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.
Plan your day out
1. Call the museums to check opening times and other
information - 01234 353323 (Bedford Museum) 01234 213722 (John
Bunyan Museum)
2. Plan your train journey and buy tickets – You can
check the train times and buy tickets using the Quick Times and
Tickets box to the right. The nearest station is Bedford St Johns
(walk and cycle).
3. Plan your onward journey from the station –
Directions for walking and cycling are given below.
Leave the station via the town centre exit. Walk diagonally
across the car park, and at the car park entrance, head to the
left. At the end of the road, walk to the left along Kingsway.
Cross over at the traffic lights, and head to the right down
Cauldwell Street. At the end of the road, cross over the traffic
lights, and walk to the left up St Mary's Street. For Bedford
Museum, take the second right after the bridge. The museum is
on the right. For John Bunyan Museum, take the fourth right
after the bridge, and head down Mill Street. The museum and Meeting
Church is on the right.
Location Map of historical attractions in Bedford
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.
Plan your day out
1. Call the house to check opening times and other
information - 01908 640404
2. Plan your train journey and buy tickets – You can
check the train times and buy tickets using the Quick Times and
Tickets box to the right. The nearest station is Bletchley (walk
and cycle).
3. Plan your onward journey from the station –
Directions for walking and cycling are given below.
Exit the station, and head to the right along Sherwood Drive. At
the traffic lights, cross to the left. Follow the access road to
Bletchley Park.
Location Map of Bletchley Park
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.
Plan your day out
1. Call the hall to check opening times and other
information - 01234 266889
2. Plan your train journey and buy tickets – You can
check the train times and buy tickets using the Quick Times and
Tickets box to the right. The nearest station is Bedford St Johns
(bus).
3. Plan your onward journey from the station – Use the
below journey planner to plan your journey by public transport to
the Hall. The Hall is within the
Bedford PlusBus zone.
Location Map of Elstow Moot Hall
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!
Plan your day out
1. Call the Abbey to check opening times and other
information - 01525 292148
2. Plan your train journey and buy tickets – You can
check the train times and buy tickets using the Quick Times and
Tickets box to the right. The nearest station is Woburn Sands
(bus).
3. Plan your onward journey from the station – Use the
below journey planner to plan your journey by public transport to
the Abbey.
Location Map of Woburn Abbey
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