Sandy

Sandy might be a small town with a big town mentality, there are plenty of things to see and do in this small town on the outskirts of Biggleswade.
Sandy lies on the path of the Great North Road, which connects London and Edinburgh where it crosses the River Ivel and continues to be a town which brings in travellers on their way either to the capital or to the airport or surrounding towns and villages. It has the benefit of easy access to London, Stevenage, Bedford and Cambridge, making it a great base for anyone looking to stage a conference or other large event.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, compact place to spend a few hours, why not take some time to explore Sandy during your travels?

Anyone looking for a chance to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors will want to head to the The Lodge at Sandy Warren. Not only is this the base of the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds, but it is surrounded by over 100 acres of woodland and formal gardens, criss-crossed with nature trails and full of hides for photographers and twitchers to observe the wild birds and other animals that live in the area.
This town really is a paradise for those who like the chance to go on long, peaceful walks and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Sandy is surrounded by the pleasant landscape of rural Bedfordshire and boasts a range of woods, heathlands, rivers and brooks, perfect for getting a breath of fresh air and some exercise. One draw of the area is the Greensand Ridge Way, a long distance path that runs through the town that links Leighton Buzzard with Gamlingay. Other popular paths include the Kingfisher Way which offers riverside walks along the River Ivel. The best way to get the most out of the town is by exploring on foot or by bike, there are an excellent amount of walking and cycling routes around the town and into the neighbouring areas.

While Sandy is now a thriving market town, it has managed to evolve into the modern world without compromising on its distinctive rural setting. The history and heritage of the town is evident, and you’ll find plenty of memorials around the town to remind you of the humble roots.  History enthusiasts will love this little town with its Roman artefacts that are on display at the town council offices and the memorial dedicated to Sir William Peel, who is famed for allegedly throwing live shells being shot at him during the Crimean War back at Russian soldiers.  

Members of the public are welcomed and in fact encouraged to visit the Roman exhibits that are on display in Sandy. You’ll find them at the Town Council offices and the collection includes coins, vessels, household effects and sculptures. Visits are easily arranged with the town clerk, so be sure to contact them. Sandy is also one of the few places left in Bedfordshire where you can get the legendary Bedfordshire Clanger, so make sure to try one!