The Willow Guest House

The Manor at Hemingford Grey was the reason we came to the area. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from The Willow along the towpath, and the house and gardens are open to visitors. The late Lucy M. Boston lived there, and her daughter-in-law Diana Boston leads tours inside. The house is ancient, wonderfully preserved, and more than 900 years old in parts. In Lucy Boston’s stories, the house and gardens become “Green Knowe.” As a fan of the books, I recognized details from them all around the house and grounds, and found the visit magical. You don’t have to know the books to enjoy it: our tour group included readers, gardeners, quilters admiring Lucy’s designs, and history fans like Lorne and me. One couple had brought their teenage daughter all the way from China because she loves the books. Some people we met from nearby St. Ives hadn’t even heard of the Manor before we mentioned it. We’d happily recommend The Willow as a peaceful, pretty, comfortable place to stay, and I miss the breakfasts already. Kate and Nick were gracious hosts, our room was very comfortable, and their homemade breakfasts were a wonderful way to start the day. We loved the guest house, Hemingford Grey, and the River Great Ouse, which is such a pretty stream. We only wish we’d booked a longer visit. For meals, we had delicious sandwiches at the Hemingford Garden Room at the St. James Parish Centre, where two friendly ladies served us. The Cock is a fine restaurant and pub literally next door to The Willow. We also enjoyed eating at The Axe & Compass in Hemingford Abbots, about a ten minute walk upstream beside the river. The Three Jolly Butchers at Houghton has good reviews too, and we’d probably have tried it with more time. Walking downstream from Hemingford Grey takes you to St. Ives, with several places to eat. We could have driven, but we’re not used to roundabouts or driving on the left, so we left our rental parked at The Willow as much as we could. Our two days and three nights in Hemingford Grey coincided with the only rain we had in two weeks in England. We still enjoyed the lovely footpaths linking Houghton, the Hemingfords, and St. Ives, despite the soggy ground and need for rain gear. As farmers, we couldn’t help noticing the rain was needed, so I’m not complaining, though drier weather would have made the walks better. Lorne and Esther Clarke, Pennsylvania. Guests at The Willow, July 2015.

Kate, the boss, and Nick, her second-in-command, were wonderful hosts. It was lovely to feel at home while we were on a road trip. Thanks to them both. We’d love to come back if we’re in the area again. Tom and family from Malaysia.

My husband and I have been back many times, and we’ve always been happy with the high standard of both the food and the accommodation.

Everything was clean, and the staff were so friendly and helpful. They’ll do what they can to help you out. Breakfast was nice too.