There is something rather special about this corner of Hertfordshire. Beautiful countryside, historic market towns, independent cafés, wonderful restaurants and a sense of community that makes it feel a world away from the bustle of everyday life. At Sandon Manor, near Buntingford and within easy reach of Cambridge, we're lucky enough to call this landscape home. And having grown up here, we've gathered quite a collection of favourite places that we're always delighted to share.
A Place with a Story
Sandon Manor has been part of our family for generations. We both grew up in the Manor House, surrounded by countryside, ancient buildings and the sort of freedom that comes with having nature on your doorstep. The estate itself has a remarkable history, appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086, with our Medieval Barn dating back to 1250. Over the centuries, it evolved into a working farm and a place closely connected to village life. Today, we've brought the historic buildings back to life, Kate has designed the renovations of the historic buildings here, creating somewhere for people to gather, celebrate and stay, while continuing to care for the landscape around us. More than 1,000 acres of the estate have been rewilded, with nature reserves, ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and walking paths creating opportunities to explore and reconnect with the countryside. It's a place we're incredibly fond of, but there's plenty to love beyond the estate gates too.
The Pleasure of Exploring Somewhere Local.
Some of our favourite days involve very little planning. A morning walk across the Sandon Manor nature reserves, coffee and something delicious from a nearby bakery, an afternoon exploring one of the local market towns, or a long lunch that turns into an even longer conversation. Just a short journey from Sandon, the surrounding villages and towns each have their own character. Buntingford offers an attractive historic high street, while Baldock has a lively collection of cafés, restaurants and independent shops. Ashwell is particularly lovely for a leisurely wander, with its village streets and natural springs, while Hitchin combines historic architecture with a vibrant food and café scene. And of course, Cambridge is close enough to enjoy its wonderful mix of culture, architecture, food and independent businesses; we especially enjoy punting on the River Camb.
A Few of Our Favourite Places
We're often asked where we'd recommend visiting, so we've gathered together some of the places we return to time and again. For coffee, we love Hot Numbers, with its Cambridge cafés and roastery in Shepreth, while Leavened Bakery at Lannock Farm is a favourite for freshly baked treats. For a relaxed lunch or evening out, The Cricketers in Weston, The Fox and Duck in Therfield and Eight in Baldock all offer something a little different. The Cheese Plate in Buntingford is another favourite, while a visit to Ashwell Springs is a lovely way to spend a peaceful afternoon. And for those looking for something a little more restorative, PAUS near Cambridge offers outdoor bathing and relaxation in a beautiful countryside setting. These are just a handful of the places we love. There are many more, and we're still discovering new favourites ourselves.
Taking Time to Enjoy the Area
Perhaps one of the nicest things about spending time in the countryside is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. At Sandon Manor, we encourage our guests to make the most of that freedom. Some prefer to stay within the estate, enjoying walks through the nature reserves, picnics in the woodland or time together in our historic buildings and gardens. Others enjoy heading out to explore the surrounding villages, finding a favourite coffee shop or discovering somewhere unexpected. Whether visiting for a celebration, a countryside stay or time away with colleagues, we think the experience is all the richer when there's an opportunity to discover a little of the local area.
Sharing Places we Love
Sandon Manor has always been a place for family, friends and gathering together. Being able to share not just the estate, but the countryside and communities around it, is one of the things we enjoy most. We've put together our own guide to the places we love, from hidden gems and countryside walks to cafés, restaurants and independent shops across Hertfordshire and Cambridge. We hope it inspires a little exploring, whether you're visiting the area for the first time or have lived here for years.
Read our full guide to Places We Love at Sandon Manor:
https://www.sandonmanor.com/stories/places-we-love/
Kate & Mark
Directors, Sandon Manor