Henlow: Church, RAF History and Riverside Walks

Henlow offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: church history, aviation heritage and waterside walks. Cultural and historical highlights include St Mary's, Henlow Grange and the history of RAF Henlow. Nearby, a riverside nature reserve and various walking destinations add to the picture. Before your trip, you can decide whether you would rather spend your time at historic sites, in nature or on a particular activity.

Church and historic interiors

St Mary's in Henlow dates from the early 12th century. Its features include architecture from that and every subsequent period, numerous family monuments and a rare pillar piscina. The church therefore brings together several layers of architecture and remembrance. The war memorial is also described in specific terms: it consists of a stone plaque fixed to the wall. If you would like to visit St Mary's, the church is open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday, where possible.

Henlow Grange retains decorative interiors. These include the late-19th-century Peacock Room, with hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. The room is a distinctive example of the estate's decorative design and offers a different historical focus from the church, which reflects several periods. The historic grounds of Henlow Grange also included an informal riverside walk.

RAF Henlow and aviation history

The history of RAF Henlow covers different roles and periods. During the Battle of Britain, the site contributed indirectly by repairing Hurricanes damaged during the battle. An earlier period of production is clearly distinct in time: by 10 May 1918, the depot had produced a limited number of Bristol Fighters and De Havilland aircraft.

After the Second World War, RAF Henlow developed a role in calibrating radio equipment and developing signals. The RAF Signals Museum at RAF Henlow tells the story of RAF signals technology. Its themes also include equipment developed during the First World War and in the 1920s and 1930s. Those choosing Henlow for its aviation history will therefore find both early aircraft production and later work on radio and signals as distinct aspects.

Nature and walks in the surrounding area

Near Henlow is Henlow Common and Langford Meadows, a 13-hectare local nature reserve on the River Ivel. The area includes wet grassland and scrub. Kingfishers, terns, mute swans and otters have been recorded there, although sightings are not guaranteed on every visit. A circular route follows the riverbank. The paths can be muddy after rain, which you may wish to take into account when planning.

Walks near Henlow also lead to specific destinations. One route follows a winding path for about a kilometre and then crosses a footbridge over the River Hiz. Another walking route leads to Old Moat Nature Reserve; check access and path conditions locally. In Henlow, a further walking route leads to a bridge over a weir at the former site of Henlow Mill. The route descriptions differ in their stated destinations and features; this does not imply that the routes are connected.

Getting there and golf

Arlesey railway station is within walking distance of Henlow village. Trains run from there to London King's Cross and Peterborough. As timetables are important for planning a specific trip, check current train services before travelling.

For golf, Henlow Golf Club offers visitors a day ticket for a full day of golf, including use of the practice facilities. Visitors must sign in at the reception at RAF Henlow and bring photo ID. These practical requirements can be taken into account when planning. Alongside the historical and scenic themes, this gives travellers planning to play golf in Henlow some useful practical information.

Discover more destinations: Milton Ernest, Toddington, Shefford, Ampthill, Ickwell, Stagsden, Flitwick, Marston Moretaine.

For the broader travel overview: Bedfordshire.