Portholme, between Huntingdon and Godmanchester, is an enormous traditional flood-meadow of 106 hectares — one of the largest in England. In summer it is a sea of long grass and wildflowers, with swifts hawking insects overhead and the River Great Ouse running along one edge. The meadow is open to walkers and is particularly atmospheric in June and July when the hay is tall.
The meadow floods in winter, turning it into a vast shallow lake that attracts wildfowl; the effect is dramatic given how flat and wide the surrounding landscape is. A path follows the river edge connecting Huntingdon to Godmanchester, giving a pleasant circular walk of about 5 kilometres. Portholme is a fine antidote to the town's history-focused attractions — genuinely wild and somewhat ancient in feel.