History - Cambridge Marina

Steeped in history

et alongside the ancient Pike and Eel hotel and its marina with some 200 moorings, Cambridge Marina is the perfect gateway to the River Great Ouse. Set well away from the road and surrounded by Fenland nature reserve, it is a haven of tranquillity and the perfect base for exploring the waterways of Cambridgeshire.

Our 18th century hotel is the perfect blend of old and new. Think copper-topped bar and cosy nooks in winter, sunny terrace in summer and delicious British fare. Of the fifteen bedrooms, ten are individually designed boutique rooms. Situated in the main building and recently refurbished, their names and décor are inspired by the wildlife of the surrounding countryside. Adjacent to the hotel are five bright and spacious chalet rooms at ground floor level. Crisp white linen, plumped pillows and dreamy beds ensure the perfect night’s sleep.

How many guests?

Invite 450+ guests and sit comfortably in our fabulous wedding-white marquee. You choose your layout, with a dance floor that can be located wherever you want it.

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies

You can be married here under one of our three licences giving a choice of sites for your ceremony.

Fabulous scenery

And, of course, you can count on the photographs and videos of your very special day being spectacular against the wonderful natural backdrop.

Parking

There is a large car park and overflow car parking to accommodate all your guests.

Stay over

Stay in our bridal suite, and there are 15 beautiful rooms, including family rooms for your guests. There are more rooms being added and further plans for additional accommodation in the future.

Catering

You can choose to work with our Executive Chef on a sumptuous menu for your guests or bring in caterers from our preferred list, who will create the perfect wedding buffet.

How many delegates?

You can invite 450+ delegates for a conference and sit comfortably in our fabulous marquee. The flexible layout will cater for smaller groups too.

Professional presentation

You can have a platform or a dance floor, and there’s a full in-house AV production system to make your celebration perfectly professional.

Extraordinary extras

And it’s all set against the river flowing by, huge expanses of green lawn, surrounded by a nature reserve, with attentive staff who are ready to make your event amazing.

Over 500 years of history

he history of The Pike and Eel goes back as far as the 1500s, but this area was connected with significant historical events as early as the Roman conquest. For hundreds of years people have crossed the river here, cutting short what would have been a 10-mile round trip to reach the other side by road. Overcote Ferry and this ancient inn connected the villages of Holywell cum Needingworth with Fen Drayton and Swavesy on the other side of The Great Ouse. Much of the building that you see today dates back to the 1700s and tells a story that is rich in history and intrigue. At one end of the oak panelled bar there are two interconnecting rooms, the first with a large inglenook and the second with a mysterious door that leads to a secret passage tunnelling out beneath the building. Legend has it that Oliver Cromwell held council of war here and given that he moved his family to St Ives in 1631 and went on to inherit a house in Ely in 1636 (now a museum), it seems quite possible that he would have spent time here.

The restaurant takes its name from another mysterious feature. The date 1608 has been carefully carved above the entrance along with what would appear to be the initials RB and 1B. The significance of this date is not known but the winter of 1608 was one of the most severe ever recorded; parts of the Thames froze over completely and so perhaps might have the river here. Take a walk along the river to the west and you will pass the Anglo-Saxon village of Holywell where it is said that Hereward the Wake who led a war of resistance against the Normans, fled across the river following defeat at the Battle of Hastings to seek refuge at his stronghold on the Isle of Ely. Or stroll along the riverbank to the east and you will come across a stone column indicating the site of the Prime Meridian, the historic meridian line that demarcates the eastern and western hemispheres.