Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Ampthill has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Ampthill.
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Sights in Ampthill
Ampthill is a beautiful and historic town located in the Bedfordshire countryside of England. The town is most famous for its picturesque 15th century Tudor Ampthill Castle, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Other notable sights in Ampthill include the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Grade I listed Ampthill Park, which was once the home of Lord Byron.
Ampthill Castle was built in 1486 by Sir John Pepper, who was a close friend of King Henry VII. The castle was originally constructed as a defensive fortification against potential invasions from the Kingdom of France, but it soon became a luxurious home for the Pepper family. Today, the castle is open to the public and features a Museum of Travel and Industry, as well as a tea room and gift shop.
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the oldest buildings in Ampthill. The church was first built in the 13th century, but it was significantly expanded and remodelled in the 15th century. The church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and its large oak door, which is believed to date back to the 14th century.
Ampthill Park is a large country estate that was once the home of Lord Byron. The estate covers 500 acres of land and features a lake, gardens, and woodlands. Today, the park is open to the public and is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and cycling.
History of Ampthill
Ampthill is a town in Central Bedfordshire, England. The town’s name is derived from the Old English for ‘aethelmaere’s hill’. The hill in question being the site of Ampthill Castle, a Norman motte and bailey castle first built in 1166.
The Ampthill area has been settled since the Iron Age. Roman pottery has been found at nearby Arlesey and there is evidence of a Roman road running through the town. After the Romans left Britain in 410ad the area was settled by the AngloSaxons.
The first record of the town itself dates from 969 when it was listed as Ametelle in the AngloSaxon Chronicle. At this time the town was part of the estate of Queen Edith, the wife of King Edgar.
In 1086 the Domesday Book lists the town as Ametella. By this time the town was part of the Honour of Huntingdon, a large estate owned by the Earls of Huntingdon. The town remained unchanged for over 200 years until the death of William de Huntingdon in 1219.
The earldom then passed to his niece Isabella and her husband, Simon de Montfort. Simon was a French nobleman and a leader of the barons who rebelled against King Henry III. As a result of the rebellion, Simon was proclaimed Earl of Leicester and Ampthill became one of his key residences.
The castle was rebuilt in stone around this time and the town began to prosper. Simon de Montfort was killed at the Battle of Evesham in 1265 and the castle was once again taken by the Crown.
The castle was used as a prison during the 14th century and was the site of the trial and execution of Sir William Wallace in 1305. The castle was surrendered to the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War and was partially dismantled in 1649.
The town continued to grow in the 17th and 18th centuries and became a centre for the coaching trade. ampthillcoaching.jpgCoaching inns arecommon in the town centre
The modern town of Ampthill dates from the 19th century when the Bedford to Bletchley railway was built through the town. The town grew rapidly in the second half of the century and many of the current buildings date from this time.
The 20th century saw the arrival of several large industries in the town, including an aircraft factory and a tannery. These have since closed but the town continues to grow as a commuter town for London.
Ampthill Park is a country estate which covers over 1000 acres. The park is open to the public and includes a lake, formal gardens and several monuments.
The town has a number of primary schools and a secondary school, Ampthill Academy. There are also several private schools in the town.
Ampthill is twinned with Ochsenfurt in Germany and (since 2017) with SaintAignan in France.
Vacation in Ampthill
Ampthill is a historic market town in Bedfordshire, England. It is situated on the border of the Chiltern Hills, 26 miles north of London. The town has a population of about 5,000 people and is a popular tourist destination.
Ampthill is known for its Ampthill Park which is a large country park and home to Ampthill Castle, a motte and bailey castle. The park is also home to a number of public events throughout the year including the Ampthill Festival and the Ampthill Town Fair.
There are a number of other attractions in the town including the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and the St. Paul’s Church. Ampthill also has a number of shops and restaurants.
Accommodation in Ampthill is plentiful with a number of bed and breakfast establishments, hotels, and camping sites.
Ampthill is an ideal location for a number of activities including walking, cycling, horse riding, and golf. There are also a number of National Trust properties in the area.
What to do in Ampthill?
Ampthill Park is the largest park in the town and home to Ampthill Castle, a motte and bailey castle. The park is open all year round and is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and picnicking. There are also a number of public events held in the park throughout the year including the Ampthill Festival and the Ampthill Town Fair.
The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery is located in the town centre and houses a collection of artworks from the 18th and 19th centuries. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
St. Paul’s Church is a grade I listed building and the parish church of Ampthill. The church dates back to the 14th century and is open to the public.
Ampthill has a number of shops and restaurants. Some of the shops include a independent bookshop, a gift shop, and a number of clothing stores. There are also a number of pubs and cafes in the town.
Accommodation in Ampthill
There is a range of accommodation options available in Ampthill. Bed and breakfast establishments, hotels, and camping sites are all available.
How to get to Ampthill
Ampthill is located 26 miles north of London. The town can be reached by car or public transport.
By car: Ampthill can be reached via the M1 motorway. Exit the motorway at junction 13 and follow the signs for Ampthill.
By train: The nearest train station to Ampthill is Flitwick. The station is located on the Marston Vale Line and is served by trains from London St. Pancras International.
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