Historical

For people with a keen interest in history, or who just want to find out a bit more about their local area, then the Marston Vale Line provides you with access to a whole host of local historical facilities. These range from grand historic houses, to local museums with a range of interesting artefacts and gems. Just take a peek below at what there is on offer.

Bedford

Bedford is blessed with high quality museums within easy reach of Bedford St Johns station. The most notable is the John Bunyan Musuem. The new John Bunyan Museum opened in 1998. The church with its magnificent bronze entrance doors, and 20th and 21st century stained glass windows depicting scenes from "The Pilgrim's Progress", should be included in your visit. Visitors will recognise the window made famous by the postcard sent to Terry Waite during the time he was held hostage in Beirut.

Nearby is Bedford Museum. Housed in the former Higgins and Sons Brewery, Bedford Museum is situated within the picturesque castle gardens, beside the Great Ouse. Here, you may embark on a fascinating journey through the human and natural history of north Bedfordshire, pausing briefly to glimpse at wonders from more distant lands. Go back in time to visit the delightful rural room sets and the old school museum, where Blackbeard's Sword, ''Old Billy'' the record breaking longest - lived horse and numerous other treasures can be found. The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery also forms part of this complex, which is currently closed for refurbishment.

Bletchley Park

Perhaps the most famous historical attraction on the Marston Vale Line is Bletchley Park, and is within easy walking distance of Bletchley station. Bletchley Park was the location of the country's main codebreaking establishment, Station X. Codes and ciphers of several Axis countries were deciphered there, most famously the German Enigma. The high-level intelligence produced by Bletchley Park, codenamed Ultra, is frequently credited with aiding the Allied war effort and shortening World War 2. Bletchley Park is now a museum dedicated to the works carried out here during World War 2. Many of the original machines used to decipher are present or have been lovingly restored, and the buildings are a marvel in themselves. All-in-all, this day out is very highlighted recommended.

Elstow Moot Hall

Located on the edge of Bedford is the historic building of Elstow Moot Hall. Elstow Moot Hall (or Green House as it was formerly known) was built in the late 15th century as a market-house in connection with the village fairs. It was used for storing the stalls and other equipment and as a place for hearing disputes arising from the fairs.

In the 19th century the upper room was used both as a school and a place of worship. Restored by Bedfordshire County Council, Moot Hall is now a museum illustrating 17th century English life and tradition.

Woburn Abbey

If visiting stately homes is your thing, then there is no better place to visit than Woburn Abbey. Woburn Abbey is familiar to millions of viewers as the subject of the popular TV series Country House. The house contains one of the most important private collections of works of art in the country, including paintings by Reynolds and Gainsborough, Canaletto's 21 views of Venice and collections of silver, gold and porcelain. Nine species of deer roam the 3000 acre Deer Park and there are two gift shops, a pottery and a 40 shop Antiques Centre. All-in-all, a great day out!

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