Local Attractions in and around Sandy

Location

Sandy is well placed in the rural east of Bedfordshire, close to the borders with Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. There are numerous places of interest within 45 minutes drive of Sandy town centre. In addition, there are some local attractions of interest to the visitor.

Click on a link for further information

Cambridge Gliding Club

Get a different view of the countryside – from above!

 Why not visit Cambridge Gliding Club and even experience gliding for yourself!

 The club offers trial lessons to non-members whenever it is operating. Because it can get very busy it is best to contact the Club in advance if you would like one to confirm that we are flying and that a glider and instructor will be available for you. Rain, high winds and poor visibility can restrict our activities.

 The Club provides two ways of getting airborne. You can either be launched by a winch or towed up behind a light aircraft. Both offer a fantastic experience. Once you are airborne your instructor will demonstrate the use of the controls, and show you how a glider flies. You will be encouraged to handle the controls as much as possible during this first flight

 If you have never seen a modern glider, or have only had a brief trial flight in one, you are probably unaware of the potential of these aircraft. Gliders are capable of cross-country flights of considerable distances and can cruise at speeds in excess of 100 knots. The current UK distance record is over 1000 km, flights of 300 km are frequently made by Cambridge pilots from Gransden Lodge, 500 km is not unknown and five of our members have exceeded 750 km. The record height achieved from our airfield is in excess of 12,500 feet.  

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

This well known conservation organisation moved headquarters in 1961, to The Lodge at Sandy Warren, about 1.5 miles to the east of Sandy, on the Cambridge road (B1042). The site is open all year round, with marked walks and viewing hides around the estate. There is a shop near the entrance, just off the B1042, and ample car parking.

The Greensand Ridge Walk

This footpath runs though Sandy, and provides an interesting walk though the countryside of mid-Beds. The walk is approximately 40 miles in length, and runs from Leighton Buzzard in the SW of the county, to Gamlingay in the NE, about 5 miles from Sandy. As the path crosses many roads, the walk can be completed in relatively easy sections.

Based at Sutton Park, on the B1040 between Biggleswade and Potton, the club boasts two courses - John O'Gaunt, par 71 and Carthegena, par 69. Visitors and societies are welcome by prior arrangement. Contact: 01767 260360 Fax: 01767 261381. 

National Cycle Route No: 51 - Sandy to Milton Keynes & Oxford

This cycle route runs from Sandy westwards towards Bedford, along the track bed of the old Sandy to Bedford railway. At the Sandy end, there was a significant redevelopment a few years ago and the old railway bridges across the River Ivel have been restored, allowing a complete journey into Bedford itself. The route into Sandy town centre passes under the A1, so there should be no problems crossing this busy highway. Westwards from Bedford, you can cycle along this route tow Milton Keynes and Oxford.

More details can be found at: http://www.sustrans.org.uk

The Kingfisher Way 

This is a walk created in 1998, along the banks of the River Ivel, and run from Baldock to Tempsford, where the Ivel runs into the Great Ouse. The walk, along the Ivel Valley, takes in some beautiful countryside, and passes the sites of a number of former mills. 

Old Warden

This picturesque village lies just to the west of Shuttleworth, and is a representation of a "rustic" village in the Swiss style popular in the Victorian age, when it was built in the 1830's. It was the creation of Robert, the third Lord Ongley, who had inherited Old Warden Park. Amongst his other achievements was the building of the "Swiss Garden", reputed to be  dedicated to a former mistress. The estate had been founded on riches largely acquired through investment in the famous "South Sea Company", where Sir Samuel Ongley, was astute enough to sell out before the "bubble" burst. The family was later elevated to the peerage.

Robert's building works had brought the family into severe financial difficulties, and in 1872, the estate was sold to Joseph Shuttleworth, a partner in a Lincolnshire iron foundry. The present Mansion, was built in 1876, in a neo-Jacobean style. The estate was kept going by Dorothy C Shuttleworth, and today houses Shuttleworth College and the Shuttleworth Collection.

The Shuttleworth Collection

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Based at Old Warden Park, a couple of miles to the south and west of Sandy, the Shuttleworth Collection comprises a substantial gathering of early aircraft, dating back to World War I. There are a number of "flying" days each year, as well as the static displays. In addition, there is a collection of veteran and classic cars, carriages and other estate memorabilia. Information line (24hr). The collection is managed by the Shuttleworth Trust, founded in memory of Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, who was killed on active service in World War II. 

Sutton

Sutton is located just off the B1040, between Biggleswade and Potton. The village is divided in two by a ford, the older part lying beyond as you approach from the main road. Pedestrians cross the ford by means of an ancient pack horse bridge, which is in a good state of preservation. The church (All Saints) and old rectory (private), overlook the ford. Sutton no longer has its village shop and post office - this closed down in the mid eighties. However, there is still a pub - the "John O'Gaunt" (01767 260377), which serves snacks & meals. There is also a riding school and livery stables at Manor Farm. (Contact: 01767 260240). 

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