Why? 

Cambridgeshire has more than its fair share of cute villages, but Hemingford Abbots gotta be in the top eight. Listed in the Domesday Book, it’s next level lovely, with plenty of chocolate box houses and a popular thatched pub at its heart. 

EAT

It’s quality over quantity here. Axe & Compass is a lively local, with a thatch roof, excellent Sunday roast and garden menu, including yummy pulled pork rolls. 

In (slightly larger, less posh but still lovely) neighbouring village Hemingford Grey you can eat at The Cock pub on the high street which was named UK pub of the year twice by the Good Pub Guide, thanks to its top menu (think miso roasted aubergine or roasted duck breast) and cosy atmos. Extra marks for the outside area with dining pods. Hit Houghton Mill tea room for a slice of cake and a cuppa by the river. 

SHOP 

Ok it’s not a plural situation here – shop rather than shops. And that’s in neighbouring village Hemingford Grey (the two are practically linked), however Budgens does sell all your essentials from potatoes to Pinot Grigio and market town St Ives is just a ten-minute drive away and has plenty of stores to browse. 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The village is surrounded by meadows, so scenic walks won’t be a problem. Stroll along the river to the National Trust’s Houghton Mill, the last working watermill on the River Great Ouse or bike to Fen Drayton lakes. There’s an annual regatta with neighbouring Hemingford Grey that’s a fun event on the calendar. Outside yoga with local instructor Lucy Hocknell Yoga is a chance to unwind. 

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE 

The problem here is that property for sale is a bit thin on the ground. Average price is a hefty £1,019,000 and prices are up 42% year-on-year.

HOT PROPERTY 

You’ll need a cool £2,950,000 to snap up this amazing six-bedroom thatched house with a swimming pool!

SCHOOLS

Hemingford Grey Primary School’s rated Ofsted Good. Whitehall School, fifteen minutes away in Somersham, is a co-ed day school (6 months to 11 years), read the Muddy review here. Kimbolton has co-ed prep and senior schools for day pupils and boarders, from 4 through to 18. 

BEST KEPT SECRET 

Wild swimming near the stretch of river by Houghton Mill feels a bit like you’ve won the secret swim location lottery. 

COMMUTE 

Nearby Huntingdon, around four miles away, has direct trains to London which takes around 48 minutes. It’s 17 miles from Cambridge. 

View the full Top 200 Best Places to Live