Discover Toddington

Toddington combines a historic town centre with buildings from different centuries, parkland and walking routes. Local highlights range from the architecture of the Church of St George and the grounds of Toddington Park to a named Icknield Way alternative and a network of public rights of way. When planning your stay, you can weigh up cultural history, nature and walking.

Local history and architecture

Toddington’s historic town centre is designated a Conservation Area. The character of this small rural market town spans 700 years and is reflected in its layout and the character of its historic buildings. Park House was built in 1826 and is listed as a Grade II building. Toddington Manor is considerably older: Thomas Cheney built it in 1560.

Different building phases can be distinguished at the Church of St George. The church has a cruciform plan with a central tower. The tower’s crossing arches and the south doorway date from the 13th century, while the nave arcades date from the early 14th century. The 15th-century roofs feature angels bearing symbols of the Crucifixion. The south transept contains funerary monuments to the Cheyne family.

The Church of St George has disabled access. As access information can change, please check the current situation before your visit. From M1 junction 12, the church is about a five-minute drive via the B5120; road conditions may vary.

Parkland and places of interest

The grounds of Toddington Park include a Victorian model dairy. The lake at Toddington Park covers one acre and provides a habitat for moorhens, Canada geese, herons and cormorants. Which animals you see may vary seasonally. The landscape and wildlife give a visit a different focus from the architecture in the town centre.

Conger Hill can be reached via a footpath from Conger Lane. The hill is the motte of a manor house site believed to date from the 12th or 13th century. This gives the place a specific access point as well as a historical context whose dating is deliberately described as probable.

Walking routes and activities

The Icknield Way passes through Toddington. Its Toddington Alternative continues into the town centre and past Conger Hill; it is 6.69 kilometres (4.2 miles) long. If you are looking for a specific distance to help plan your walk, this alternative provides a clear guide. Check the current route before setting out, as routes may change.

Toddington has a network of public rights of way extending over 50 kilometres, offering longer walks. Circular routes can be combined to make longer walks. As well as the Toddington Alternative with its specified length, you can choose from circular routes that link together. Check path conditions before setting out.

Springview Ranges is a shooting club approved by the UK Home Office. It offers small-bore and gallery rifle shooting, practical shotgun shooting and clay pigeon shooting. If you are considering taking part, check the relevant arrangements before you arrive.

Toddington Park offers guided tours of its grounds. They cover the history of the house, notable outbuildings and the main reception rooms. As booking arrangements may change, please check them before your visit.

The Fancott Miniature Railway

In Fancott, near Toddington, the Fancott Miniature Railway is located in the garden of The Fancott Public House. It has a gauge of 7¼ inches and a ¾-mile oval track. These measurements give you a specific idea of the railway, without confusing it with the walking routes around Toddington.

Discover more destinations: Shefford, Sandy, Marston Moretaine, Henlow, Wyboston, Kensworth, Caddington, Biggleswade.

For the main travel overview: Bedfordshire.