Attractions and Places To See around Stow-Cum-Quy - Top 20

Stow-Cum-Quy is home to several natural havens. Quy Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), offers floristically rich calcareous loam pasture and pools, attracting diverse wildlife like dragonflies. It features footpaths for tranquil strolls. Nearby, Wilbraham Fen provides additional opportunities to enjoy nature. The village is also surrounded by picturesque walks along Quy Water.

Yes, Stow-Cum-Quy boasts a rich history. You can visit St Mary's Church, a Grade II listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century. Quy Hall, a Grade II* listed English country house, has origins in the late 15th century and features attractive gardens. The historic Quy Water Mill is also a listed building, highlighting the area's connection to its waterways. The Anglo-Saxon Fleam Dyke runs close by, and Bronze Age remains and a Roman villa have been found in the parish.

The area around Stow-Cum-Quy is excellent for cycling. You can explore the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway, which connects Shelford and surrounding villages to Addenbrookes and Cambridge city centre. Another option is the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, a car-free route following a former rail line through countryside and villages. The Cambridge Guided Busway Cycle Path also offers a long, smooth, and straight section suitable for cycling. For more routes, check out the Cycling around Stow-Cum-Quy guide.

Many attractions around Stow-Cum-Quy are suitable for families. The cycleways like the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway and the Cambridge Guided Busway Cycle Path are noted as family-friendly. Additionally, the natural beauty of Quy Fen with its footpaths offers a pleasant outdoor experience for all ages. Nearby, Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill, a National Trust property, provides impressive gardens and a historic house that families can explore.

Stow-Cum-Quy offers several hiking opportunities, particularly around its natural features. You can enjoy picturesque walks along Quy Water and explore the footpaths within Quy Fen. For specific routes, consider the 'Anglesey Abbey & Quy Water loop' or the 'Stow cum Quy Fen Pond loop'. More hiking options can be found in the Hiking around Stow-Cum-Quy guide.

Just a short distance from Stow-Cum-Quy, Cambridge offers iconic historical sites. You can visit King's College Chapel, considered one of the finest examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture. Another must-see is the Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College, an intriguing wooden bridge spanning the River Cam, known for its unique structural design.

Stow-Cum-Quy has a few local establishments. The White Swan (also known as The Swan) is a timber-framed public house with a long history, open since at least 1750. Another pub, formerly known as The Prince Albert, was renamed The Missing Sock after a refurbishment. These offer places to relax and enjoy local hospitality.

The best time to visit Stow-Cum-Quy for outdoor activities, such as walking and cycling, is generally during the warmer months from spring to early autumn (April to October). During this period, the weather is more favorable for exploring the fens, cycle paths, and gardens of the area, and the natural beauty is in full bloom.

Yes, Quy Fen is a special place for nature enthusiasts. It features unique floristically rich calcareous loam pasture and pools formed on Chalk Marl. These habitats support a range of aquatic plants, some of which are uncommon. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, particularly dragonflies and damselflies, which thrive in this environment. The water-filled pits, excavated in the 19th century for coprolite, also add to its distinctive landscape.

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The cycle paths are highly rated for being flat, smooth, and providing car-free connections through pleasant countryside. For example, the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway is noted for easy access to wooded areas for relaxation. The historical sites like King's College Chapel are admired for their stunning architecture and rich heritage.

While Stow-Cum-Quy is known for its gentle cycle paths, there are mountain biking opportunities in the wider area. You can find various routes, such as the 'Fen Drayton Lakes – Saint Andrew's Centre Café loop' or the 'Cambridge high point – Great Wilbraham Parish Pit loop'. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the MTB Trails around Stow-Cum-Quy guide.