I am doing some family research in Huntingdon, Northampton and Bedford and will spend about a week between all 3 locations. Given that they're all in close proximity, I'd like to use one as a homebase. While I'll be doing research on ancestors that resided in those areas, I'm also personally interested in getting a good sense of the culture, history and place so would like a setting that plays to that. Any recommendations from those that have been there? And any recommendations on places to stay? I tend to prefer b&b's for European travel, just a more intimate and personal experience than hotels. Thank you in advance for your help! Colleen
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Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
Hi Colleen I'll start off by saying that unfortunately I can't help with places to stay unless you are interested in the chain hotels in and around Northampton. Sorry. Just a few pointers.... Northampton was, and still is, famous for boot and shoe making. Huntingdon is close to Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds (and Huntingdon Life Sciences). For a great scenic train ride jump on the local train towards London in Northampton, go 19 minutes south through Wolverton and Milton Keynes to Bletchley (the home of Bletchley Park and the code breakers - but that's another post). Change trains to the little train towards Bedford over on platform 5 or 6 (check first to make sure its running). Sit on the left (needs to be nice weather) and enjoy the scenery. That's the Marston Vale line and I find it really nice. The Bedford end of the line has not only the main Bedford station but also Bedford St Johns, too, if that is more convenient. Happy planning.....