Favourite views
Consultation during development of the Sense of Place Toolkit and local Green Infrastructure Strategies has identified “ten best views” of Greensand Country, as recommended by local people and visitors. This is just a starting point and you may have a favourite view of your own, or know of others through speaking with your customers. If so, let us know by sharing your information and photographs via www.greensandcountry.com/shareyourexperience.
View over the Heron Valley from Rushmere Country Park — The visitor centre and Tree Tops Café at Rushmere Country Park offer visitors stunning views over the Heron Valley. Visitors also enjoy ‘Heron Watch’ from the deck outside the visitor centre. From here you can spend your time watching the herons nesting, whilst a team of volunteers and viewing devices make the experience more interactive.
Views of Stockgrove Lake — The view of Stockgrove Lake, with ducks and swans often framed by the surrounding woodland, is a favourite of visitors. Take a break on one of the benches around the lake and soak up the scenery! The lake is part of a Historic Estate of Stockgrove House and Park, which in part now forms Rushmere Country Park.
The view from the Greensand Ridge at Ampthill Great Park — Many of the favourite views suggested by visitors are those from Ampthill Great Park across Marston Vale. The views from Katherine’s Cross and Breakheart Hill are particular favourites.
A view from the Greensand Ridge
Old St. Mary’s Church, Clophill — Old St Mary’s Church is on higher ground to the north of Clophill. The Grade II* listed Church is a scheduled ancient monument and was restored by the Clophill Heritage Trust in 2014. They now offer tours including a visit up spiral staircases to the Church Tower, where you can experience spectacular views over the countryside. It’s ideal for kids and adults to explore, some have surprised loved ones with a proposal at the top of the tower.
Views from RSPB The Lodge nature reserve & gardens — People tell us that all the views from RSPB The Lodge nature reserve & gardens at Sandy are fantastic. There are many viewpoints along each of the trails around the reserve, and The Lodge has a specific accessible raised viewpoint overlooking the new heathland. Binoculars are available to hire from The Gatehouse Shop.
Views from Haynes village — There are many favourite views from the village of Haynes, including from the higher ground looking out towards Warren Plantation and Chicksands Woods; and the views across the valley towards Haynes Park (the seat located at Plummers Lane is the ideal spot to enjoy the view towards Haynes Park). A perfect sunrise can also be experienced when taking in the view from Haynes across the rolling Greensand dip slope to distant Rowney Warren.
Views at Cooper’s Hill — Cooper’s Hill sits on the Greensand Ridge and is the largest remaining area and best surviving example of heathland in Bedfordshire. This is a much-loved visitor destination with a good network of paths to help you explore.
The view towards Woburn AbbeyLooking towards Woburn Abbey — From the Greensand Ridge, Woburn Abbey looks magical, especially as the deer frequent the lake for a drink.
Views at Maulden Woods — This is a beautiful landscape to experience, with gorgeous views from the Greensand Ridge Walk across the Bedfordshire countryside.
Views towards the Ridge — Views of the Ridge itself from the surrounding lower lying landscapes are particular favourites. The Ridge is an iconic feature of Greensand Country defining much of the area’s unique character.
