Living in St Neots

The community spirit in St Neots is a defining characteristic, with events and festivals regularly drawing people together. The town hosts an active market in the historic square, frequent farmers' markets, and summer events like the St Neots Festival and regatta by the riverside. Local organisations, such as the St Neots Museum and the Priory Centre, support culture and community engagement with exhibitions and classes.

Outdoor lifestyles are encouraged with riverside walks, Riverside Park, and nature reserves nearby, offering ample green space for leisurely activities. Sports clubs—including cricket, rowing, football, and rugby—are integral to local life, welcoming members of all ages and backgrounds.

Neighbourhood groups and community centres in St Neots foster inclusion and support, while residents benefit from local volunteering opportunities, youth programmes, and clubs for retirees. This cohesive and sociable atmosphere appeals to all generations.

St Neots is generally viewed as a safe and secure area within Cambridgeshire. The town benefits from low to average crime rates compared to urban centres, with most incidents related to minor antisocial behaviour or occasional property crime. Residential neighbourhoods, especially those on the town's outskirts, are perceived as particularly safe, attracting families and retirees.

Community safety initiatives, Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and collaborative efforts between local police and residents contribute positively toward maintaining public safety. Regeneration in certain areas, such as the marina development and town centre, has been successful in reducing crime and improving amenities. St Neots Policing Team maintains visibility throughout the locality, supporting crime prevention and community engagement.

Parking in St Neots is usually straightforward, thanks to a mix of town centre car parks, on-street bays, and residential permit schemes in busier streets. There are several council-managed car parks near the market square and riverside, with clear signage and payment methods. On-street parking is most in demand during school drop-off and market days, but spaces are typically available within walking distance of the main amenities.

St Neots benefits from close proximity to major roads. The A1 provides fast north-south connections, while the A428 links to Cambridge and Bedford. Most residential areas are accessible via local roads, and the town is well signposted for visitors. Congestion is manageable, though traffic can build up during peak hours at key junctions or approach roads onto the A1.

Nearby towns and cities by road:

• Huntingdon – approx. 20 minutes via A1307 (12 miles)
• Cambridge – approx. 35 minutes via A428 (20 miles)
• Peterborough – approx. 40 minutes via A1 (29 miles)
• Bedford – approx. 25 minutes via A428 (18 miles)

St Neots has a diverse food and drink scene, offering traditional pubs, riverside restaurants, independent cafés, and popular takeaways. Notable pubs include The Old Bridge and The Pig & Falcon, both offering hearty menus and a welcoming atmosphere. The Cross Keys and The Weeping Ash are also well-regarded for pub classics, while Bohemia Bistro brings a modern touch with seasonal, locally sourced dishes.

Riverside restaurants such as The River Mill take advantage of scenic views, while the weekly market and nearby farm shops offer fresh local produce. For casual dining, several international options are present, including Italian, Indian, Thai, and Chinese cuisine. The town has a relaxed social scene but offers options for late-night drinks, open-mic nights, and occasional live music at various venues. The Little Paxton Theatre provides cultural entertainment, adding to the area’s vibrancy.

School Quality
Parents benefit from a choice of well-rated primary and secondary schools in St Neots, making the town attractive to families prioritising educational standards.

Parks and Green Space
Riverside Park and numerous play areas provide ample room for outdoor play, picnics, and family walks. Access to the Ouse river path encourages time spent outdoors.

Childcare
Several nursery schools and out-of-school clubs operate locally, supporting working families with flexible options during term and holiday time.

Safety
Safety levels are good with low crime rates and active community engagement, contributing to a supportive atmosphere for children and parents alike.

Family Activities
Popular activities include riverside cycling, boating, theatre visits, and regular community events that are designed for all ages.

St Neots is particularly suited to pet owners, thanks to its generous parks, riverside paths, and nearby countryside. Riverside Park, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, and Little Paxton Woods all provide excellent spaces for dog walking and outdoor adventures. Many local pubs and cafés are dog-friendly and welcome well-behaved pets, especially with outdoor seating available in summer months.

A selection of veterinary clinics and pet shops serve the area, and residential neighbourhoods are generally accommodating to pets. Regular community dog walks and pet-friendly events reflect a positive attitude toward animals throughout St Neots.

St Neots has developed a reputation as an excellent location for commuters and those who require strong transport links. The town's railway station lies on the East Coast Main Line, providing direct services to London, Peterborough, and Cambridge. Regular trains reach London King's Cross in around 55 minutes, with services running frequently at peak times.

Bus routes connect St Neots to neighbouring towns such as Bedford, Huntingdon, and Cambridge. For road users, the town is conveniently positioned near the A1, giving rapid north-south connections, while the A428 links to Cambridge and Bedford. This blend of road and public transport makes the area popular for those working both locally and in nearby cities.

Key commute times from St Neots:

• London King's Cross – 55 minutes by train
• Cambridge – approx. 35 minutes (20 miles) via A428
• Peterborough – approx. 27 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car (29 miles)
• Bedford – approx. 25 minutes (18 miles) via A428
• Luton Airport – approx. 50 minutes by car (36 miles) via A1 and A505

St Neots offers a strong educational network for families, with a variety of well-regarded primary and secondary schools as well as access to further education colleges in the region.

Primary Schools in St Neots
Priory Park Infant School has a positive reputation for early years education and last received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2018. Crosshall Infant and Junior Schools both offer a vibrant learning environment and strong community links, with Crosshall Junior rated 'Good' in 2019. The Round House Primary Academy is a popular choice in newer developments, also holding a 'Good' Ofsted rating from 2022.

Secondary Schools in St Neots
Longsands Academy is highly regarded locally and was last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019. Ernulf Academy, part of the Astrea Academy Trust, provides a broad curriculum and was 'Requires Improvement' in its last inspection in 2019, but ongoing development is underway.

Colleges and Sixth Form
Longsands Academy offers sixth form provision for post-16 students. For further education, Huntingdon Regional College is a short drive away, serving St Neots with a range of vocational and academic courses.

Universities
There are no universities within St Neots itself, but the town benefits from proximity to world-renowned institutions such as the University of Cambridge (approximately 19 miles east) and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.