Arrington combines architectural and commemorative history with nearby attractions. The village is home to St Nicholas Church and the Countess of Hardwicke Almhouses; a milestone stands just outside it. Wimpole adds rare livestock breeds, a walled garden and cycling routes to the picture. The themes therefore range from medieval church history to horticulture and cycling.

Historic landmarks in Arrington

St Nicholas Arrington is a Grade I listed church dating from the 13th century. It is intended for private prayer, quiet contemplation and visits; the churchyard is accessible at appropriate times. If you include the church in your visit, follow these times when accessing the churchyard.

The Countess of Hardwicke Almhouses were built in 1846 to a design by H. E. Kendall for Susan, the fourth Countess of Hardwicke, in memory of her mother. H. E. Kendall’s design and the dedication in memory of her mother are part of the building’s history, as is its date. Together with the church, the Almhouses represent two distinct historical periods in Arrington: the 13th and 19th centuries.

Just outside the village stands a milestone dating from the 18th or early 19th century. It was part of a series along the former turnpike road and is the 44th milestone from Shoreditch Church in London. The church, Almhouses and milestone thus represent different traces of the village’s history: religious use, a memorial and the infrastructure of an earlier road connection.

Wimpole: Animals, Garden and Routes

Wimpole Home Farm, near Arrington, is one of the United Kingdom’s largest centres for rare livestock breeds. The animals listed there include Irish Moiled and Shetland cattle, Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, Bagot goats and sheep of rare breeds. This selection offers a specific insight into the variety of breeds kept there; livestock numbers may change over time.

Wimpole’s walled garden also has a clearly defined history. The 4.5-acre garden was built in the 1790s from handmade red bricks. Its walls were heated to protect peaches from spring frosts. Today, the garden is managed according to ecological principles and produces, among other things, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, beans, onions, garlic and cauliflower. This means you can see both historic gardening techniques and present-day cultivation in one place.

Cycling routes and getting there

There are routes with different profiles for outdoor activity. The multi-use path at Wimpole, near Arrington, is an 8.5-kilometre unpaved circular route through the estate. The Wimpole Cycle Challenge, by contrast, runs entirely on roads and includes some steep climbs. The specific features can help you compare them: circular route, length and surface on the one hand; road route and gradients on the other.

Bus route 75 from Cambridge drops passengers off in Arrington. As bus services are subject to changes and cancellations, check the connection before travelling. Wimpole is one mile from Arrington; this distance may help you decide whether to include its garden, animal or cycling attractions in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gamlingay, March, Fulbourn, Stretham, Bar Hill, Comberton, Yaxley, Milton.

For the broader travel guide: Cambridgeshire.