Huntingdonshire, a county in Cambridgeshire, England, offers a variety of free or low-cost activities suitable for families and children. The available information highlights several attractions that do not require an entry fee, providing opportunities for exploration, nature appreciation, and historical learning. These options are valuable for local residents and visitors seeking affordable days out.
Historical and Cultural Sites
A notable free attraction is the Norris Museum. Situated very close to Huntingdon, this museum is open every day of the week with no entry charge. It provides insight into the history of Huntingdonshire. The museum was established in 1933 following a donation of collections by Herbert Norris, an antiquarian. A significant donation of £1.5 million in 2017 enhanced the museum's facilities, and it currently displays over 13,000 items. The museum is also located in a building with historical significance, as it is housed in a 12th-century hospital where Oliver Cromwell attended school. This location is part of the Historic Town Trail, which guides visitors through Huntingdon to see sights such as Huntingdon Castle and half-timbered buildings.
Another key historical site is the Cromwell Museum. Located in the old grammar school where both Oliver Cromwell and Samuel Pepys were once pupils, the museum opened in 1962. Its purpose is to interpret the life and significance of Oliver Cromwell, a pivotal and controversial figure in British history. The museum does not seek to celebrate or denigrate his achievements but to provide an informative perspective.
For architectural interest, All Saints’ Church in Huntingdon is a medieval structure built in the 16th century in the Perpendicular Gothic style. Features include crocketed pinnacles, statue niches, and broad window tracery. Its interior was reworked in the 19th century by master restorer Sir George Gilbert Scott. The church is located on the north side of the Market Square.
St Ives Medieval Bridge, dating from the 15th century, is another unique historical site. It crosses the River Great Ouse and is one of the few bridges in the country that includes a chapel. The chapel, which has a crypt just two meters above the water level, has had various uses over the centuries, including as a doctor’s surgery, a pub, and a brothel. A key to access the chapel can be obtained from the town hall or the Norris Museum. The bridge’s bank offers views of 15th-century architecture, and there are indications of partial demolition in 1645 during the Civil War.
Hinchingbrooke House, formerly the home of the Cromwell family and later the Earls of Sandwich, has undergone several restorations following a serious fire in 1830. While it now serves as a school and is used for events, it is open to visitors on Sundays during mid-summer, from mid-June to the end of August.
Nature Reserves and Parks
For families interested in nature, Hinchingbrooke Country Park offers 150 acres of lakes, meadows, and woodlands. This area is suitable for walking, birdwatching, and picnics, and it is home to a variety of wildlife.
Holt Island Nature Reserve, located in St Ives near the River Great Ouse, is described as a quiet place for a walk. Visitors can walk along willows used for basket making. The reserve is home to birds such as kingfishers, reed warblers, dunnocks, sedge warblers, and blackcaps, and plants including flag iris and purple loosestrife.
Riverside Park in Huntingdon provides scenic views of the River Great Ouse and includes a play park, making it another option for a family visit.
Animal and Wildlife Attractions
Hamerton Zoo Park is a significant attraction for children, featuring approximately 100 different species of cats, birds, and primates. The park houses rare or endangered animals, including white Bengal tigers, cheetahs, Malayan tigers, lemurs (collared and ring-tailed), Damara zebras, giant anteaters, and Chilean pudus. Domestic animals such as goats and donkeys are also present. Access to the lion enclosure requires a ride on the “Express Railroad Train.” While a visit to the zoo is a paid activity, it is highlighted as a worthwhile addition to a family checklist.
The Raptor Foundation is mentioned as another activity for the whole family, with offerings for school trips and the disabled.
Additional Activities
Central Park, located in Peterborough near Huntingdon, is described as being filled with fun activities for children. Its features include a formal garden, an aviary, a paved trail suitable for hiking, an adventure playground, a paddling pool, and a sand pit. It is also a suitable location for picnics.
Rally Karting in Huntingdon offers off-road karting experiences with 400cc Liberator rally karts featuring zero-roll suspension and safety harnesses. The activity is designed to be easy to learn, and sessions are structured by age for safety. It is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Conclusion
Huntingdonshire presents a diverse range of free and low-cost activities for families. These include historical and cultural sites such as the Norris Museum, Cromwell Museum, All Saints’ Church, and St Ives Medieval Bridge. For outdoor and nature-based activities, options include Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Holt Island Nature Reserve, and Riverside Park. Animal attractions like Hamerton Zoo Park and the Raptor Foundation offer educational and interactive experiences, while Central Park and Rally Karting provide structured recreational opportunities. These attractions collectively offer a variety of ways to engage with the county’s history, nature, and recreational facilities without significant expenditure.