all National Trust places during your stay, including Wimpole Home Farm, Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve and Anglesey Abbey which are all less than 45 minutes away by car. Lyveden takes less than an hour to reach, and Woolsthorpe Manor, home to the story of Isaac Newton, is just a bit further. Local buses stop in the village, before heading on to St Ives, Huntingdon and Cambridge.
Check-in is from 1pm, with departures by 12noon. For group bookings, directions, late arrivals, facility information, electric vehicle charging, local area guides and more, please check the Guide to Waterclose Meadows Campsite.
Features and facilities
- Electric hook-up, available
- Laundry, available
- Showers, available
- Toilets, available
- Washing-up area, available
- BBQs allowed, available
Location
Campervans, motorhomes, trailer tents and caravans
Vehicles (under 8m long) can choose an electric or non-electric pitch. All pitches are grass; we have no hardstanding. Read the pitch descriptions in the booking system carefully, and when you book, let us know if you need space for an awning. We allocate pitches on arrival and can’t guarantee special requests, but please do add your request to your booking and we’ll do our best. If you’re meeting friends, let us know and we’ll try to put you together if we can.
Pitching your tent
Our pitches are all on grass and suitable for tents up to 7m x 5m, and most of them have electric hook-up. Please read the descriptions in the booking system carefully. For organised groups, like Duke of Edinburgh, please complete the booking form on the Guide to Waterclose Meadows Campsite page.
Pods
There are two types of pod at Waterclose Meadows, each with some home comforts. If you're camping, perhaps your non-camping family and friends might like to stay in a pod to join your holiday...
Family pods
Family pods have a seating area which converts into a double bed and bunk beds. There's a small galley kitchen with a kettle, microwave and mini fridge, and crockery and cutlery. There's a table, heat, light and power sockets. Please bring your own bedding and linen. The family pods sleep four, and one is dog friendly.
Pod with shower room
This pod has a double bed and a futon for one additional guest, and an en-suite shower room. There's a small galley kitchen with a kettle, microwave and mini fridge, and crockery and cutlery. There's a table, heat, light and power sockets. Please bring your own bedding and linen. This pod sleeps three people, and isn't dog friendly.
Guide to Waterclose Meadows Campsite
Find all you need to know about a holiday at Waterclose Meadows Campsite, including directions, how to check in, where to hire watercraft, where to find a pub or restaurant, dogs and more...
Exploring the river at Houghton Mill
You can bring your own paddleboard or boat, or hire a canoe, rowing boat or punt from Houghton Boats (07759 316260), to potter around on the water and explore the River Great Ouse. There are trails you can follow, passing meadows and pretty villages. To fish on the river, you'll need a rod license and a local license from the village shop.
Walking and cycling at Waterclose Meadows
The campsite is on many footpaths and cycle routes connected to nearby riverside towns and villages. Set off from the campsite, passing the working lock and then through Hemmingford Meadows and its unspoilt villages. You'll find plenty of routes suitable for buggies. Look out for wildlife along the way. In summer, the meadows are buzzing with the sound of wildlife and if you're lucky you might spot a visiting seal playing in the mill pond. There are plenty of bike routes, and keen cyclists can join the National Cycle Network route 51 to Cambridge.
Exploring the area...
Wimpole Estate
A living working estate, guided by the seasons with an impressive mansion, parkland, gardens and rare breed farm.
Cambridgeshire
With distinctive fenland landscapes, grand houses and lush farmland, discover all there is to see at National Trust places in Cambridgeshire, in East Anglia.