Cardington and Elstow Hidden Britain Centre
This Hidden Britain Centre explores the historic
"hundred" of Wixamtree in the county of Bedfordshire. Wixamtree is
the name of the old Saxon administrative area for these villages.
In ancient times the meeting place for the hundred was originally
at Wihstans tree at the centre of the area. Later, Moot Halls such
as the one at Elstow were built as administrative meeting
places.
Here, you will be able to explore some very beautiful villages in
the heart of the Bedfordshire Countryside, yet all within a short
hop by bus or bike to Bedford. Cardington was the home of the R101
airship, which tragically crashed on its maiden voyage; visitors
can still see the sheds where it was made and launched. Elstow is
home to the Abbey where John Bunyan was baptised. The village,
Abbey and nearby Moot Hall are like a small medieval jewel of a
settlement where one can imagine stepping back in time. Cople was
mentioned in the Domesday Book, while Willington, Eastcotts, and
Wilstead all have their own charms!
The nearest station to this centre is is Bedford St Johns,
which is a short bus or cycle ride away. Directions are given
below.
Plan your trip to the Cardington and Elstow Hidden Britain Centre
1. Find out more from the Hidden Britain website - Log onto
www.hiddenbritain.org.uk to find out about this Hidden Britain
Centre.
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.
3. Plan your onward journey from the station – Cycling
directions are given below. You can also plan your bus journey
using the below journey planner. All of the below villages are in
the
Bedford PlusBus zone.
Directions (cycling): You can access Willington from National
Cycle Route 51, which passes along the riverfront near Bedford St
Johns station. You can download the map by following the below
link
National Cycle Route
(PDF, 624kb)
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