Attractions and Places To See around Sawtry - Top 20

Sawtry and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the site of the former Sawtry Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey built between the 12th and 13th centuries, where archaeological excavations have revealed foundations. Another significant historical site is the Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse, the picturesque remains of a once-great religious house. Don't miss the unique Holme Posts, which mark the lowest land point in Great Britain and illustrate land subsidence from the 19th century. The village also has All Saints Church, rebuilt in 1880, and St Andrew's churchyard with its historic gravestones.

For nature and wildlife, the Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is an excellent spot for bird and wildlife observation, offering attractive waterside walks. Nearby, the Wildlife Lake Bird Hide at Hinchingbrooke Country Park provides opportunities to see various bird species like cormorants, herons, and great crested grebes, as well as great crested newts. Aversley Wood, an ancient woodland and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is known for its breathtaking views, abundant birdlife, and wildflowers. Archers Wood also offers significant wildlife and historical connections.

Yes, several attractions around Sawtry are suitable for families. The Wildlife Sanctuary Lake and Wildlife Lake Bird Hide are great for children interested in nature and birdwatching. The Holme Posts offer a unique historical curiosity that can spark interest. For nearby options, Sacrewell Farm is a working farm attraction with rare breed animals and an indoor play area, while Hamerton Zoo Park is also a popular choice for a family day out.

Sawtry is a great base for outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the challenging Belton's Hill, known for its steep gradient. There are also several gravel biking routes, such as the 'Hail Weston Ford – Grafham Water loop from Easton' or 'Grafham Water – Grafham Water loop from Alconbury'. For mountain biking, consider routes like 'Huntingdon to Wood Walton copse – The Great Fen'. Runners can enjoy trails like the 'Old School Hall – Hamerton Zoo Park loop from Sawtry' or 'Through the Farm Fields loop from Sawtry'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Gravel biking around Sawtry, MTB Trails around Sawtry, and Running Trails around Sawtry guides.

The Holme Posts are a unique historical landmark. Buried in 1848, they were used to measure land subsidence after the draining of Whittlesey Mere, a large lake that once occupied the area. The tops of the posts, originally level with the ground, are now approximately 4 meters above it, marking what is generally accepted as the lowest land point in Great Britain at 2.75 meters below sea level. They offer a fascinating insight into the region's geological history.

The Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is a prime location for bird and wildlife spotting, offering attractive waterside walks. For a more focused experience, the Wildlife Lake Bird Hide at Hinchingbrooke Country Park provides excellent opportunities to observe various species such as cormorants, herons, terns, teal, wigeon, coots, moorhens, and great crested grebes. You might also spot great crested newts here. Aversley Wood and Archers Wood are also known for their abundant birdlife and other wildlife.

Yes, Aversley Wood, located near Sawtry, is an ancient woodland and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's a beautiful place to visit, offering breathtaking views, diverse birdlife, and a wealth of wildflowers, particularly a stunning bluebell display in spring. Archers Wood is another significant woodland, known for its wildlife and historical connection to the Sawtry Judith Manor.

Beyond the site of Sawtry Abbey, you can visit the Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse, the picturesque remains of a significant religious house. The village also features All Saints Church, rebuilt in 1880 using stones from older churches, and St Andrew's churchyard, which contains both old and new graves, some with interesting 'Death Heads' on the gravestones. The Holme Posts also represent a unique piece of local history related to land drainage.

Within a short driving distance from Sawtry, you can find several notable attractions. These include the Nene Valley Railway in Peterborough, offering heritage steam and diesel train rides, and Flag Fen Archaeology Park, an important Bronze Age settlement. Sacrewell Farm provides a family-friendly experience with rare breed animals. For National Trust properties, consider Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, or the Wimpole Estate, which features an impressive mansion, parkland, gardens, and a rare breed farm.

The best time to witness the impressive bluebell display in the Sawtry area is typically in spring. Aversley Wood, an ancient woodland near Sawtry, is particularly renowned for its wealth of wildflowers, including a spectacular carpet of bluebells during this season.

Cyclists looking for a challenge can tackle Belton's Hill. While not long, it presents a challenging climb with gradients exceeding 14% near its summit, especially when approached from the southern side. It's best done with a short, sharp effort out of the saddle. For more challenging routes, explore the Gravel biking around Sawtry and MTB Trails around Sawtry guides for moderate difficulty options.

Visitors appreciate the Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse for its picturesque ruined setting, which is all that remains of what was once a significant religious house. Many enjoy the nice set of ruins, often combined with a visit to the nearby museum, pretty church, and quaint village green. The area is also noted for having good cake shops nearby, adding to the pleasant experience.

The Sawtry History Society is actively involved in preserving and sharing the history of Sawtry. They maintain an archive that is accessible in the Sawtry Community Centre. The society also supports ongoing archaeological projects in the area, offering a great resource for those interested in delving deeper into the village's past.

Beyond the well-known sites, Tors Hill near Sawtry is an area shrouded in local mystery and history. It features a medieval moat and potential signs of a lost village or farmstead, offering a unique spot for exploration and contemplation of the past. Additionally, Monk's Lode, a waterway believed to have been constructed by Cistercian monks, adds another layer of historical intrigue to the natural landscape.