Discover Old Hurst: Zoo, History and Via Beata

Old Hurst combines special animal experiences with traces of history, farming traditions and a section of the Via Beata. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Old Hurst will find a holiday destination where different ideas for each day can be combined: a visit to the zoo, a look at older architectural history, a quiet visit to a church or a walk along a designated section of the route. The individual sights represent very different sides of the village.

Zoo, Museum and Tropical Gardens

Johnsons Zoo is home to more than 100 animals and is a clear attraction for families who want to discover something together while on holiday. A visit to the zoo also includes Johnsons Museum: admission is included at no extra charge in the regular zoo admission. This makes it possible to combine the animal visit with a cultural stop without having to plan for an additional admission fee.

Johnsons of Old Hurst also includes tropical gardens. This expands the range of excursion themes with a world of plants that creates its own contrast with the animals and the village’s historic buildings. Johnsons of Old Hurst has been firmly rooted in the agricultural traditions of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire for more than a century. Those interested in regional production and local history can add a visit to Johnsons Farm Shop. It offers meat products raised on the farm, regional dairy products, as well as British fruit and vegetables.

Historic Buildings and Church Art

St Peter’s Old Hurst was largely rebuilt and slightly extended in the late 13th century. The church is open to everyone on Sundays and Wednesdays for private prayer or as a quiet place. This makes it a possible peaceful stop for visitors who want to include a moment of tranquillity alongside more lively excursions. In the Church of St Peter, the chancel contains a piscina pillar from the late 12th century and a 13th-century font. For those interested in medieval church art, these details provide a specific reason to look closely at the church.

The village’s secular history can also be seen in its distinctive buildings. Trinity Hall Farmhouse is an early 19th-century house with colour-washed Gault brick walls and a slate roof. The Stag and Hounds Public House dates from the mid-19th century and likewise features colour-washed Gault brick walls and a slate roof. The two buildings reveal different historic architectural functions within the village scene, without requiring an exclusively ecclesiastical interest.

Routes and Orientation in Old Hurst

For active days during your holiday, section VBG13 of the Via Beata passes through Old Hurst. Those who enjoy walking can include this section in their plans and add a hiking or walking idea to their stay.

Another distinctive local feature is the milestone on the A141 in Old Hurst. It stands north of the junction with Ramsey Road and states four miles to St Ives and five miles to Ramsey. The stone connects the village with historic distance markers and provides a vivid detail for anyone interested in transport and regional history.

Which Holiday Focus Suits You?

Old Hurst is particularly suitable as a destination if you want to combine different interests during your holiday. Families can view Johnsons Zoo, the museum and the tropical gardens as different destinations for discovery. Those interested in culture will find historic church features, older buildings and the milestone. Anyone who appreciates local products can include the farm shop in their plans; those who prefer being out and about can take the Via Beata section into account.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first consider which of these aspects of Old Hurst should be the focus of your trip. A holiday apartment or holiday house in the village suits a travel plan that includes more than just a single excursion, combining wildlife, history, routes and regional produce. The sights provide several independent reasons to visit, without allowing any particular distance or accommodation facilities to be inferred from them.

Other Places in the Same Region

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Old Hurst, you will find the direct links here: Cambourne, Eaton Socon, Kimbolton, Stow Cum Quy, Fulbourn, Holme, Bar Hill and Brinkley.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cambridgeshire.