Campervan Trip to National Trust - Houghton Mill & Waterclose Meadows
CAMPKIN and MOO's Last-Minute Summer Escape to Houghton Mill"
Sometimes you just have to pack and go! Summer 2024 had some good weather, we had a free weekend (very rare), and felt we needed a little break, but didn't want to go far, as generally that just puts pressure on the week. With Buzz our VW T5 camper van, we packed everything and searched for a place that wasn’t too far from home. That’s how we found ourselves at Houghton Mill, a National Trust site just outside St Ives—less than an hour away from our house. We’d driven past the area so many times but never thought about camping there. Until now.
A Warm Welcome and a Perfect Pitch
Booking was easy, and when we arrived, the friendly staff at the gate made us feel instantly at home. We were given a pitch near the front of the site. At first, we weren’t sure about the location, but it turned out to be ideal. The pitch was close to the river and mill pond area, making it perfect for quick swims and paddling adventures. It was also just a short walk to the immaculate toilet and shower block (probably the thing we fear most about camping is dirty shower blocks or too far to travel in the night).
The campsite had plenty of open space for the kids to run around, play games, and burn off all their energy. The grass was well maintained—not too long, not too short, just right for camping comfort. Around the edges, the long grass gave the whole site a natural feel.
Perfect Facilities
Houghton Mill truly impressed - The toilets and showers were some of the best we’ve seen - clean, warm, and has with everything you’d need. Bonus points for the hairdryers! The facilities are well cared for, and it made the whole experience so much easier and more enjoyable.
A Rowing Adventure
One highlight of the weekend was a rowing boat trip we booked on-site. The bloke who ran it was fantastic—helpful and great with the kids. He joked around, made them laugh, and even handed us an activity pack to spot different animals along the river. It was such a thoughtful touch that kept the little ones entertained - especially when I was doing 95% of the rowing while they sat and watched - or worst still rowed in the wrong direction.
We rowed for about half an hour, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and spotting wildlife. We even stopped off at a pub for a pin before rowing back. By the time we got back, everyone was tired—ideal for an early night at the campsite.
Cooking and Campfires
Meals were simple but satisfying, thanks to our portable stove. It was perfect for a spontaneous, budget-friendly weekend. We kept the washing-up to a minimum and focused on enjoying the experience (we tried to make this an easy cheap break, not a weekend of chores). The kids made fast friends with other campers and roamed around safely, giving us a chance to relax (we seem to have adopted one kid while her parents sat reading of an evening or sleeping in until 10am.....10am at a campsite!!!).
A great new piece of kit was our new portable fire pit. My wife suggested we get one, and it turned out to be a brilliant investment. It set up in seconds—just clip it into place, we used a coffee briquette, and you’re good to go. The kids loved toasting marshmallows (and even experimented with Reese’s Pieces—a bit odd but surprisingly tasty).
The fire pit burned for hours, kept us warm, and packed down small for easy storage. We loved it so much that we’ve now added it to the CAMP & MOO product list (portable fire pit review from this trip here). It’s perfect for anyone who wants a no-fuss campfire experience.
Fun at the Mill and Beyond
Houghton Mill itself is a must-visit. It’s just a short walk from the campsite (we could see it from our van), and the kids enjoyed learning about how the mill operated and how flour was made. While younger children might find it hard to stay engaged for too long, there were plenty of hands-on activities to keep them entertained.
The mill pond and river was the main draw for us. Between swimming, paddleboarding, (we saw several other canoe), we spent hours enjoying the water. The mill pond was perfect for a quick dip, and the whole area felt safe and family-friendly. It's shallow enough in many areas to just paddle your feet, deep enough in others to swim and we never felt too deep where we played to not feel safe (there are some deeper areas and near the mill itself, but easily avoidable).
Final Thoughts
As a busy dad, this trip ticked all the boxes: minimal stress, maximum fun, and happy, exhausted kids by bedtime. Houghton Mill was fantastic—a perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. The campsite’s location, facilities, and friendly feel made it an easy 10/10 for us. We’ll definitely be booking again soon! If you’re after a local getaway with plenty to do, give Houghton Mill a try. Just don’t forget the fire pit—marshmallow-torching is practically mandatory!