Houghton House - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Houghton House

Houghton House is a ruined mansion house in the parish of Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire. It was built in the early 17th century by Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, as an elaborate hunting lodge. The house is reputed to have been the model for the ‘Palace Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, published in 1678.

Hotels near Houghton House

Hotels to stay near Houghton House

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Activities Around

Attractions Near Houghton House

Forest of Marston Vale

Forest of Marston Vale

3.94km from Houghton House

a perfect day out for the family! It brings up to 30% tree cover, transforming the landscape and making it a thriving place to live, work and play. The Forest of Marston Vale is one of twelve of community forest projects in the United Kingdom. The total area covered is 61 square miles, but most of this land is in private ownership. There are incentives for landowners to plant trees, and the target for community forests, in general, is to reach 30% tree cover.

De Grey Mausoleum, Flitton

De Grey Mausoleum, Flitton

4.13km from Houghton House

The De Grey Mausoleum is attached to the mid-15th-century parish church of St John at Flitton, Bedfordshire. It was first built in the early 17th century, before being expanded in 1704.The mausoleum contains a remarkable collection of funerary monuments spanning three centuries. The mausoleum is possibly the largest and most magnificent sepulchral chapel attached to an English church.

Cainhoe Castle

Cainhoe Castle

6.22km from Houghton House

Cainhoe Castle remains as a prominent earthwork on the north side of the road from Clophill to Shefford. The castle was of the motte and bailey type. The motte was the mound, on which would have stood a wooden tower. The bailey was the open area enclosed by a bank, ditch, and wooden wall. The castle was of the motte and bailey type. The motte was the mound, on which would have stood a wooden tower. The bailey was the open area enclosed by a bank, ditch, and wooden wall.

Wrest Park

Wrest Park

6.45km from Houghton House

Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Explore the 92 acres of award-winning gardens, gold winner of Anglia in Bloom Awards 2017. The park ranges from From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks. There is also an ornate marble fountain, the 18th century Bowling Green House and a striking Chinese Bridge and Temple.

Summerfields Miniature Railways

Summerfields Miniature Railways

6.88km from Houghton House

Summerfields Miniature Railways has been a hidden gem in Bedfordshire ever since it was opened to the public around 20 years ago. It was operated by the members of Bedford Model Engineering Society and is located on the A600 to the North West of Haynes – approximately half-way between Shefford and Bedford. The railways will be in operation for three days during the Greensand Country Festival.

Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park

7.53km from Houghton House

Woburn Safari Park is a drive-through wild animal park. Set in over 300 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire parkland, just off junction 13 of the M1, the park offers visitors a memorable day out on safari with some of the most endangered wild animals in the world. It was opened in 1970 by the 13th Duke of Bedford.

Discover More Attractions in Bedfordshire, Home of Houghton House

Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire

82 attractions

Bedfordshire is not only a wonderful county to live in, but also to visit and enjoy with all the family. Bedfordshire is the ideal location for a day trip, especially from the neighbouring areas of London, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire. There is so much to do, you’ll wish you were staying longer, so be sure to make a list of all the places.

Location of Houghton House

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For more information about Houghton House, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/houghton-house/

To view all hotels near Houghton House, visit: Hotels near Houghton House