Little Wilbraham: Architectural History and Walk

Little Wilbraham offers several points of interest to help you plan your trip: listed buildings dating back several centuries, the 7 km “Willows and Wildfowl” walking route, and the The Hole in the Wall inn. This gives you the opportunity to decide whether you are most interested in architectural history, a walk, or somewhere you might stop for a meal.

Listed buildings and their history

The Church of St John the Evangelist is a Grade II* listed building and lies within the Little Wilbraham Conservation Area. These are two different scales: the listing applies to the individual church, while the Conservation Area refers to the designated area in which it stands. If you are interested in architectural and local history, you can consider the church both as a protected building and as part of a wider local context.

The Windmill is also listed: it is a Grade II tower windmill built around 1820. Its approximate date gives you a sense of its age; as a windmill, it complements the church with a different kind of building and a distinct perspective on the history of the village.

The Manor House dates from the 17th century and is Grade II listed. Alterations from the early 19th century are also part of its architectural history. The house retains a timber frame, exposed tie beams and ceiling beams. Alongside the two dates, these features give the building a distinctive architectural character. The alterations in the early 19th century represent a further layer of history, in addition to its origins in the 17th century.

The Old Rectory is a Grade II listed former rectory, built in the late 18th century. Its former use and date offer a different perspective from the Manor House: the latter is a 17th-century house with alterations from the early 19th century, while this is a former rectory dating from the late 18th century. If you are comparing historic buildings, these differences can help you see them as more than a single list of listed properties.

Walks and landscape

The “Willows and Wildfowl” walking route is 7 km long and starts at Frog End in Little Wilbraham. The route follows a footpath alongside the Little Wilbraham River. Its length, starting point and riverside setting give you practical details for planning the walk as a separate part of your stay.

There is one practical seasonal point to bear in mind: sections of the route can be flooded in winter. If you plan to walk then, check the latest path information in advance; route information may change over time.

Another local landscape feature is Quy Hall Estate in Little Wilbraham. Part of its agricultural land is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The designation applies to part of the land, not the entire estate. This protected natural area adds another local point of interest alongside the architectural history and walking route.

The Hole in the Wall: history and a place to eat

The Hole in the Wall is in the parish of Little Wilbraham. The inn dates from the 15th century and is Grade II listed. It also serves food and a selection of ales. Its historic status and its offering are two separate considerations: the building’s age and listing status relate to the property, while food and ales are relevant when planning a stop for a meal. Menus and service may change, so check the current offering before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Brinkley, Willingham, Little Stukeley, Cambourne, Comberton, Hinxton, Yaxley, Hardwick

For the wider travel guide: Cambridgeshire.