Ampthill combines historic buildings and memorial sites with opportunities for walking. Ampthill Park has several walking trails; Section 3 of the Greensand Ridge Walk also starts on Bedford Street. The historic landmarks span periods from the 15th century to a 20th-century memorial.
Building history and memorial sites
Ampthill Castle comprises the remains of a 15th-century palace. The Katherine Cross stands in Ampthill Park; it was erected in 1773 to mark the site of Ampthill Castle. The cross is listed as a Grade II structure. Its history is therefore distinct from that of the palace: it was erected to mark the castle site.
The Alameda was laid out between 1821 and 1827 and given to the people of Ampthill as a public walking route. The town walking route is listed Grade II. Ampthill Park, by contrast, has several walking trails. Alongside the historic buildings, there are therefore different ways to walk: a named route with its own history and trails within the park.
The Ampthill War Memorial is also listed as a Grade II structure. It was erected in 1921 and received additions from the Second World War, probably including the shaft and cross finial. The probable attribution of these components is part of the memorial’s recorded description; it is not stated as certain.
St Andrew and Richard Nicolls
St Andrew the Apostle has Saxon origins; the present building dates from the 15th century. The Parish Church of St Andrew contains marble monuments dating from 1672 and 1681 to Richard Nicolls of Ampthill Park. St Andrew the Apostle also houses his tomb and a memorial. Nicolls named New York after his friend, the Duke of York, who later became King James II. The church memorials thus connect several periods with Nicolls’ story.
St Andrew’s Church is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. As these opening hours are important for your visit, check them again before you travel.
Walks and places to stay
Ampthill Park is designated a County Wildlife Site and has several walking trails. If you would like to include a route outside the park in your plans, the Greensand Ridge Walk has a specific starting point: Section 3 begins on Bedford Street in Ampthill. The details complement each other without describing the same type of walk: the park has several trails, while the starting point of the Greensand Ridge Walk section is specified.
Houghton House lies nearby, north of Ampthill town centre. It is the surviving shell of a 17th-century mansion. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm or until dusk, whichever comes first. Check the access arrangements before setting out so you can plan your visit around the stated hours.
Discover more destinations: Toddington, Chalton, Woburn, Shefford, Dunstable, Kensworth, Leighton Buzzard, Sandy
For the broader travel overview: Bedfordshire.
