Arrington: Local History and Wimpole

Arrington’s history is reflected in very different landmarks: St Nicholas, dating from the 13th century; the Countess of Hardwicke Almhouses, dating from the 19th century; and a milestone just outside the village. Wimpole adds rare livestock breeds, horticulture and walking routes to the picture. This makes it possible to distinguish architectural history in Arrington from cultural and nature-related themes in the surrounding area as different travel interests.

Architectural history in Arrington

St Nicholas Arrington is a Grade I listed church dating from the 13th century. It is intended for private prayer, quiet reflection and visits; the churchyard is accessible at reasonable times. This connects architectural history with a stated use at this location.

The Countess of Hardwicke Almhouses were built in 1846 to a design by H E Kendall for Susan, the fourth Countess of Hardwicke. They were dedicated to the memory of her mother. The two buildings offer different points of emphasis in terms of time and subject: a church dating from the 13th century and a dated 19th-century building commemorating a personal loss. Those interested in Arrington’s history will find both a religious connection and architectural history associated with a named patron.

A milestone on the former turnpike road

Just outside Arrington stands a milestone dating from the 18th or early 19th century. It is part of a series along the former turnpike road and is the 44th milestone from Shoreditch Church in London. Its number places the stone within this series; at the same time, its connection to Shoreditch Church links local history with the history of the road. Alongside the church and almshouses, it brings another aspect of the region’s past to life.

Livestock and horticulture at Wimpole

Near Arrington is Wimpole Home Farm, one of the largest centres in the United Kingdom for rare livestock breeds. Animals kept there include Irish Moiled and Shetland cattle, Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, Bagot goats, and sheep of rare breeds. Livestock populations can change over time. For travellers interested in livestock breeds, the farm offers a different focus from the architectural and road-related landmarks in Arrington.

Wimpole’s walled garden also brings together architecture and horticulture. It covers four and a half acres and was built in the 1790s from handmade red bricks. Its walls were heated to protect peaches from spring frosts. This feature directly connects the construction of the garden with its growing purpose. The garden is managed according to ecological principles and produces potatoes, lettuce, carrots, beans, onions, garlic and cauliflower, among other crops. At Wimpole, historic construction and agricultural use therefore sit side by side as distinct themes.

Walking and cycling routes at Wimpole

When planning a route, two Wimpole trails differ in their surfaces and layouts. The multi-use trail is an unpaved, 8.5-kilometre circular route through the estate. The Wimpole Cycle Challenge, by contrast, runs entirely on roads and includes some steep climbs. The multi-use trail’s length and circular layout, and the Cycle Challenge’s road route and climbs, offer concrete points of comparison when choosing between them.

Getting there and finding your way

Bus route 75 from Cambridge drops passengers in Arrington. Wimpole is one mile from Arrington. Bus services may be subject to changes and cancellations, so check the connection before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Sawtry, Huntingdon, Old Hurst, Isleham, Wisbech, Cambridge, Eaton Socon, Bar Hill

For the wider travel overview: Cambridgeshire.