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Hinchingbrooke Country Park: A Vast Natural Haven in Huntingdon

Explore 170 acres of woodlands, meadows, lakes, and family-friendly play areas at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, a Green Flag Award-winning natural retreat.

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Hinchingbrooke Country Park spans 170 acres of diverse landscapes including open grasslands, woodlands, wildflower meadows, and lakes. This family-friendly park offers accessible walking and cycling paths, multiple play areas catering to different age groups and abilities, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy picnics, nature spotting, and a cafe with seasonal opening hours. The park is open 24 hours daily and is recognized with a Green Flag Award for its quality and management.

A brief summary to Hinchingbrooke Country Park

  • Brampton Rd, Huntingdon, PE29 6DB, GB
  • +441480388666
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the Sensory Playground for an inclusive experience suitable for toddlers and wheelchair users.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the open grasslands or at one of the many picnic benches scattered throughout the park.
  • Check the cafe opening times seasonally—generally 10am to 4pm in warmer months and 10am to 3pm in cooler months.
  • Early morning walks offer peaceful wildlife spotting opportunities, including chances to see woodpeckers and kingfishers.
  • Consider volunteering to engage with the park’s conservation efforts and community events.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the Stagecoach B bus from Cambridge or St Ives, which runs daily and stops near Hinchingbrooke Hospital, a 5-minute walk from the park entrance. Journey times vary around 30 to 50 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £3–£5 one way.

  • Bus

    Use the Whippet 66 bus from St Neots, Buckden, or Brampton, operating Mondays to Saturdays, or the Whippet X3 from Cambridge, Cambourne, Papworth, and Godmanchester daily. Both stop near the park with journey times from 20 to 45 minutes. Fares range from £2.50 to £5.

  • Car

    Driving to Hinchingbrooke Country Park via Brampton Road offers convenient access with on-site paid parking available. Parking fees are reasonable, typically around £2–£4 for a few hours. Travel times from Huntingdon town center are approximately 10 minutes, and from Cambridge about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    For local visitors, walking to the park from nearby Huntingdon neighborhoods is feasible, with routes over mixed terrain including paved and natural paths. Walking times range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on starting point. Paths are mostly accessible but may include some uneven surfaces.

Hinchingbrooke Country Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions

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Discover more about Hinchingbrooke Country Park

Expansive Natural Landscape and Wildlife

Hinchingbrooke Country Park covers approximately 170 acres of varied terrain, featuring open grasslands, mature woodlands, wildflower meadows, and serene lakes. This diverse environment supports a rich array of wildlife, including all three species of British woodpecker, nuthatch, marsh tit, and occasionally otters and kingfishers. The park's natural habitats provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and peaceful exploration.

Inclusive Play Areas and Family Activities

The park is thoughtfully designed with families in mind, offering several play zones tailored to different age groups and abilities. The Sensory Playground is ideal for toddlers and wheelchair users, featuring nature-themed play panels, climbing equipment, and musical elements for sensory engagement. Older children can enjoy the Grasslands play area, which incorporates more challenging climbing structures. Additional zones like the Wetlands and Squirrels Dray provide role-play and climbing experiences. These facilities encourage active play amid natural surroundings.

Accessibility and Visitor Comfort

Hinchingbrooke Country Park is accessible to visitors of all abilities, with a combination of hard-surfaced and unsurfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Numerous picnic benches are scattered throughout the park for rest and relaxation. The onsite cafe operates seasonally, typically from 10 am to 4 pm in warmer months and 10 am to 3 pm in cooler months, offering a range of refreshments including vegetarian options. Facilities include disabled toilets and wheelchair-accessible parking.

Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities

The park fosters strong community involvement through regular volunteer work parties focused on habitat management, path maintenance, and event support. Volunteers assist with family-oriented nature activities such as pond dipping and den building, enhancing educational experiences for visiting school groups. Seasonal events, including themed family days, benefit from volunteer participation, highlighting the park’s role as a vibrant community hub.

Recreational Uses and Visitor Experience

Visitors to Hinchingbrooke Country Park can engage in a variety of outdoor activities including walking, cycling, dog walking, and picnicking. The park’s extensive network of trails winds through scenic lakeside and woodland areas, offering tranquil spots and lively play zones. The presence of a small cafe adds convenience for refreshments. The park is open 24 hours daily, allowing flexible visit times, though weekends and event days can be busier.

Recognition and Location Details

Since 2018, Hinchingbrooke Country Park has held the prestigious Green Flag Award, acknowledging its high standards of maintenance and visitor experience. Situated on Brampton Road in Huntingdon (postcode PE29 6DB), the park is easily accessible by car and public transport, with nearby bus stops and reasonable parking charges. It serves as a popular destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and dog walkers alike.

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