Clapham: Churches, Woodland and Twinwood

In Clapham, you’ll encounter Saxon and Norman church architecture, as well as ancient Clapham Park Wood; nearby Clapham is Twinwood, with its aviation history. Church architecture and woodland appeal to different interests than a trip to the Twinwood Festival, which takes place annually over the August bank holiday weekend.

Church Architecture and Heritage Protection

The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury has a Saxon west tower with a Norman upper storey. The chancel arch is also Norman. The chancel arch is between the nave and chancel and is a different feature from the west tower. Saxon and Norman architectural features are layered on the west tower; the Norman chancel arch, by contrast, is at the transition between the nave and chancel of the church.

Clapham Parish Church is listed as a Grade I building. In 1985, English Heritage listed Clapham Park Farmhouse as a Grade II building of special interest. The designations differ: Clapham Parish Church is Grade I, while Clapham Park Farmhouse is Grade II of special interest.

Woodland and Paths

Clapham Park Wood is an ancient woodland with high biodiversity value and is designated a County Wildlife Site.

The best way to reach Clapham Parkwood is via Hawk Drive, Carriage Drive or Woodlands Park. Check the local conditions for these access points before travelling.

Another route description concerns the bridleway along The Ford: it crosses the river and continues to Bromham. Hawk Drive, Carriage Drive and Woodlands Park are access points to the woodland; the bridleway along The Ford, by contrast, crosses the river and continues to Bromham.

Twinwood: Aviation History and Events

The Twinwood Aviation Museum is located near Clapham in Bedfordshire, on the site of the former RAF Twinwood Farm night-fighter training station from the Second World War. The former RAF night-fighter training station dates from the Second World War; the museum’s exhibitions cover the First and Second World Wars.

The museum features exhibitions about the RAF and the 8th USAAF in connection with the First and Second World Wars. The Twinwood Museum also includes a restored control room overlooking the airfield, an aviation art exhibition, and a room about Glenn Miller and his music. The Glenn Miller Museum is housed in the Watch Office (control tower) at Twinwood Airfield.

The restored control tower at Twinwood Airfield opened to the public in 2002.

The Twinwood Festival takes place every year over the August bank holiday weekend at the airfield. If you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in the official events calendar.

Discover more destinations: Barton-le-Clay, Leighton Buzzard, Lower Stondon, Elstow, Henlow, Dunstable, Wyboston, Shefford.

For the broader travel overview: Bedfordshire.