Living in Huntingdon

The sense of community in Huntingdon is strong, sustained by regular local events, a lively weekly market, and active community centres. Residents often participate in seasonal fairs, open-air concerts in Riverside Park, and the annual Christmas lights switch-on. A number of sporting clubs, youth groups, and voluntary organisations contribute to a friendly, neighbourly feel.

Green spaces are plentiful. Riverside Park stretches along the River Great Ouse, providing scenic trails and spaces for picnicking, fishing, and boating, while Hinchingbrooke Country Park offers walks, lakes, and wildlife encounters on the edge of town. The thriving Arts Centre and Library act as focal points for cultural and educational activities, ensuring there’s always something to engage with regardless of age or background.

Safety is a key consideration for many residents and those moving to the area. Huntingdon, like much of Cambridgeshire, generally experiences crime rates that are below the national average for serious and violent crimes, though issues such as anti-social behaviour and petty theft can occur, particularly in busier town centre areas.

The town benefits from regular patrols by Cambridgeshire Constabulary and community-based policing teams. There are a number of active Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and local authorities have worked on regeneration in parts of town to address safety concerns and improve the public realm. Central areas and new developments on the outskirts tend to be perceived as particularly secure, especially for families and the elderly. Residents give positive feedback on the sense of security in most residential streets, though as with any town, some vigilance around the busiest nightlife venues is advised.

Parking in Huntingdon tends to be manageable, with a mixture of short and long-stay car parks in the town centre such as the popular Princes Street and Riverside car parks. Residential areas often offer on-street parking, some of which require permits. Newer developments usually include allocated resident parking. The central core of town can be busier during market days and school pick-up times, but overall, congestion is rarely significant outside peak hours.

Huntingdon is exceptionally well connected by road. The A14 skirts the south of the town, linking it directly to Cambridge (approx. 40 minutes via A14, 20 miles) and Peterborough (approx. 35 minutes via A1, 25 miles). The A1(M) allows fast travel north towards Grantham (about 50 minutes, 47 miles), while the A428 makes journeys to Bedford (approx. 40 minutes, 27 miles) and further into Bedfordshire straightforward. The A1198 connects the town with Royston and central Cambridgeshire in under an hour.

Huntingdon’s culinary scene is defined by independent cafés, traditional pubs, and a range of eateries serving international cuisine. Notable long-standing establishments include The Cromwell Arms, renowned for its historic charm and hearty food, as well as The Falcon Tavern, popular for both its ale selection and community events. Restaurants range from Italian and Indian to Thai and Turkish, with several takeaways and coffee shops dotted along the high street.

The nightlife in Huntingdon is generally relaxed, with a handful of bars and pubs offering live music or quiz nights rather than late-night clubbing. The Commemoration Hall frequently hosts live entertainment, comedy, and theatre, adding a cultural dimension to local social life. Weekend evenings see a gentle buzz around central bars, but Huntingdon’s nightlife is welcomed for its sociable yet laid-back atmosphere rather than a party reputation.

School quality: Huntingdon boasts several ‘Good’ rated primary and secondary schools as well as established further education opportunities, supporting families with children of all ages.

Parks and green space: The area offers impressive outdoor amenities such as Riverside Park, Hinchingbrooke Country Park, and multiple children’s play areas, making outdoor family time easily accessible.

Childcare: A good selection of nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs are available across the town, and partnerships with local schools further support working families.

Safety: Safety is one of the area’s strengths, with low violent crime rates and active neighbourhood initiatives making parents and carers feel secure.

Family activities: Activity and adventure centres, swimming pools, libraries, and frequent family-oriented events mean there are plenty of things to do, whatever the time of year.

Huntingdon is popular with pet owners thanks to its abundance of open spaces, riverside meadows, and countryside proximity. Yards at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Riverside Park, and Portholme Meadow provide ideal locations for dog walking, off-lead exercise, and play. Numerous footpaths connect the town to the wider Cambridgeshire landscape, making rural adventures easy.

A mix of local veterinary practices, pet supply stores, and dog-friendly cafés cater to pet needs. Housing developers and estate agents are often accommodating to pets in modern homes and rentals, and public spaces like parks frequently have facilities such as dog bins and water bowls. Residents report that the area maintains a generally positive attitude towards pets, with organised dog walks and meet-ups further fostering a pet-friendly community spirit.

Huntingdon is strategically positioned for excellent transport links, making it a sought-after area for commuters. Huntingdon railway station is located just a short walk from the town centre and provides frequent direct services to London King’s Cross in approximately 1 hour, as well as regular trains to Cambridge, Peterborough, and other parts of Cambridgeshire. The town is served by several bus routes connecting surrounding villages and towns, with Stagecoach and Whippet Coaches operating main services. Local bus services also provide routes to St Ives, Cambridge, and Peterborough.

The A14 dual carriageway runs past Huntingdon, offering fast road connections towards Cambridge and the Midlands, and links to the A1(M) for direct access north and south. Airports are conveniently close: London Luton Airport can be reached in just over an hour by car, and London Stansted is also about an hour away by road.

Commute times to key destinations:

• London King’s Cross – by train, around 1 hour
• Cambridge – by train, around 35 minutes; by car, approx. 40 minutes via A14
• Peterborough – by train, around 25 minutes
• Bedford – by car, approx. 40 minutes via A1/A421

For cyclists, dedicated cycle paths provide a healthy option for local journeys, particularly towards nearby St Ives or within the town itself.

Primary Schools: Huntingdon offers a solid range of primary schools. Cromwell Academy and St John’s CofE Primary School are two highly regarded options, both widely noted for their inclusive learning environments. Huntingdon Primary School is another popular choice, last rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2019. Hartford Junior School additionally serves the northern edge of town, offering a supportive setting for young learners.

Secondary Schools: Hinchingbrooke School is the largest secondary in Huntingdon, providing education for students aged 11-18 and last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018. St Peter’s School, another secondary, offers a comprehensive curriculum and community-centred ethos, with a last Ofsted inspection rating of ‘Good’ in 2022. Abbey College, located nearby in Ramsey, is often attended by students from Huntingdon due to its specialist facilities and academic record.

Colleges and Further Education: Huntingdon Campus of Cambridge Regional College is the main provider of further education within the area, offering courses for school leavers and adults in vocational subjects, apprenticeships, and access to higher education. The sixth form at Hinchingbrooke School is also popular with local students pursuing A-levels and vocational qualifications.

Universities: While there is no university in Huntingdon itself, students have ready access to the world-renowned University of Cambridge, approximately 20 miles away. Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge is another accessible option for undergraduate and postgraduate study, making Huntingdon an attractive base for students prepared to commute.