St Ives Marina and Moorings: Your Complete Boating Guide

St Ives, Cambridgeshire, is one of the jewels of the Great Ouse navigation. This historic market town offers boaters a perfect blend of excellent facilities, charming surroundings, and easy access to beautiful cruising waters. Whether you're planning a visit or considering permanent moorings, this guide covers everything you need to know.

The Town and Its History

A Brief History

St Ives has a fascinating history stretching back centuries:

• Named after St Ivo, a Persian bishop whose remains were supposedly discovered here
• Important medieval market town and river crossing
• The famous bridge chapel is one of only four remaining in England
• Historic connections to Oliver Cromwell

The Bridge Chapel

No visit to St Ives is complete without seeing the 15th-century bridge chapel, perched midway across the historic stone bridge. Originally a chapel where travellers prayed for safe crossing, it later served as a house and now operates as a small museum. It's an iconic sight for boaters approaching from either direction.

Mooring Options

Town Moorings

St Ives offers several mooring options:

• 24-48 hour stays typically permitted
• No facilities directly at moorings
• Walking distance to all town amenities
• Can be busy during summer weekends

• Peaceful setting
• Good for wildlife watching
• Short walk to town
• Check current regulations

Nearby Marinas

• Permanent moorings
• Visitor berths
• Comprehensive boatyard services
• Lift-out and hard standing
• Engine servicing and repairs

• Full marina facilities
• Fuel available
• Good pub on site
• Convenient access point for the area

Facilities for Boaters

Essential Services

• Jones Boatyard
• Pike and Eel Marina
• Check for current public access points

• Jones Boatyard offers pump-out services
• Pike and Eel Marina has facilities
• Book ahead during busy periods

• Diesel available at Jones Boatyard
• Check Pike and Eel for current availability

Shopping and Supplies

St Ives town centre offers:

• Waitrose supermarket (edge of town)
• Independent butchers and bakers
• Hardware stores
• Weekly market (Mondays)
• Farmers' market (monthly)

Chandlery

• Basic marine supplies
• Engine oils and filters
• Ropes and fenders
• Safety equipment

Eating and Drinking

Waterside Pubs

• Directly on the river
• Moorings for patrons
• Good food and local ales
• Beer garden with river views

Town Centre Options

• Traditional pubs
• Cafés and tea rooms
• Restaurants for special occasions
• Fish and chips
• Indian and Chinese takeaways

Cruising from St Ives

Upstream Adventures

• Hemingford Grey: Beautiful village with famous manor house
• Hartford: Marina facilities and pub
• Godmanchester: Historic town, excellent moorings
• Huntingdon: Oliver Cromwell connections

• Brampton: Nature reserves
• Offord: Peaceful rural stretch
• St Neots: Good town facilities
• Bedford: End of navigation

Downstream Exploration

• Needingworth: Pike and Eel pub
• Holywell: Charming village
• Earith: Junction with the Old West River
• Stretham: Old engine museum
• Ely: Cathedral city, excellent services

• Via Denver Sluice
• Access to the Nene
• Links to the wider waterways network

Wildlife and Nature

Holt Island Nature Reserve

• Managed wetland habitat
• Bird watching opportunities
• Seasonal wildlife events
• Peaceful retreat from town bustle

River Wildlife

• Kingfishers
• Herons and little egrets
• Otters (increasingly seen)
• Various duck species
• Swans and geese

Annual Events

Regular Markets

• Monday: General market
• Monthly: Farmers' market
• Occasional: Antiques and crafts

Special Events

• St Ives Regatta: Annual rowing event
• Music festivals
• Christmas market
• Summer fairs

BSS Examinations in St Ives

As a BSS examiner covering the St Ives area, I regularly work with boats moored here. Local knowledge helps with:

• Understanding common issues for boats on this stretch
• Recommendations for local services if work is needed
• Flexible appointment scheduling
• Quick access for urgent requirements

Local Considerations

• Higher humidity affecting electrical systems
• Seasonal flooding requiring flexible mooring setups
• Well-maintained boats due to active boating community

Practical Information

Getting to St Ives

• Easy access from A14
• Parking available in town

• Bus services from Cambridge and Huntingdon
• Nearest railway: Huntingdon (10 minutes by car)

• Obviously the best way!
• Approach via Great Ouse from either direction

Local Services

• Post office in town
• Banks and ATMs
• Medical centre
• Veterinary practices
• Library

Why Choose St Ives?

St Ives offers boaters an ideal combination:

1. Historic charm: Beautiful town with character
2. Good facilities: Everything you need nearby
3. Central location: Excellent cruising in both directions
4. Community: Active boating community
5. Services: Professional help when needed

Whether you're passing through or putting down roots, St Ives deserves its reputation as one of the Great Ouse's finest destinations.