Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre

About

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre dates back to 1846 when it was built as one of the railway stations along the Marston Vale Line. At the request of the 7th Duke of Bedford it was built in a Gothic Rival style along with three other stations along the line that were within the Woburn Estate.

At the stations busiest period it served the London Brickworks, which is said to be the second largest brickworks in the world. The brickworks and Bedford Arms, which stood opposite, have since been demolished and replaced with the Marston Gate Distribution Centre. The station now stands as the only reminder of that industrial period.

The station though was not only a working railway station, it was a family home to many stationmasters, the last being Ernest Edward Bateman who lived at the station with his family and their pet pig ‘Mary’.

Following the automation of the Marston Vale Line the station building was abandoned and left to go derelict before its restoration in 2010.  

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre is now home to a museum displaying the original ticket office, a vintage tearoom and gift shop where you can purchase those all-important fridge magnets, or another souvenir of your visit.

Explore the station

Visitors to the station are free to explore the station and look around the ticket office at their leisure. Our volunteers are full of knowledge of the station and the railway line so if you have any questions or would like a guided tour please feel free to ask.

Experience an afternoon tea

The vintage tearoom provides the perfect place to stop and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake. For those who feel a bit hungrier there is also a menu available which includes sandwiches and light lunches.

If you are looking for something a bit more special, why not try our afternoon tea experiences. Please call or email in advance as these are made to order.