Hardwick: History and Meridian Routes

Hardwick offers several distinct points of interest for a trip: St Mary combines medieval architectural history with the remains of a mural, Chequers represents a former use as an inn, and two routes put the Greenwich Meridian centre stage. There are also Wellbeing Walks on two Fridays each month. Depending on your travel interests, you can give greater priority to culture, a route or a set date.

Church and historic buildings

The present-day church of St Mary dates largely from the 14th century. It contains the remains of a colourful medieval mural depicting the Seven Deadly Sins. The building date and the subject of the mural offer different points of interest: the dating places the church in its historical context, while the mural provides a specific connection to medieval art. For travellers interested in historic architecture or medieval imagery, St Mary therefore offers two distinct points of cultural and historical interest.

Chequers offers another perspective on Hardwick’s historic buildings. This Grade II listed former inn dates from the late 16th or early 17th century. In contrast to St Mary, whose present-day church dates largely from the 14th century, Chequers points to a later building period and a former use as an inn. Different building types and periods therefore stand side by side.

Routes linked to the Meridian

The Hardwick Millennium Footpath is a circular route that starts and ends at the village sign; along the way, it crosses the Greenwich Meridian twice. Check local path conditions before setting out. The Greenwich Meridian Trail – Cambridge loop runs from Cambridge to Hardwick via the Wimpole Way. The routes therefore have different features: the Footpath is circular and crosses the Meridian twice, while the Cambridge loop follows the Wimpole Way to Hardwick. You should also check local path conditions before setting out on this route.

Wellbeing Walks in the monthly calendar

The Wellbeing Walks offer another point to plan around. The walk at The Blue Lion in Hardwick takes place on the first Friday of each month; the walk at Frankies Snack Bar in Hardwick takes place on the third Friday. The dates therefore fall on different Fridays during the month. If you would like to include one in your stay, check the specific date before travelling. Unlike choosing a route, these walks are primarily a matter of checking the calendar.

Planning your trip to Hardwick

When looking for a holiday cottage in Hardwick, your preferred travel dates can be a useful starting point if you would like to include a Wellbeing Walk. A monthly walk takes place on the Friday specified; for a route, the route itself and local path conditions matter instead. These are two different planning questions: would you prefer to start with the calendar or your choice of route? This priority can help you organise your stay around your interests without losing sight of the historic attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Fen Drayton, Yaxley, Whittlesey, Melbourn, Ramsey, Stapleford, Manea, Horseheath.

For the main travel overview: Cambridgeshire.