Pike and Eel Marina: Your Guide to This Popular Great Ouse Stop

Pike and Eel Marina at Needingworth has long been a favourite stopping point for boaters navigating the Great Ouse. Combining excellent facilities with a renowned waterside pub, it offers the perfect blend of practicality and pleasure. Here's everything you need to know.

Location and Access

Finding Pike and Eel

Located at Overcote Lane, Needingworth, the marina sits on the Great Ouse between St Ives and Earith:

• By water: Approximately 3 miles downstream from St Ives
• By road: Off the A1123, signposted from Needingworth
• Coordinates: 52.3389°N, 0.0456°W

Approaching by Boat

• Wide entrance suitable for all boat sizes
• Adequate depth throughout
• Pontoon moorings visible from the river
• Well-maintained channel into the basin

Marina Facilities

Moorings

• Pontoon moorings available
• Electricity hook-up
• Water at pontoons
• Secure gated access

• Day and short-stay options
• Access to all facilities
• Book ahead in summer
• Pub customers can often moor free

Essential Services

• Diesel available
• Check opening hours
• Competitive prices

• Pump-out station on site
• Elsan disposal available
• Clean and well-maintained

• Fresh water at pontoons
• 16A shore power available
• Token/meter systems

Boatyard Services

• General maintenance
• Engine servicing
• Winter storage options
• Advice and recommendations

The Pike and Eel Pub

A Boater's Favourite

The pub is a major draw for visiting boaters:

• Traditional pub menu
• Sunday roasts popular
• Vegetarian options available
• Booking recommended weekends

• Selection of real ales
• Wine and spirits
• Soft drinks and hot beverages
• Riverside beer garden

• Welcoming to boaters
• Dog-friendly
• Log fires in winter
• Summer barbecues

Opening Hours

• Kitchen times
• Winter opening
• Special events
• Bank holidays

Cruising Connections

Upstream to St Ives

• Pass through Holywell
• Beautiful countryside
• Historic St Ives awaits
• Allow 1-1.5 hours

Downstream to Earith

• Access to Old West River
• Connection to Ely and beyond
• Denver Sluice accessible
• Gateway to the Middle Level

Day Trip Ideas

• Downstream to Ely
• Explore the cathedral city
• Return via same route
• 2-3 day trip

• Easy half-day cruise
• Explore St Ives town
• Return for dinner at the pub
• Perfect introduction to the river

Local Area

Needingworth Village

• Village shop
• Post office facilities
• Community events
• Quiet rural setting

Nature and Wildlife

• Ouse Washes nearby
• Bird watching opportunities
• Otters occasionally spotted
• Beautiful fenland landscapes

Practical Information

Booking

• Contact marina for mooring availability
• Peak times book quickly
• Weekend stays popular
• Rally enquiries welcome

Prices

• Mooring rates
• Fuel prices
• Service charges
• Special offers

BSS Examinations

I regularly conduct BSS examinations at Pike and Eel Marina:

• Convenient location on my patch
• Good access for thorough inspection
• Popular pre-season timing
• Can combine with other boats if arranged

Why Stop at Pike and Eel?

For Day Visitors - Excellent pub lunch - Fuel top-up - Break in journey - Facilities access

For Overnight Stays - Safe, secure moorings - Great evening meal option - Peaceful setting - Well-maintained facilities

For Longer Stays - Explore the area - Servicing opportunities - Rest from cruising - Enjoy the community

Pike and Eel represents everything great about the Great Ouse boating experience – good facilities, friendly welcome, excellent refreshment, and beautiful surroundings. It's no wonder it's been a favourite for generations of boaters.