Portholme Meadow
England's largest natural meadow, offering vast open spaces for recreation, picnics, and enjoying the River Great Ouse.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for picnics & kite flying
Portholme Meadow
Best Time
Perfect for picnics & kite flying
Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's largest natural meadow, offering vast open spaces for recreation, picnics, and enjoying the River Great Ouse.
"My three year old daughter loves the meadow and is continually asking to go."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Portholme is great for dogs to run free and swim in the river. :dog:
🪁 Effortless Kite Flying
The vast, flat meadow is perfect for kite flying with minimal effort. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
England's Largest Natural Meadow
Experience the sheer scale of Portholme, a vast, flat expanse perfect for outdoor activities and appreciating nature.
River Great Ouse Access
Enjoy the riverbanks for dog swimming, water sports, or simply a peaceful spot to relax by the water.
Kite Flying Paradise
With its open, flat terrain and minimal obstructions, Portholme is ideal for effortless kite flying.
Wildlife and Flora Spotting
A site of special scientific interest, discover rare flora and observe local wildlife in this natural haven.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Open Space
Access and Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Portholme is great for dogs to run free and swim in the river. :dog:
🪁 Effortless Kite Flying
The vast, flat meadow is perfect for kite flying with minimal effort. :windblowingface:
🚶♀️ Scenic Riverside Walks
Enjoy peaceful strolls along the River Great Ouse, taking in the natural beauty. :walking:
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is available but can be scarce. Consider alternative transport if possible. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Portholme is great for dogs to run free and swim in the river. :dog:
🪁 Effortless Kite Flying
The vast, flat meadow is perfect for kite flying with minimal effort. :windblowingface:
🚶♀️ Scenic Riverside Walks
Enjoy peaceful strolls along the River Great Ouse, taking in the natural beauty. :walking:
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is available but can be scarce. Consider alternative transport if possible. :car:
🌸 Rare Flora Spotting
As a SSSI, keep an eye out for unique plants and wildlife. :seedling:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Portholme Meadow for its vast, open space, making it ideal for families, dog walkers, and kite flyers. Its natural beauty and riverside access are significant draws, offering a peaceful escape. Some find parking limited, and the meadow can be exposed in certain weather conditions.
"My three year old daughter loves the meadow and is continually asking to go. She loves taking our dog there and running free.
It's also a fantastic location to fly a kite! Our daughter had no problem flying our kite here. It takes nearly no effort.
Our dog loves running full speed and swimming in the river.
Watching the trains race by is a bonus too."
Rochelle Rose
"Portholme, apparently the largest meadow in England.
It has several entrances, one being from Godmanchester, over the river bridge, turn left and keep walking alongside the river until you reach the entrance.
Another is from the other side of the field, in a walkway from Bromholme Lane.
As coming from huntingdon Road, drive down bromholme Lane, and just before the road bends to the right the entrance is on the left. This takes you down a pathway before meadow access.
Few parking spaces available.
The meadow itself is massive, great for children, animals or a picnic.
Takes around an hour to walk around depending on your speed.
Lots of dog walkers here with dogs off lead.
Great place to train for recall.
Some of the meadow is by the river, and you can get access for water sports or doggo swimming.
Thoroughly worth a visit for families too !"
R J
"Wonderful for walks, flat and peaceful."
Susan Limentani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Portholme Meadow has several access points. You can enter from Godmanchester by crossing the river bridge and walking left along the river. Another entrance is via a walkway from Bromholme Lane, accessible by driving down Bromholme Lane from Huntingdon Road. :road:
Yes, there are a few parking spaces available, but they can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transport. :car:
Cycling is a great option to reach Portholme Meadow, allowing you to enjoy the scenic routes and avoid parking issues. :bike:
Portholme Meadow is located near Huntingdon and Godmanchester, offering convenient access from these towns. :town_hall:
While direct public transport to the meadow itself might be limited, you can reach nearby towns like Huntingdon by bus or train and then consider a walk or taxi. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Portholme Meadow is a natural open space and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to explore and enjoy. :ticket:
As an open natural meadow, Portholme Meadow does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. :clock3:
There is no admission fee to enter Portholme Meadow. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy nature. :moneywithwings:
Yes, Portholme Meadow is a fantastic location for group outings, picnics, and outdoor activities. Its large size can accommodate many visitors. :peopleholdinghands:
While generally open, it's a conservation area. Please respect the natural environment, stay on designated paths where applicable, and take all litter with you. :recycle:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Portholme Meadow is perfect for walking, running, picnicking, flying kites, and dog walking. The river access also allows for dog swimming and potentially other water sports. :running:
Absolutely! Children love the open space for running free, playing games, and exploring. It's a great family-friendly destination. :child:
Yes, Portholme Meadow is an ideal spot for a picnic. Bring a blanket and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. :sandwich:
It's a dog walker's paradise! Dogs can run off-lead and enjoy swimming in the River Great Ouse. It's also great for recall training. :dog2:
As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Portholme Meadow is home to rare flora and various wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and insects. :butterfly:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vastness of the meadow, the meandering River Great Ouse, and the open skies. Sunsets can be particularly beautiful here. :camera:
Definitely. The expansive, flat terrain offers unobstructed views, making it excellent for capturing wide-angle landscape shots. :mount_fuji:
Yes, with patience, you can photograph the local flora and fauna. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer better chances for wildlife sightings. :bird:
The riverbanks offer lovely perspectives, and the sheer openness of the meadow itself provides a unique backdrop. Look for interesting cloud formations for dramatic shots. :cloud:
Golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer soft, warm light that enhances the natural beauty of the meadow. :sunriseovermountains:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the opportunity for kite flying – the meadow's open nature makes it incredibly easy to get kites airborne. The River Great Ouse also offers a chance for supervised water play for both kids and dogs. It's a simple, natural playground that provides hours of entertainment.
🐶 Dog Owners
The River Great Ouse provides a wonderful spot for dogs to swim, making it ideal for cooling off on warm days or for dogs who love to paddle. Many dog walkers use Portholme for recall training due to the open space and lack of distractions. It's a place where dogs can have a truly exhilarating experience.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
The riverside paths along the River Great Ouse provide particularly scenic routes. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk, the meadow's flat terrain makes it accessible and enjoyable for all. It's a place to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Significance of Portholme Meadow
The meadow's vastness and flatness make it a canvas for nature's artistry. It's a place where you can truly feel immersed in the natural landscape, observing the subtle changes in flora throughout the seasons. The presence of the Alconbury Brook and the River Great Ouse further contributes to the rich ecosystem, providing habitats for various insects and birds.
+1When visiting, remember that its ecological value is paramount. While it's a fantastic spot for recreation, responsible enjoyment ensures its preservation for future generations. This means sticking to paths where appropriate and avoiding disturbance to sensitive areas.
Family Adventures at Portholme Meadow
Beyond just running, the meadow offers specific joys for families. It's an ideal spot for kite flying, with reviewers noting how easy it is to get kites airborne here. The nearby River Great Ouse also provides opportunities for supervised fun, like dogs swimming or children paddling (with caution). Watching trains pass by is often cited as an added bonus that delights younger visitors.
Planning a family visit is straightforward. Pack a picnic to make a day of it, and don't forget essentials like sun protection and comfortable shoes. The accessibility from nearby towns like Huntingdon makes it an easy day trip. The sheer joy and freedom experienced by children here are consistently highlighted in visitor feedback.
Recreational Activities and Dog Walking
For dog owners, Portholme is often described as a paradise. Dogs can enjoy the freedom of running off-lead, and the River Great Ouse provides a fantastic spot for swimming. This makes it an excellent location for recall training and for dogs to cool off on warmer days. Many visitors specifically choose Portholme for their dog-walking excursions due to these benefits.
Beyond these popular activities, the meadow's natural setting also lends itself to peaceful contemplation and enjoying the scenery. Whether you're training for a marathon, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply letting your dog have a blast, Portholme offers a versatile outdoor experience.
Social
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