Heritage & Historical Bedfordshire

WREST PARK
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WREST PARK
Explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park. From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks, Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Zip along to the children's play area, take tea in the café and explore the hidden treasures in...
The Roman Sandy
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The Roman Sandy
 The Town Council Offices house a small collection of finds and pictures about Roman Sandy. These exhibits were mostly collected following archaeological digs in the town’s cemetery between 1988 and 1991. The collection includes coins, vessels, personal and household effects and stone sculpture. Members of the public are welcome to...
HOUGHTON HOUSE
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HOUGHTON HOUSE
Houghton House today is the shell of a 17th-century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. It was built around 1615 for Mary, Dowager Countess of Pembroke, in a mixture of Jacobean and Classical styles: the ground floors of two...
Bedford Museum
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Bedford Museum
With its emphasis clearly focused on the local community the Social History collections reflect both the home and working environments of the people of north Bedfordshire. The collections of some 20,000 items cover the wide range of domestic, corporate, military and agricultural life as well as local crafts and industries. The lives of earlier...
John Bunyan Museum
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John Bunyan Museum
The Bunyan Museum tells the story of this renowned author, pastor and preacher. Visitors to the museum are able to take a walk through Bunyan’s life and times. On entering the museum, visitors are greeted with a three-dimensional model of Bunyan towards the end of his life. Visitors are invited by Bunyan to...
De Grey Mausoleum, Flitton
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De Grey Mausoleum, Flitton
Among the largest sepulchral chapels attached to any English church, this cruciform mausoleum houses a remarkable sequence of 17 sculpted and effigied monuments, spanning nearly two and a half centuries (1614-1859), to the De Grey family of Wrest Park. Read more about the history of the mausoleum. Before You Go Opening Times: The mausoleum is...
Wardown Park Museum
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Wardown Park Museum
Discover displays, objects and old photographs about the history of Luton and its people as well as activities, events and exhibitions for all ages and interest.     Free entry*     A good display of Luton history     A history of the development of Luton industries     Ever changing...
Royston Cave
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Royston Cave
Royston Cave is unique in Europe. Believed to date from the 14th Century, it is a man-made cavern in the shape of a beehive, with a small aperture at the top for ventilation. It's most remarkable feature is an extensive range of wall carvings representing the Crucifixion, the Holy Family and several saints, among them St Katherine, St...
Stockwood Discovery Centre
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Stockwood Discovery Centre
The Centre is designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind. It tells the stories of real people behind the collections, exploring the history of the region from prehistoric times to the evolution of Stockwood House and the Farley estate. The display collections include: ...
Knebworth House - Gardens & Park
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Knebworth House - Gardens & Park
One of England's most beloved stately homes, Knebworth House is famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words "The pen is mightier than the sword" - this beautiful gothic mansion is situated 29 miles north of London off the A1(M) at Stevenage. Park,...
BUSHMEAD PRIORY
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BUSHMEAD PRIORY
Bushmead Priory is a rare survival of the complete refectory of an Augustinian priory, with a fine timber roof and notable 14th century wall paintings. ABOUT GIFTAID The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation of 10%. Provided you have paid enough UK Income or Capital Gains Tax * (to cover all of your Gift Aid donations in this...
Woburn Abbey and Gardens
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Woburn Abbey and Gardens
For an amazing family day out, go on a safari drive adventure in the heart of Bedfordshire! Come to Woburn Safari Park and meet the wildlife roaming in over 300 acres of beautiful parkland. Enjoy a full day of family fun for one low ticket price. Park for free in the leisure area and walk through our animal encounters, where you'll see...
Woburn Abbey and Gardens
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Woburn Abbey and Gardens
Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is still very much a family home. We hope you will be inspired to visit, perhaps to discover our historic Royal links, view the famous 'Armada Portrait' of Queen Elizabeth I or come and enjoy one of over 30 exciting events each year. Admission: From:...
Shaws Corner
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Shaws Corner
Home to George Bernard Shaw for over 40 years, Shaw's Corner is a 1902 Arts and Crafts house set in a quintessentially English garden. It feels like Shaw has just left the room – his clothes are still in his wardrobe and his typewriter and glasses sit on his study desk. Note : access roads are very narrow. Don't miss Discover...
Welwyn Roman Baths
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Welwyn Roman Baths
Welwyn Roman Baths Tunnel through time to the world of the Romans - with a visit to Welwyn Roman Baths. You can't take a hot bath any more - the boiler went out about 1,800 years ago when the Romans left! Roman Baths Entrance Tunnel Roman Baths Entrance TunnelBut you can see some fascinating remains which have survived from their time. Learn...
Bletchley Park - Milton Keynes
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Bletchley Park - Milton Keynes
Bletchley Park is an estate located in the town of Bletchley, in Buckinghamshire, England, which currently houses the National Museum of Computing. During World War II, Bletchley Park was the site of the United Kingdom's main decryption establishment, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), where ciphers and codes of several Axis...
Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre
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Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre
Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre aims to involve people in different aspects of Milton Keynes history, from the Roman and Medieval, to the new town which began in the 1960s. We hold events through the year, including exhibitions, workshops and guided walks, culminating in our exciting Medieval Family Fun Day in September. Our events are...
CHICHELE COLLEGE
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CHICHELE COLLEGE
Located in the attractive Northamptonshire market town of Higham Ferrers, Chichele College is a rare surviving example of a chantry college. It was founded in 1422 by the locally born Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury. Such colleges, common in England in the 14th and 15th centuries, were groups of priests who shared a communal life which...
Milton Keynes Museum
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Milton Keynes Museum
The Museum is located in the peaceful surroundings of Stacey Hill Farm. Stacey Hill Farm was built early in the Victorian era as a model farm. It was located on the the outskirts of Wolverton, one of the UK's original "railway towns". Today the buildings overlook the "new city" of Milton Keynes but when they were built...
Mill Green Museum & Mill
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Mill Green Museum & Mill
This local history museum for the Welwyn Hatfield District is housed in what was for centuries the home of the millers who worked in the adjoining watermill. The watermill is fully restored and operational. It probably stands on the site of one of four Hatfield mills listed in the Domesday Book. You can watch milling of organic flour every week...
Hatfield House and Park
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Hatfield House and Park
Lord and Lady Salisbury are delighted to welcome you to their home and hope that you enjoy your visit. The 2011 visitor season runs from Saturday 23rd April until the end of September. For full details please see our Opening Times & Prices page. There is a ‘free flow arrangement’ where visitors are able to view the ...
St Albans Museum + Gallery
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St Albans Museum + Gallery
https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/town-hall-03-cecelina-banner.jpg Set over three floors, the newly created state-of-the-art gallery spaces showcase over 2,000 years of priceless heritage and display contemporary artworks – sharing local, national and world treasures with all. Promising fresh experiences...
Imperial War Museum Duxford
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Imperial War Museum Duxford
'Imperial War Museum Duxford has to be the best museum ever.' Dan Snow, Heritage Magazine Opening times: Open daily except 24, 25 and 26 December. Summer 2011 (19 March 2011 to 29 October 2011) 10.00am - 6.00pm (Last admission 5.00pm) Winter 2011/2012 (30 October 2011 to 16 March 2012) 10.00am - 4.00pm...
Duxford Chapel
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Duxford Chapel
A modest but complete and attractive 14th century chantry chapel, perhaps originally a hospital. Before You Go Parking: No parking on site but restricted on-street parking on Station Road is available close by, and the chapel is adjacent to the car park for Whittlesford Parkway railway station. Facilities: There are no facilities at the chapel...
Hertford Museum
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Hertford Museum
Hertford Museum aims to collect, preserve and interpret evidence of the history of the county town and surrounding parishes in the district of East Hertfordshire for the interest, enjoyment and understanding of the local community and other visitors. Since 1903 Hertford Museum has been a much loved local museum, with fascinating objects that tell...
Celtic Harmony Camp - Brickendon
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Celtic Harmony Camp - Brickendon
Step into Celtic times for a great day out at Celtic Harmony Camp, an Iron Age village near Hertford. You can try your hand at Longbow Archery, Celtic cookery in the Chieftain Roundhouse, then leaving your food to bake over the hearth, explore the rest of the camp on a woodland trail or listen to a Story around the fire. Make sure you...
Cambridge and County Folk Museum
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Cambridge and County Folk Museum
Housed in the former White House Inn, this is a warm-hearted, interactive museum displaying the everyday life of Cambridgeshire people. In addition to discovering more about our local heroes and legends, there is plenty to keep the family entertained. Come and find our mummified rat; marvel at the mole's paws; and be watchful of the witches...
University Museum of Zoology - Cambridge
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University Museum of Zoology - Cambridge
With its spectacular whale skeleton hanging over the entrance, the museum of Zoology is home to a huge variety of recent and fossil animals. With intricately beautiful shells, a comprehensive collection of British birds, and many large skeletons of mammals, the display trace the evolution of animal life. Admission free Opening hours Monday...
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences - Cambridge
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The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences - Cambridge
A journey through the worlds history of: Ancient Life In this gallery we explore the distant origins of life on Earth, from the very first traces in muddy pools to the rapid development of marine life and the first land animals. Life in the Jurassic Seas In this part of the gallery we invite you to explore the ancient marine world, and...
Whipple Museum of the History of Science - Cambridge
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Whipple Museum of the History of Science - Cambridge
The Whipple Museum holds an internationally important collection of scientific instruments and models, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. Opening hours The Museum is open from 12:30-4:30pm from Monday-Friday . Admission is free and open to all.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
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Cambridge University Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is situated less than a mile to the south of the City centre and only five minutes walk from the railway station. This tranquil 40 acre (16 hectares) garden offers year round interest to visitors. The Garden has a collection of over 10,000 labelled plant species in beautifully landscaped settings, including Rock Garden, Lake,...
Kings College Chapel
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Kings College Chapel
King's College Chapel is famed for its choral services, in particular the evensong services and the Christmas Eve service, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The Choir usually sing the services during term time, which you are welcome to attend. King’s is also known for Carols from King’s, shown on BBC Two on Christmas Eve, which...
Verulamium Museum
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Verulamium Museum
The museum of everyday life in Roman Britain Built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, Verulamium Museum is filled with ancient treasures and some of the finest mosaics outside of the Mediterranean. Bring the entire family and explore the wonders of Roman life, immerse yourself in recreated Roman rooms and admire...
The Henry Moore Foundation
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The Henry Moore Foundation
At Perry Green you will find Henry Moore’s former house and studios, as well as outdoor sculpture displays and galleries.  Opening times Sculpture grounds and house Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm (studios and gallery from 1pm) All open Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holiday Mondays 10am - 5pm Pre-booking is needed...
Berkhamsted Castle
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Berkhamsted Castle
Opening Times 29 April 2017 - 24 March 2018 Open summer, daily 10:00 - 18:00, winter 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Cambridge Student Life: Immersive podcast walk
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Cambridge Student Life: Immersive podcast walk
Leave the tourist trail behind and get an authentic insight into Cambridge life! What's included Digital mobile audio guide Geo-localised map to keep you on the right track! On-screen pictures to enhance your experience     Learn first-hand what student life at the University of Cambridge is truly like from a Ph.D. student!...
Raptor Foundation
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Raptor Foundation
We are a team providing a rescue service, 24 hour care and rehabilitation facilities for injured raptors. We provide a permanent, caring environment for raptors unable to return to the wild. We are committed to increasing rare species, and sharing knowledge and information on the medical treatment and rehabilitation of raptors. Emergencies are...
Cambridge Museum of Technology
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Cambridge Museum of Technology
Based in the original sewage pumping for Cambridge, the Museum of Technology exists to preserve and exhibit material that is relevant to the Cambridge area, either by its use or its invention. Our collections include: The pumping station's original equipment and other engines. A number of products manufactured by W.G. Pye of Cambridge....
Cambridge Science Centre
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Cambridge Science Centre
The Cambridge Science Centre is an educational charity which hosts hands-on exhibitions, workshops, shows and talks to get the public excited about science and technology. Admission: Adult (18+): £3.50 Child: £2.50 Under 5s: Free Family (2 Adults, 2 Children or 1 Adult, 3 Children): £10   Opening Times: Tuesday to...
Audley End House and Gardens
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Audley End House and Gardens
King Henry VIII gave Walden Abbey to Sir Thomas Audley, who transformed it into his mansion, Audley End. Despite ups and downs in its fortunes, Audley End remains one of England’s grandest country homes with over 30 lavishly decorated rooms to enjoy and explore. The sumptuous interior is largely due to the third Baron Braybrooke who...
Rye House Gatehouse
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Rye House Gatehouse
Rye House Gatehouse was one of the first brick built buildings in the country. The house formed the hub of what was a large estate for its time. Rye House is also known as one of the finest medieval moated sites in Hertfordshire.  It is also an important place in the country's history, the Rye House Plot – the...
Mountfitchet Castle
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Mountfitchet Castle
Mountfitchet Castle is a unique time capsule. With its commanding position overlooking the Stort Valley, Mountfitchet Castle is situated on its original site which is steeped in history. Formerly an Iron Age hill fort, this historic site was also a Roman signals fort and later a Saxon and Viking settlement before being attacked in 1066 by the...
Buckinghamshire County Museum - Aylesbury
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Buckinghamshire County Museum - Aylesbury
The County Museum was founded by the Bucks Archaeological Society in the mid 19thc and was operated by the County Council from 1957. In 2014 we started a new existence as the Bucks County Museum Trust which receives regular revenue support from the County Council and Milton Keynes City Council and is governed by an independent  Board of...
Sywell Aviation Museum
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Sywell Aviation Museum
Sywell Aviation Museum (SAM) is a voluntary, non-profit-making organisation which aims to preserve the history of Sywell Aerodrome and Northamptonshire's rich aviation heritage from the early days of aviation to the Second World War and beyond. SAM began life in 1998 and the Museum building was opened in 2001 by the legendary aviator Alex...
Abington Museum
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Abington Museum
It is an excellent place to visit if you are out with your family or if you are interesting in exploring things like the domestic life in the town, our costume collection or our displays about the Northamptonshire Regiment. Highlights are: The history of the Northamptonshire Regiment Northampton Life Rolling programme...
The Farmland Museum
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The Farmland Museum
At the Farmland Museum...     Discover farming through the ages and learn about the rural history of Cambridgeshire with objects displays and interactives for all ages.     Visit a village shop and see a magnificent 17th Century stone barn and the workshops, which include a basket maker and a blacksmith....
Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey - Cambridge
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Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey - Cambridge
A museum of Cambridgeshire farming and village life and an English Heritage 12th century Abbey in a beautiful rural setting. Visit our complete 1940s Farmworker's Cottage and Village Shop, the 17th century Grade II listed Threshing Barn and displays about crafts and occupations. Please see our website for details of prices, opening times and...
Denny Abbey and the Farmland Museum
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Denny Abbey and the Farmland Museum
 Denny Abbey has a unique and fascinating history, having been occupied at various times by three different monastic orders. Founded in 1159 as a Benedictine monastery, in 1170 it was taken over by the Knights Templars and used as a home for aged and infirm members of the order. After the Templars’ suppression for alleged heresy in...
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
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Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
A visit to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will give you the opportunity to explore the amazing shoe collection recognised as a collection of national importance. You can also find out about the history of Northampton and see our excellent art and ceramics collection. Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 10am -...
Quainton Windmill
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Quainton Windmill
Quainton Windmill is a great place for kids to learn about the history of windmills and this one in particular. It was originally restored in the 1970s but is currently undergoing further restoration at the moment, (which means the sails have been removed) but it is still an interesting place to visit. There are six floors to explore, each with...
The Canal Museum
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The Canal Museum
Found in the heart of the beautiful village of Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal, The Canal Museum is a treasure trove of stories, films, collections and displays all about our waterways. The Canal Museum is housed in a historic corn mill, and provides a fascinating look at the history of Britain's canals. With a wide range of exhibits and a...
Cassiobury Park
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Cassiobury Park
Cassiobury Park is the largest public open space in Watford comprising of over 190 acres (77 hectares) of green space stretching from Watford town centre to woodland and countryside to the west of the town. The park contains a wide variety of sports facilities, attractions for children and parts of the park are designated as...
Amersham Museum - Old Amersham
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Amersham Museum - Old Amersham
Amersham Museum tells the story of local events, places and people. Do you know about?     Amersham’s medieval martyrs     Wall paintings     Straw plait     Lace making     Sausage factory     Perfume makers To find out more come and see for...
Harrington Aviation Museum
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Harrington Aviation Museum
Housed in the original Group Operations Building on the site of USAAF Station 179, the CARPETBAGGER AVIATION MUSEUM offers a rare look at life on the top secret base of the 801st / 492nd American Eighth Air Force Bomb Group during World War II. Photographs, maps, exhibits and unique film footage describe the secret missions flown by Harrington...
Waltham Abbey Gardens
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Waltham Abbey Gardens
Waltham Abbey Gardens offer relaxing surroundings rich in history. It’s the reputed burial site of King Harold, after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Some of the remains visible today, including the cloister entry, Abbey gateway, precinct and chapter house walls, and the stone bridge over the Cornmill Stream, give an...
Royal Gunpowder Mills
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Royal Gunpowder Mills
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children's Activities. Admission: Adults (16 to 60 years) £9.75 Children (3 to 15 years, under 3 Free) £7.75...
RUSHTON TRIANGULAR LODGE
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RUSHTON TRIANGULAR LODGE
This delightful triangular building was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham (father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters) and constructed between 1593 and 1597. It is a testament to Tresham’s Roman Catholicism: the number three, symbolising the Holy Trinity, is apparent everywhere. There are three floors, trefoil windows and three triangular gables on each...
ELEANOR CROSS, GEDDINGTON
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ELEANOR CROSS, GEDDINGTON
In 1290 Eleanor of Castile, the beloved wife of Edward I and mother of his 14 children, died at Harby in Nottinghamshire. The places where her body rested during the journey south to its tomb in Westminster Abbey were marked by stone crosses. The stately triangular Geddington cross, with its canopied statues surmounted by a slender hexagonal...
Chiltern Open Air Museum
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Chiltern Open Air Museum
Ever wondered how a toll gate keeper lived or what type of jobs you might have done in the past? What about how a building was built? With homes, workshops, a farm and even a little tin chapel they rescue and rebuild buildings from the past to show how life used to be in the Chilterns long ago. The traditional farmstead is a very special place...
Please find all heritage places such as castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals for days out with the kids, in or near Bedfordshire area, if your looking for a great day out at lush tree and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. These historic buildings also are steeped in rich history and visits to these buildings are extremely educational and informative in Beds.
If you cannot find what castles and stately homes you like by county level here, please use the search box for more detailed searching historical and heritage options.