Historic Buildings

There are a number of historical buildings in and around South Bedfordshire, which are open to the public. The details of just a few of these can be found below.

Historical Churches
South Bedfordshire District Council also produces leaflets about the historic churches that can be found in the district. Please click here for more information.

Ascott House
Managed by the National Trust, Ascott is a black-and-white 19th century house set in 30 acres of grounds at Wing, near Leighton Buzzard. It houses Anthony de Rothschild's collection of fine pictures, French and English furniture and exceptional oriental porcelain. The garden contains unusual trees, flower borders, topiary sundial, Italian garden, fountain statuary, naturalised bulbs and water lilies.
Telephone: 01296 688242.
Email: info@ascottestate.co.uk
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ford End Watermill, Ivinghoe
This small watermill was recorded as working in 1798 but is probably much older. In use until 1963 and now restored by Pitstone Local History Society, it is the only working watermill to survive in Buckinghamshire with its original machinery.
Telephone: 01582 600391 for details and milling days.
Website: www.fordendwatermill.co.uk/

Pitstone Windmill
Beautifully situated beneath the Chiltern Hills, near the delightful village of Ivinghoe, this 17th century post mill is one of the oldest in England. Owned by the National Trust and restored to working order by volunteers, it is a living tribute to the village craftsmen who built and worked it during a bygone age. Please note this property is run by volunteers and can only be opened when they are available to manage visitors. Therefore, please phone ahead on 01447 851227 to check opening times before setting out on your journey.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Someries Castle
One of the county's earliest brick buildings and its impressive gatehouse and chapel survive as a romantic and substantial ruin. The castle was built by Sir John Wenlock in the 15th century. All that remains of the manor house is the clearly visible earthworks that outline the plot where once the house would have stood. The bricks from the manor house were used to build the nearby farmhouses in the 17th century. The castle can be reached by using lanes off the B653 road south of Luton.
Open all year round. Admission free.

Toddington Manor
This delightful country estate, near the village of Toddington, offers a relaxing day out reminiscent of a gentler way of life. The gardens which are probably the main attraction and have a * in the Good Gardens Guide, are especially noted for the ernormous herbaceuos borders edged with hostas and ferns, abundances of peonies, delphiniums and roses. A stream runs through the garden leading into three ponds. The large woods, with two lakes, make excellent walks for the dogs (who are welcomed on leads). Children will love the animals (Pigs, Goats and Sheep) and the Vintage Tractor collection (over 100) and the Pond Dipping (nets & buckets lent). Cricket matches most Saturdays.
Open Mon-Sat 12.00-5.00 (Closed Sundays) 1st May - 1st Sept.
Telephone: 01525 872576
Website: www.toddingtonmanor.co.uk

Woburn Abbey
Home of the Dukes of Bedford for over 350 years, Woburn Abbey contains an impressive and important private collection of furniture, porcelain, silver and works of art including paintings by many of the world's great masters. Woburn was the first stately home in England to open its doors to the public. It is set in a beautiful landscaped 3,000-acre deer park containing ten different species of deer.
Telephone: 01525 290666.
Email: enquiries@woburnabbey.co.uk
Website: www.woburnabbey.co.uk