Family-friendly things to do at Houghton Mill

Published:: 02 September 2023

Visitors milling on a hand quern inside Houghton Mill | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Whether you want to explore the historic watermill, cycle off on a scenic bike ride or take a boat trip along the river, Houghton Mill has lots of family-friendly activities to keep all ages happy.

Family-friendly events

Visit the Mill (Mar-Oct only)

From 12th March 2025, the whole family can experience the sights, sounds and smells of an 18th-century water mill by exploring three floors of exhibits and interactive activities. You can even buy a bag of Houghton Mill flour to take home with you and bake some delicious treats.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Houghton Mill:

Baby-changing facilities are available in the mill and tea-room
Due to the historic nature of the building, the mill has uneven floors and several staircases which are not suitable for pushchairs
Young children should be supervised at all times in the mill and on the riverside
Please don't paddle or swim close to the mill or sluice gates
Drinks, snacks and ice creams are available from the tea-room.

Visitors canoeing on the Great Ouse, Houghton Mill, Cambridgeshire — Visitors canoeing, Houghton Mill, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Family friendly things to do at Houghton Mill

Go on an adventure on and around the river

Exploring the River Great Ouse by canoe is great fun for the whole family. You can bring your own boat or hire a canoe, rowing boat or punt next to the mill from Houghton Boats. Please call 07759 316260 for more information.

Walking routes and bike trails

There are several walking routes along the river, through woods and across meadows from the far side of the mill pond. There are also shorter bike trails for little legs or longer routes to the Hemingfords and St Ives for the more adventurous.

Pitch up a tent

Make your next family holiday an outdoor adventure and arrange a stay at the Waterclose Meadows Campsite. Situated next to Houghton Mill, the idyllic campsite is in a peaceful location with beautiful views over the Ouse Valley.

Child on a bike at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

With the campsite and river close by, Houghton Mill is a great place to see how many '50 things to do before you're 11¾ ' you can you tick off your list. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

No. 4 Build a den: You’ll find plenty of sticks and flat open space to build a den. Once you’ve constructed it, crawl inside and see what you can spot from your secret hiding place
No. 12 Have fun with sticks : Race Pooh sticks on one of the many little streams found in the meadows. Pooh sticks can be any shape or size, so long as they float
No. 32 Float in a boat: Climb aboard a canoe or rowing boat and get up close to the wildlife along the River Great Ouse. Floating in a boat can be as slow and dreamy or as fast and exhilarating an experience as you make it. Or it could even be both.