Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY? </h2>



<p>It might not have the beaches of its more Cornish counterpart but you can still enjoy waterside living in this lovely little town in Cambridgeshire. The River Great Ouse runs through the historic town and is a big part of life here, and there are plenty of independent shops and a busy market. It&#8217;s an excellent place to commute into Cambridge, especially now the new stretch of A14 has opened.   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1052" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/river-terrace-cafe.jpg" alt="river terrace cafe st ives cambridgeshire " class="wp-image-28529" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/river-terrace-cafe.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/river-terrace-cafe-800x584.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/river-terrace-cafe-1000x731.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/river-terrace-cafe-400x292.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/river-terrace-cafe-719x525.jpg 719w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">River Terrace Café</figcaption></figure>



<p>The best views in St Ives are from the <a href="https://www.riverterracecafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Terrace Café</a>, which juts out over the river so you can watch the boats and water birds go by. <a href="https://www.thetaproom.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Taproom</a> is near the river too, and is <em>the</em> place to head for a cocktail and post-work bite to eat or a relaxed lunch. For the best baked goods around and lovely breakfasts and lunches head to Hambleton Bakery next door to Waitrose. There are two Italians – <a href="https://www.amorestives.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amore</a> and <a href="https://www.diritasitalian.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Di Rita&#8217;s</a> – sweet treats at <a href="https://www.tomscakes.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom&#8217;s Cakes</a> and plenty of pubs, including award-winning <a href="https://www.theolivercromwellpub.co.uk/index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oliver Cromwell</a>, The Golden Lion Hotel, The Marsh Harrier and The Floods Tavern.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1207" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/459326095_1046947104106830_634123092270825563_n.jpg" alt="Contemporary colourful vases V K Gallery St Ives Cambridgeshire" class="wp-image-42338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/459326095_1046947104106830_634123092270825563_n.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/459326095_1046947104106830_634123092270825563_n-716x800.jpg 716w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/459326095_1046947104106830_634123092270825563_n-895x1000.jpg 895w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/459326095_1046947104106830_634123092270825563_n-358x400.jpg 358w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">VK Gallery</figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a nice selection of indies including <a href="https://www.lamuse.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">J Wadsworth Wines</a>, <a href="https://www.lamuse.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Muse</a> fashion boutique, <a href="https://cobwebsfurniture.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cobwebs Furniture Company</a>, <a href="https://www.cadgemenswear.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cadge Menswear</a>, <a href="http://www.cloudninegems.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloud Nine Gems</a>, Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.vkgallery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VK Gallery</a> (for contemporary art), <a href="https://www.shades-of-white.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shades of White</a> bridal boutique, <a href="https://townrowstores.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Townrow</a> (a small department store), <a href="https://www.janetchurchinteriors.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Janet Church Interiors</a>, as well as a couple of florists, a jewellery shop, a deli, a health food shop and gift shops. There&#8217;s a super cute <a href="https://www.hyperionauctions.co.uk/the-courtyard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">courtyard boutique market</a> featuring over 30 independent traders on Station Road too. For food shopping there&#8217;s a Waitrose. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/andreagaynorfitness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Leisure</a> in St Ives has a large fully kitted out gym as well as fitness classes, a 25m swimming pool and a six court sports hall for more competitive sports. For something more personalised and boutique try <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andreagaynorfitness/">Andrea Gaynor Fitness</a> and Health who offers clubercise, step and shred classes in a supportive community. For holistic health, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andreagaynorfitness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Ives Wellness Centre</a> while medical help is on your doorstep with three different doctors surgeries and four dental surgeries. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY </h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a good community vibe here with plenty of annual events to help you immerse yourself in local life including the <a href="https://www.stivescambridgeshire.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Ives Carnival and Music Festival</a>, <a href="https://stivesfest.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Picnic in the Park</a> at Warners Park and <a href="https://www.stivescambridgeshire.co.uk/">The Old Riverport Jazz and Blues Festival</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Untitled-design-322.jpg" alt="Houghton Mill, an eighteenth-century watermill, the last working watermill on the Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire" class="wp-image-42340" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Untitled-design-322.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Untitled-design-322-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Untitled-design-322-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Untitled-design-322-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The National Trust&#8217;s Houghton Mill</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust&#8217;s Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows</a> is a wonderful place for a waterside walk or you can mess about on the river by joining a boat trip with the <a href="https://www.electricriverboat.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric River Boat Company</a>. <a href="https://www.johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk">Johnsons of Old Hurst</a> is a fun place to head with the family (there&#8217;s a farm shop, farm, play area and zoological gardens with a tropical house and crocodiles!). <a href="https://www.norrismuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Norris Museum</a> in the town is free to visit and has interesting and ever changing exhibitions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE </h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.thecornexchange.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Ives Corn Exchange</a> holds regular local arts and music events, and there&#8217;s also Burgess Hall (part of One Leisure) which has regular events including plenty of touring tribute bands. <a href="https://www.library.live/the-library-presents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Library Presents</a>, a programme of vibrant, inclusive, locally-chosen arts events takes place annually at many locations across Cambs including St Ives. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Prices averaged £311,624 in 2025. The majority of houses sold were terraced for £251,895. Detached properties sold for £438,938, while semis cost £321,833.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/10/BPTL-Cambs-4.png" alt="Properties for sale in St Ives Cambs" class="wp-image-46174" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/10/BPTL-Cambs-4.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/10/BPTL-Cambs-4-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/10/BPTL-Cambs-4-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/10/BPTL-Cambs-4-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Swoon! This unique and quintessentially English character cottage based in St Ives town centre is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wellingtonwise.co.uk/property/3-bed-end-of-terrace-house-for-sale-in-wellington-street-st-ives/595110#property-images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £950,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There are superb options for child care in St Ives. Outstanding <a href="https://kindrednurseries.co.uk/our-nurseries/stives" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kindred St Ives Day Nursery</a> and  <a href="https://stivesnursery.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Ives Nursery</a> and <a href="https://steppingstonesstives.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stepping Stones Nursery</a> (both Ofsted Good). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re an easy commute to all the best independent schools in Cambridge as well as the pastorally excellent <a href="https://www.whitehallschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitehall School</a> in Somersham, the stately <a href="https://kimboltonschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimbolton School</a>, and <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/kings-ely-school-cambridgeshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King&#8217;s Ely</a> with it&#8217;s wonderful musical heritage. Good state schools include <a href="https://westfieldjunior.com/cambs/primary/westfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westfield Junior School</a>, <a href="https://www.thorndownprimaryschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thorndown Primary School</a>, <a href="https://www.wheatfields.cambs.sch.uk/website/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wheatfields Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.eastfieldinfants.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastfield Infant and Nursery School</a>, all rated &#8216;Good&#8217;. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>The historic market town organises a not-to-be-missed festival each year including a stunning illuminated boat event, where locals compete on who can create the best light-up boat. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>To get to London from St Ives you need to take the train from nearby Huntingdon (10 mins drive). Direct fast trains to London King&#8217;s Cross from here take about 80 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Places to Live</a></em>.<br></p>


St Ives

See more in Cambridgeshire