Attractions and Places To See around Lavendon - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Lavendon include a blend of historical sites and natural beauty in this historic Buckinghamshire village. Located in a pleasant rural setting, the area offers access to ancient landmarks and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the remains of a 12th-century castle and abbey, alongside picturesque rural landscapes. The region provides a variety of points of interest for those seeking both cultural heritage and natural exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Lavendon
- The most popular attractions is Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard, a historical site that offers a range of shops, a deli, and a tea room. It serves as a convenient stop for refreshments and local products.
- Another must-see spot is Footbridge Over the Stream, an intermediate trail feature. This bridge provides a crossing point over a stream, offering an alternative to stepping stones for walkers.
- Visitors also love Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest, a natural monument. This forest, once a medieval hunting ground, features ancient oak trees and marked walking trails, making it suitable for family outings.
- Lavendon is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and rural walking opportunities. The area offers a variety of attractions, from ancient earthworks to country parks, providing diverse experiences for visitors.
- The attractions around Lavendon are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and 9 photos.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard
Highlight • Historical Site
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Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest
Highlight • Natural Monument
There are three waymarked walking trails, a cafe and toilet facilities, making this an ideal day out for the family. Crucially, dogs are welcome too. There's also a play area for the little ones and a treetop walkway for those of a stern constitution.
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Stevington Windmill
Highlight • Monument
Built in the 18th century, it is today in rough working order, though requires near constant maintenance. It is possibly the last working windmill with four common sails in Britain.
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Harrold Bridge and Harrold-Odell Country Park
Highlight • Bridge
The village is notable for its ancient bridge, which spans the river and connects to an equally ancient causeway to the village of Carlton.
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Footbridge Over the Stream
Highlight • Trail
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Tips from the Community
Stevington Winmill is a historic post mill. It is a Grade II listed building and is one of the few remaining post mills in the United Kingdom. The mill was built in the early 19th century and was used to grind corn. It was powered by a sails that turned a vertical shaft, which in turn drove the millstones. The mill ceased operation in the early 20th century, but it was later restored and is now open to the public. To get inside the windmill it is possible to borrow a key from one of the two village pubs but they were closed on my visit on a Tuesday
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If you don't fancy the stepping stones - Coming from the West, go straight on from Jerusalem steps or right from the bridleway, over the bridge (highlighted) then immediately left along the field edge. Coming from Whiston go left just before the ford (you will see the track) and follow the field edge until you get to the bridge then cross the stream there.
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Gentle hill climb, good view of the Castle and a nice coffee and cake at the cafe Little shops nice to look round too
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The ford is too deep to paddle through in walking boots but there are some rather tricky stepping stones to one side that you can use to get across.
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We did the 3.63 mile loop from Harrold Odell county park. It's a fab park and route, although you'll need wellies after a wet winter! There is also a lot of farmland in the area and we heard bird scarers almost the whole way round, even walking through the village, so if you're bringing a dog with a noise aversion, you may want to keep them on the lead.
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There's a bicycle hire/repair shop next to the cafe, opening in Spring 2022. https://www.facebook.com/Grounds-Cycle-Centres-Salcey-Forest-111230761354696/ https://www.groundscyclecentres.uk/
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NOTE: The treetop walkway has not been available since May 2018, when the engineers who ensure the safety of this feature deemed it unsafe. Forestry England remain hopeful that they can secure funding to get part of this popular attraction reinstated. There's still hundreds of acres to explore and your visit to the forest will not be impacted by your inability to use the treetop walk. https://www.forestryengland.uk/salcey-forest-tree-top-walkway
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Lavendon?
Lavendon is rich in history. You can visit the 12th-century St Michael's Church, explore the earthworks of the former Lavendon Castle, or see the remains of Lavendon Abbey at Abbey Farm. Further afield, the impressive Stevington Windmill, an 18th-century postmill, is also open to the public.
Are there opportunities for walking and enjoying nature near Lavendon?
Yes, Lavendon offers a pleasant rural setting with many walking opportunities. You can explore the traditional orchard at Dodd's Hill or follow a guided walk around the site of Lavendon Mill. For more extensive natural areas, Salcey Forest, a former medieval hunting ground with ancient oak trees and marked trails, is a great option. Harrold-Odell Country Park also features two large lakes, parkland, and water meadows.
What are some family-friendly attractions in the Lavendon area?
Families can enjoy several spots. Salcey Forest is ideal with its walking trails, play area, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Harrold-Odell Country Park also provides open spaces and lakes for family outings. Additionally, the nearby town of Olney hosts seasonal events like the Duck Race and 'Dickens of a Christmas' that can be fun for all ages.
Where can I find places to eat or drink in Lavendon?
The village of Lavendon has two traditional pubs, The Green Man and The Three Horseshoes, both offering real ale and food. For a wider selection, the nearby town of Olney (about 2 miles away) provides various restaurants and pubs. You can also find refreshments at Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard, which has a deli and a tea room.
What outdoor activities or routes can I find near Lavendon?
The area around Lavendon is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and general cycling. For example, there are several routes around Olney and Turvey. Explore more options on the dedicated guides for Gravel biking around Lavendon, MTB Trails around Lavendon, and Cycling around Lavendon.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
Beyond the main sites, consider visiting the earthworks of 'The Bury,' which may have been a precursor to Lavendon Castle, or the site of Uphoe Manor, both scheduled monuments. The village also features a living green roof on the bus shelter on Olney Road, an initiative promoting local biodiversity.
What is there to see in the nearby town of Olney?
Just two miles from Lavendon, Olney offers a charming experience with restaurants, pubs, antique shops, and a weekly market. It's also home to the Cowper & Newton Museum, dedicated to poets William Cowper and John Newton. Olney is known for its seasonal events, including the Duck Race, Raft Race, Cherry Fair, and 'Dickens of a Christmas'.
Can I find any interesting bridges or river features?
Yes, you can explore Harrold Bridge, an ancient structure spanning the River Great Ouse, which connects to a causeway leading to Carlton. There's also a Footbridge Over the Stream that provides a convenient crossing point for walkers, offering an alternative to stepping stones.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Lavendon?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical interest and natural beauty. The area's rural charm and walking opportunities are highly rated. Specific highlights like Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard are enjoyed for their convenient refreshments and local products, while Salcey Forest is loved for its ancient trees and family-friendly trails.
Are there any places for shopping or local products?
Yes, Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard is a great place to stop. It features a deli with locally sourced products, an antiques shop, and stores selling gifts, jewellery, and footwear. The nearby town of Olney also has antique shops and a weekly market where you might find local goods.
What is the significance of the Jarrow March in Lavendon?
Lavendon played a small but notable role in the historic 1936 Jarrow March. A plaque on the churchyard wall commemorates the village's place on the route of this significant protest march, highlighting its connection to 20th-century social history.
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