St. Neots is fortunate in having very extensive areas of open
space in addition to the Riverside and Priory Parks. Picnickers
and campers are attracted to the banks of the River Great Ouse which
passes directly through the centre of St. Neots. The clean water
attracts anglers and boaters alike and swimming is also possible
in the river. In summer the parks are full of  people
walking along the footpaths that wind through them, crossing the
many decorative bridges and playing a round of minigolf on the pitch
and putt course near the Riverside car park. Here there is also
a boating lake, restaurant and children’s play area. There
are also wild areas left to encourage the fauna and Sudbury Meadow,
winner of the Anglia in Bloom biodiversity award in 2007, is located
next to the park and is specially kept as one of these.
In 2004 the Ouse Valley Way was inaugurated in its entirety making
a continuous route for walkers from the river’s source to
the Wash, where it enters the sea. There is an excellent leaflet
describing the walk which can be obtained from the Town Council
Offices and from the Tourist Information Centre.
Priory Park offers a vast expanse of green, dotted with ancient
trees. There are football pitches, an exercise circuit and recently
refurbished changing rooms. The park was purchased from the Rowley
family who had their residence here and who have held the title
of Lord of the Manor since the 18th Century.
The Riverside Park extends along the western bank of the river and
was laid out in the early 1970s. There is a bridge across the river
that offers an interesting walk from the town centre, through the
park and across the bridge into Eynesbury, the original settlement,
before returning back to the Market Square. A new skateboard park,
recognised as one of the best in the whole country, was built in
the park during 2005 and attracts young visitors from far and near.
In contrast concerts are performed in the park during the summer
months making it truly a place of relaxation.
At the town side of the river bridge is the Jubilee Garden which
offers a quiet haven after a hectic morning’s shopping. The
town sign here shows many of the features of the town in carved
form.
Another interesting area of open space is the Barford Pocket Park
to the south of Eynesbury. Many smaller areas have been planted
out throughout the town in co-operation with Landscape 2000.
The river has been identified as one of the greatest assets of St.
Neots and is now a “Green Corridor” which may be used
by walkers yet still preserving the indigenous wildlife.
The river is also used by the renowned oarsmen and women of the
St. Neots Rowing Club, some of whom have won national and international
recognition. Their regatta in July attracts participants from all
over the country.
The Caravan site on Rush Meadow is owned and operated by the Camping
& Caravan Club of Great Britain and Ireland and is situated
on the river bank about ten minutes’ walk from the town centre.
At certain times of the year it is advisable to book in advance.
Sport in St. Neots
There is a very wide range of sporting activities available in the
town. A full guide with all details of the clubs is available from
the Town Council Offices and the Tourist Information Centre.
Amongst the sports available are soccer, rugby, rowing, cricket,
bowls, (both indoor and outdoor), hockey, swimming, golf, table
tennis, tennis, skateboard park and BMX area, ten-pin bowling alley
with bar and restaurant and many others.
Clubs and Societies in St. Neots
There is an enormous range of clubs and societies in the town catering
for a very wide and varied range of interests. Further information
can be obtained from the Town Council Offices and the Tourist Information
Centre.
Leisure Centre There
is a Leisure Centre on the campus of St. Neots Community College
in Eynesbury. This features a 25 meter swimming pool with flume
and lagoon area, courts for squash and badminton, a fully equipped
exercise gym, outdoor, all-weather pitches and tennis courts, and
a bar/café.
Telephone 01480 388700/388777 for opening times.
The Priory Centre
An Events Diary is published 3 times a year by the Priory Centre
listing upcoming events. These guides are available free of charge
from both the Town Council Offices and the Priory Centre. It features
an exciting programme of shows starring international and local
stars and groups. In addition to hosting a range of shows also provides
an attractive waterside conference and exhibition centre. It is
registered for civil partnerships and weddings.
www.thepriorycentre.com Tel: 01480 388922
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