A Perfect Base for a Stay Near the Great Outdoors
Nene Park Accommodation at Ascot House Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, Nene Park offers a superb mix of open-air adventure and natural tranquillity. Managed by the Nene Park Trust, the park stretches for several miles and encompasses lakes, woodland, meadows and activity hubs.
For visitors who want more than just pitching a tent or caravanning at one of the on-site campsites (which are excellent in their own right) Ascot House Hotel in Peterborough becomes a smart alternative combining comfort, convenience and access to the great outdoors.
Why Nene Park is a Destination Worth Staying For
Activities abound: sailing, open water swimming, archery, climbing, walking trails, fishing, cycling and boat trips. These make the park appealing to families, outdoor enthusiasts and corporate groups alike.
The setting is diverse: lakes and water margins for activity, woodland and meadow for walking or bird-watching, and open spaces for informal relaxation.
It’s more than just nature: The trust’s remit ensures the park is maintained for recreation and enjoyment; it isn’t a wild back-country but a managed and welcoming destination.

Ascot House Hotel – Your Comfortable Alternative to Camping
Here’s why Ascot House Hotel (sometimes described as Ascot House Apartments or Ascot House Serviced Accommodation) stands out as a comfortable base for a stay near Nene Park:
Location & Ease of Access
- Situated in Peterborough, it offers good motorway and road access and is reasonably close to Nene Park’s main activity areas.
- Free parking is provided, which is a great bonus if you’re driving to stay and want to explore the park by car.
Comfortable, Flexible Accommodation
- Offers a variety of accommodation types: one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments as well as executive suites. This flexibility is ideal whether you’re travelling solo, with family or in a group.
Peterborough Hotels - Self-catering options: many apartments come with kitchen/diner/living areas, which means you can manage meals at your leisure (great after a full day out).
- Free WiFi, private bathrooms and non-smoking rooms help ensure comfort and modern convenience.
Nene Park Accommodation Ideal for Groups & Families
- Large enough to accommodate families or small groups, making it one of the more practical non-camping options near Nene Park. The flexibility of apartments means shared living space, not just a hotel room.
- Parking suitable for trailers (and even rowing boats) is a smart plus for those bringing gear for outdoor activities.
Activities at Nene Park
1. Watersports, Boat Trips & Open-Water Activities
One of the standout features of Nene Park is its network of lakes and waterways, which underpin a range of water-based activities.
At the watersports hub (operated by the Trust under “Pay & Play”), visitors can hire equipment and access activities like sailing, paddle-boarding, open-water swimming and perhaps other board/kayak options.
There are boat-trips available: for example the electrically-powered passenger boat Wyndham on Overton Lake offers serene cruises, ideal for wildlife watching or a more relaxed experience on water.
Open-water swimming is listed explicitly in the “things to do” section, signalling that the park supports more adventurous aquatic sports too.
This means whether you want an active, adrenaline-fuelled hour on a board or a calming float with views, the park caters for it.
2. Walking, Trails & Woodland Exploration
For those who prefer their outdoor time on solid ground, Nene Park really delivers:
There are multiple trails, from gentle lakeside strolls to longer woodland or meadow walks.
The landscape is varied: meadows, lake edges, woodlands, riverside paths. For example, the trusted mention of “Varied landscapes make it the favourite destination for thousands of visitors” at Ferry Meadows.
Outdoor heritage and sculpture features also dot the area (e.g., the sculpture collection across Thorpe Meadows etc). This adds an extra layer of interest on walks.
Healthy-living/social opportunities: events such as “Wellbeing Wander” or free-running groups add structured ways to explore on foot.
So whether you’re looking for a brisk walk, a scenic wander or something more immersive, the park’s walking infrastructure is rich.
3. Cycling, Pump Tracks & Trailed Routes
For cycling fans (or families looking for leisure pedal-time), Nene Park has thought of that too:
Bike hire is available, making it easy if you don’t want to bring your own.
The paths are described as “traffic-free” and many stretch along lakeside or woodland routes – ideal for more relaxed or family rides.
There is a “Speedring Pump Track” at Lakeside, free and suitable for different skill levels—to add some fun more than just transport.
Hence the park isn’t just about walking or driving; cycling is a well-supported mode of exploring.
4. Fishing, Horse Riding & Nature Lover Activities
The park also appeals for quieter, nature-centric pursuits:
Fishing is available year-round in some areas of Ferry Meadows.
Horse riding routes are noted among the “things to do” list.
Bird-watching and wildlife trails: the lakes and meadows support rich habitat, and activities such as guided “Meeting Magical Mammals” walks, tree-identification walks, etc are promoted.
Thus, the park suits visitors who prefer peace, wildlife or contemplative outdoor experiences rather than high-action.
5: Play Areas, Family-Friendly Fun & Events
Given the breadth of the park’s remit, there is strong provision for families and social outings:
There are three play areas within Ferry Meadows, catering for children of different ages.
The meadows provide wide open spaces for informal games, picnics and meadow-time.
Event programming: for example holiday trails, Halloween activities, free running groups, arts & craft workshops, outdoor cinema and live music (“Summer Nights”) etc.
This means a family visit can be not just outdoors but structured and varied

