Discover Ufford: Church History, Woodland Paths and Historic Traces

Ufford combines a distinctive village church, historic buildings and several paths through the countryside. Anyone looking for a holiday rental for their stay can therefore plan their trip around a wide range of experiences: a visit to St Andrew’s Church, a circular walk from the John Clare Countryside series, or routes through woodland and open countryside. The special character of the village lies less in a single attraction than in the combination of architectural history, nature and traces of earlier use.

Church and Architectural History in Ufford

St Andrew’s Church is a good starting point for getting to know Ufford’s history. Its oldest part is the chancel, dating from the late 13th century. Inside there is a 15th-century font with its original cover and a 17th-century recumbent tomb monument to Lady Bridget Carre. The church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, making it easy to fit a visit into your day’s plans.

Distinctive historic details can also be found outside the church. Ufford Hall is a Grade I listed building. Southeast of The Roost stands a dovecote with the date stone “TG 1727” in its gable. There are also two 18th-century barns with steeply pitched Collyweston stone roofs and gabled ends. The former farm complex at The Roost includes a barn bearing the year 1770. The Roost itself, formerly Newport Farm, stood beside the Old Rectory on the hilltop at Ufford.

Walking Routes and Excursions Around the Village

Walkers can enjoy a four-mile circular route from the John Clare Countryside series in Ufford. This route provides a clear framework for the day without requiring you to commit to a single destination. Other paths lead in various directions: the route to Barnack begins through the churchyard and across the fields to Walcot Road. To Bainton, the route initially follows Bainton Road to Moor’s Corner, where a footpath begins on the left. The route to Ashton follows the Torpel Way before continuing across the fields.

East of the village, a bridleway branches south from Marholm Road, providing access to Southey Wood from Ufford. There are marked paths in the woodland. The largest trees there are oaks, beech trees and pines. Those wishing to combine different interests within a travel group can therefore choose between a historic village walk, a longer circular route and a woodland excursion, without limiting the themes of the trip to culture or nature.

The Welland Valley and Historic Landscape

Ufford’s church stands at the highest point of the village, 44 metres above sea level. Its prominent position overlooks the flat Welland Valley to the north and also makes the church a defining landmark in the local landscape. Castor Hanglands lies near Ufford, 3 km southeast of the village. This National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England, is crossed by a public bridleway running from north to south, on which horses and bicycles are permitted.

The historic landscape also includes Langley Bush. This is where the four parishes of Ufford, Upton, Ailsworth and Helpston meet. For centuries, Langley Bush was the open-air court of the Langdyke Hundred, which met twice a year. In John Clare’s time, it was also a meeting place for Roma people and one of his favourite destinations for excursions. At Ufford Farm, the garden contains the remains of a stone wall made from local stone, built before the existing farmhouse, which was constructed around 1770.

Choosing a Suitable Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Ufford, it is worth deciding in advance what you want to focus on during your days there. For an interest in cultural history, the main highlights are St Andrew’s Church, Ufford Hall, The Roost and the historic buildings. Those who mainly want to be out and about can include the four-mile circular route, the paths to Barnack, Bainton or Ashton, and Southey Wood in their plans. The railway embankment north of Ufford Bridge Railway Station is now a footpath; the bridge and platform remain and add a relic of railway history to the historic impressions.

Further Places for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to compare Ufford with other destinations in the surrounding area, here are the nearest places to visit: Helpston, Wansford, Barnack, Peterborough and Northborough.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Peterborough.