Huntingdon Boat Club

Right on the River Great Ouse in Huntingdon, the boat club is exactly what it says on the tin - a proper riverside base for rowers, canoers and anyone who fancies getting on the water. You'll see sleek racing eights lined up on the bank, kayaks stacked ready to launch, and the sort of organised chaos that comes with a thriving club. The club itself runs coaching sessions, social outings and competitive racing throughout the year, so it's worth checking their schedule before you pitch up.

This isn't a sit-down visitor attraction - it's genuinely useful if you're into rowing or paddling. Serious enthusiasts will find proper kit and experienced members to give advice. If you're just curious or want to watch the rowers powering upstream at dawn, you can stand by the bank free of charge. Families staying at the nearby Huntingdon Boathaven & Caravan Park (barely a third of a mile away) or Wyton Lakes Holiday Park could swing by to see if there's something going on, though bored teenagers won't find much to hold their attention for long.

The Cambridgeshire Fens around here are brilliant for water-based holidays anyway. Grafham Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is less than six miles away and opens onto proper sailing water. If you're already in the area for a waterside break, pop down to the boat club to see what's happening - but don't expect visitor facilities or casual passing trade.