St Ives: Market, Museum and Riverside Walks

River History and Architecture

St Ives’ old riverside harbour area includes wide market streets, a quay and a medieval town bridge. The Bridge is a Grade I listed building. At the Chapel of St Ledger, an iron balcony overlooks the river. The chapel was formerly used as a private residence, tollhouse and inn, and was restored to its original condition in the 1930s. The buildings and their former uses offer different points of connection with the town’s history.

Market Days in St Ives

Markets are held on Market Hill on Mondays and Fridays; the St Ives farmers’ market takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month. The dates therefore follow two different rhythms: recurring weekdays and two Saturdays in the monthly cycle. If you specifically want to visit the farmers’ market, plan your travel dates around this Saturday schedule. For a market visit on the other market days mentioned, Monday and Friday are options.

Museum and River Trips

The Norris Museum’s permanent exhibition covers artefacts from a period beginning 160 million years ago and continuing to the present day. Visitors can explore Herbert Norris’ study; interactive activities and games are also part of the permanent exhibition. This combines a broad span of time with a specific room and interactive elements for your visit. St Ives Electric Riverboats offers passenger trips on the River Great Ouse. This gives you a choice of different activities: a museum visit or a trip on the river.

Nature Spots and Local Trails

Holt Island Nature Reserve preserves remnants of former willow cultivation; reeds of the genus Phragmites grow there alongside sedges. The circular boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs in all weather. The Thicket is a 500-metre-long woodland strip of ash and field maple, with native woodland wildlife and plants. There is a public footpath and a permitted path at The Thicket. There is also a surfaced path there that is suitable for wheelchair users. The nature features and trails described provide practical guidance for choosing a place to visit.

Walks and a Cycle Link

A six-mile circular route leads from St Ives town centre via Thicket Path to Houghton and back through Hemingford Grey. The “St Ives and the Hemingfords walk” runs along the river to St Ives and ends opposite All Saints’ Parish Church. The routes differ in their layout: one is a measured loop through named places, while the other follows the river and has a named endpoint. A wide cycle path connects St Ives with the north of Cambridge, complementing the walking routes described with a cycle link in this direction.

Discover more destinations: Croydon, Gamlingay, Girton, Kimbolton, Duxford, Fen Drayton, Whittlesey, Eaton Socon

For the regional travel overview: Cambridgeshire.