Linford Manor Park
A visit to the Manor Park at Great Linford gives a flavour of the 18th century fashion for shaping the landscape. Its style and elegance have survived to this day, but the park is also full of attractions for modern-day visitors.
What to see and do
Don’t miss
Linford Manor
Lord Mayor of London Sir William Pritchard chose Great Linford as his country seat and was responsible for building the central block of the present Manor House in 1678. The estate passed to his relatives, the Uthwatts, who extended the house to its present size, employing a number of tricks to make it look more impressive. For instance, the wing nearest to the village was originally a single storey ballroom, but false windows were put in to create an 'upstairs' and preserve the building's symmetry. The two pavilions which face the Manor from the courtyard were designed to look like houses but were actually simple stables.They are now used as studios and meeting rooms.
Water gardens
In front of the Manor the track was lined with trees leading to four descending water gardens fed by springs from a well that still flows today. Two of the ponds can still be seen and are a lovely setting for a picnic. A third was destroyed when the Grand Junction Canal (now the Grand Union) was cut through the estate, while the fourth, with its brick-built cascade, lies derelict and hidden in the trees between the canal and Railway Walk.
Almshouses
Taking his responsibilities as Lord of the Manor seriously, Sir William Pritchard provided a school house for the education of local boys and a block of almshouses for six unmarried poor people of the parish. These, along with the renovated thatched barn, and the converted stables, now form the community arts centre, Artworks, which runs its own programme of courses, events and exhbitions throughout the year.
St Andrews Church
A church called St Andrews has stood on the hill since the 13th century and many interesting features were revealed during restoration in 1980. Under the 18th century additions were found a late medieval timber roof and carving of a medieval woodland.
Quarry
Building materials were once quarried in the area. A stone circle of quarried materials makes an interesting stop. Behind it lies a site of regional geological interest, where fossils have been found, dating from the time when a shallow tropical sea covered the entire area.
Events
Each year Linford Manor Park hosts the Waterside Festival for three days in June – one of the city’s biggest annual events, featuring live music, boat rides, open studios, stalls, dance, crafts and more.
For details of this and other events in the park see What’s On
Facilities
Bridle path
Picnic tables
Seating
Interpretation panels
Need to know
Getting there
Linford Manor can be found in the village of Great Linford, with access from Marsh Drive, the High Street, or Parklands via St Leger Drive
Opening times
The park and car parks are open at all times and free of charge, except during the Waterside Festival when car parking charges are made.
Car parking
Free car parking at the following locations:
- Off Marsh Drive
- Off Parklands, in front of the Arts workshop buildings
Toilets
There are no public toilets in Linford Manor Park.
Refreshments
Close to the Manor House, refreshments are available in the Nag's Head public house at the end of the High Street. Artworks has a small cafe which is open during events and exhibitions. Check with Artworks direct for details.
Disabled access
A network of surfaced paths give access to most of the park's main features and up to the canal, though some paths are quite steep.
Make a day of it
It’s possible to continue your day southwards, along the canal towpath onto the Canal Broadwalk. Alternatively you can join the Newport Pagnell-Wolverton Railway Walk from the park’s western end, which takes you to New Bradwell where you can cross into the Ouse Valley Park.
