Neots

Neots is a market town on the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire, England. It is commonly referred to simply as Neots, though its historic name is St Neots, named after the 9th-century monk Saint Neot. The town’s origins lie in medieval settlement around a Benedictine priory and a riverside market, with the communities of Eynesbury and St Neots gradually merging over the centuries.

Historically, Neots grew as a crossing point on the Ouse and as a local trading centre. The priory, established in the medieval period, attracted merchants and fostered growth. In the 20th century, the town expanded significantly through new housing development and improved transport links, transforming it from a primarily rural market town into a regional service centre for surrounding communities.

Today, Neots features a mix of retail, services, housing, and riverside recreational spaces. The town center provides shops, markets, and community facilities, while parks and the riverfront offer outdoor recreation. The local economy relies on a combination of retail, professional services, healthcare, and light industry, with many residents commuting to nearby Cambridge or Peterborough for work. The town preserves historical remnants, including the priory remains, and maintains several churches and cultural venues that serve residents and visitors.

Neots is part of Cambridgeshire and sits within the district framework that covers surrounding towns and countryside. Rail and road connections link Neots to regional destinations, with road routes including major corridors such as the A1 and A428, and rail services offering regional accessibility to Cambridge, Peterborough, and London via onward connections.