garden
Sunday 26 November: Exclusive walk & tour of Chicheley Hall awaits
A stunning countryside walk from Cranfield University via the quintessentially English village of North Crawley to the beautifully restored Chicheley Hall awaits us this coming Sunday. All thanks to a special invitation extended to the Cranfield University’s walking society and its members.
Chicheley Hall is home to The Royal Society and its Kavli Royal Society International Centre that offers residential working retreat for scientists worldwide. It is a stunning Grade I listed mansion surrounded by 80 acres of beautifully kept grounds. Now a wedding venue and a conference centre with accommodation available to book.
This walk to Chicheley Hall is one of the longest circular countryside walks you can undertake in proximity of Cranfield University; about 15km and 2 hours each way. Expect to spot lively livestock along the way!
If you are romantically inclined, a true Jane Austin moment awaits you as approach the beautiful Chicheley Hall.
The walk on 26th November is fully booked. If you are interested in joining a countryside walk from Cranfield University to Chicheley Hall sometimes in the future, please get in touch.
photos: @cranfielduniversity’swalks
Sunday 14 May walk: exclusive tour of Chicheley Hall
Update on 10th May: the event has been cancelled
Join us for a delightful countryside walk from Cranfield University to the home of The Royal Society and its Kavli Royal Society International Centre. Attend an exclusive guided tour of the house and gardens. A very special event not to be missed!
Chicheley Hall is a stunning Grade I listed mansion surrounded by 80 acres of beautifully kept grounds. Now a wedding venue and a conference centre. Home to Kavli Royal Society International Centre that offers residential working retreat for scientists worldwide.
Meet in front of the Cafe Bookshop. Depart at 11.30 hours.
Return: circa 19.00 hours. En route picnic stop. Optional pub stop on the way back. Total walk length: circa 14 km (2 hours one way) Surface: footpaths, some stiles to cross over, it may be muddy. Cost: £3. Light refreshments at Chicheley Hall included in the price.
Read more about our last walk to Chicheley Hall.
Sunday 2 April walk: exclusive tour of Chicheley Hall
Experience a true Jane Austin moment as you walk from Cranfield University via the quintessentially English village of North Crawley to the beautifully restored Chicheley Hall. Attend an exclusive guided tour of the house and gardens, followed by tea & cakes. A very special event not to be missed!
Chicheley Hall is a stunning Grade I listed mansion surrounded by 80 acres of beautifully kept grounds. Now a wedding venue and a conference centre.
Home to The Royal Society and its Kavli Royal Society International Centre that offers residential working retreat for scientists worldwide.
Walk itinerary:Meet in front of the Cafe Bookshop. Depart at 12.30 hours.
Return: circa 19.00 hours. Optional stop at The Cock Inn pub on the way back. Total walk length: circa 14 km (2 hours one way) Surface: footpaths, some stiles to cross over, it may be muddy. Cost: £7 members, £10 non-members. Teas & cake at Chicheley Hall included in the price.
Limited places available. Book online here via our Eventbrite page.
Read more about our last walk to Chicheley Hall.
Castle Ashby (Sun. 15/06/14)
The cost has now been reduced to £5.50 for members, £6.50 for non-members
Hiking Sunday! Join us in this double-walk to Castle Ashby.
The journey will begin with a 10.4Km route called A Fine State of Affairs that will take us from Castle Ashby village through fields to the River Nene, Whiston lock, and St Mary’s Church to finally end up again in Castle Ashby village.
But that is only the beginning, just after a quick rest it will be time for Castle Ashby. We have booked a guided tour to learn all about the property gardens: the Italian garden, the Orangery, the Butterfly garden, the Secret garden, the Maltese cross, the Rainbow border, and the Arboretum. After the tour we will be able to enjoy some of the house amenities, including: the Walled Garden Tea Room, the Garden Gift Shop, the Plant Centre, and the Farmyard (I have been told that it has teapot pigs! Awww…).
| Activity date: | Sunday, 15th of June 2014 |
| Meeting point: | The Café Bookshop (Cranfield University) |
| Departing time from Cranfield: | 09:30 |
| Arriving time to Cranfield (approx): | 17:00 |
| Walk length (approx): | 10Km (3hours, route to the River Nene) + 6Km? (1.5hours, gardens) <> 16Km |
| Club members only?: | No. But limited spaces depending on the whole number and the drives’ number. |
| Sign up at: | Email walking@cranfield.ac.uk with “Belen – Castle Ashby” in the subject title |
| Sign-up deadline: | Thursday 12th of June by 1pm |
| Price: | £5.50 members and £6.50 non members (includes transport, entrance fee to the house, and guided tour). Please bring the exact amount of money. |
| Meal provided?: | No. You can bring packed lunch or buy something in Castle Ashby Village (e.g. The Buttery). However, ensure you bring snacks to keep the energy high during the walk and sufficient water. |
| Gear: | Wear appropriate clothing and walking boots for a country walk taking into account the weather. It is liable to be wet and muddy underfoot. |
| Other information: | Drivers Wanted. If you have a car and are willing to drive please let us know in the email. The drive will be reimbursed. If we get sufficient drivers we will bring down the walk cost. |
Cranfield University's Walks 