Step Back in Time in Historic St Ives
Welcome to St Ives, Cambridgeshire—a town steeped in heritage and once famed across Europe as the “Fayre Town.” In its heyday, St Ives hosted England’s second-largest cattle market, second only to London’s Smithfield, and its renowned Cloth Fair drew merchants from across the continent.
But St Ives is far more than just a market town. Discover the stunning medieval St Ives Bridge, one of the few in the country that still features a chapel at its centre. Nearby, the Quay and The Waits offer picturesque riverside walks, perfect for a peaceful moment or a leisurely picnic beside the Great Ouse.
Wander through the charming narrow streets, where history lingers in hidden courtyards, centuries-old buildings, and fascinating local landmarks. Each corner reveals a new surprise, ensuring your visit is filled with discovery.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious explorer, or simply in search of a lovely day out, St Ives promises a delightful experience. Join us on this trail through one of England’s most characterful market towns—you’ll soon see why St Ives has captivated travellers for centuries.
This walk covers a route that is about 1.5 miles long (2.4 km), from and back to the car park. It should take you about 2 hours of mostly easy walk to complete.
I suggest parking your car in next to the river, in the Cattle market car park, Meadow Lane, PE27 5JE.
The following Points of Interest are covered:
St Ives Cattle Market
St Ives
Market Hill
WW Memorial
St Ives Town Hall
Oliver Cromwell Statue
The Corn Exchange
Lloyds Bank
Broadway
The Jubilee Memorial Fountain
The Burleigh House
The Grammar School
All Saints Church
Ingle Holt
Berman Park
The River Great Ouse
The Waits
The Norris Library
St Ives Bridge
The Quay
Benedictine Priory
Old Police Station and Magistrates Court
The National School