Pictures of Elstow

a Picturesque Village in the county of Bedfordshire

Elstow Abbey Church. Elstow, Bedfordshire

Take a picture tour of Elstow

Elstow Pictures
Elstow Hotels
Submit a history of Elstow
Elstow Attractions
Nearby Towns
Submit Pictures
Elstow Map
Add town to favourites

About Elstow

This pleasant village, with many thatched cottages and houses, was the birthplace of the writer of Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan was born here and was baptised in the Church of St. Helena and St.Mary in the year 1628, his family are buried in the churchyard.

Elstow's fine Moot Hall is a building of 1500, this is a medieval market hall which is open to the public, it houses a collection illustrating John Bunyan's life and times. The Moot Hall has beautiful timbers and an overhanging upper floor which contains the main room. This, together with the parish church, overlooks the village green.

A nunnery was founded here by the sister of William the Conqueror, this is believed to have had its own gallows, pillory and ducking pond. Nothing now remains of the original nunnery buildings, save for what is used for the present day church which has parts dating back to the 11th century. Despite being much restored there remains fine Norman work to be seen, including vaulting. The church with it's detached bell-tower of the 15th century has much to interest the visitor, there is a large Perpendicular font, this is octagonal, decorated with quatrefoils on the bowl and figures to the base. The wooden pulpit is of the same period, this has intricate carved panels, and there are interesting monuments from many periods.

Elstow lies surrounded by rich agricultural lands, it has a good mix of old and new properties, is within easy reach of many other delightful Bedfordshire villages, with the town of Bedford and its interesting museum lying a few miles north of this attractive village.

Add town to favourites

Recommended towns & villages near Elstow

	Bedford Bedford is the historic County town of Bedfordshire with a beautiful riverside setting on the great River Ouse. John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's has strong associations with this town... Information \| Pictures (46) \| Hotels
	Ampthill The lovely town of Ampthill lies sheltered by hills in the sandstone belt of Bedfordshire... Information \| Pictures (10) \| Hotels
	Old Warden Old Warden is a sleepy Bedfordshire village with pretty honey-coloured thatched cottages and a wealth of other interesting buildings... Information \| Pictures (9) \| Hotels
	Woburn The picturesque village of Woburn has an mixture of delightful old cottages and the magnificent Woburn Abbey... Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels
	Olney Amongst other things the small town of Olney in Buckinghamshire is famous for its hymns - Amazing Grace was one of the so-called Olney Hymns written by the rector John Newton, and William Cowper, the poet... Information \| Pictures (10) \| Hotels

All towns in Bedfordshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Elstow

	Houghton House Houghton House is a 3 story stately home built by Lady Pembroke in 1621. Houghton is reputedly the model for "House Beautiful" in..... Information \| Pictures (20) \| Hotels
	Maulden Wood Maulden Wood is an attractive mix of semi-natural broadleaf woodland, acidic grassland and conifer plantations. A waymarked walk..... Information \| Hotels
	Stevington Country Park .. Information \| Hotels
	Rowney Warren Rowney Warren is a lively woodland managed jointly by the Southill Estate and the Forestry Commission. The wood is predominantly..... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
	The Swiss Garden These glorious gardens, laid out in the early part of the 19th century, fully embrace the romanticism of the era. The fashion at..... Information \| Pictures (29) \| Hotels

All attractions in Elstow
All attractions in Bedfordshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in Elstow

	Express By Holiday Inn Bedford Elstow Interchange A6/A421 Bedford Bypass Junction, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) This is a contemporary and modern hotel, offering stylish and affordable accommodation, located just south of Bedford, a short drive from the A1 and M1 motorways.... More info and book online.. Price from £54.00
	Park Inn Bedford 2 St Marys Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N) The Park Inn Bedford is a wonderfully vibrant hotel, set in the busy market town of Bedford. Relax in the Pilgrim Bar before dining in the Terrace Restaurant or work out in The Body Club health & fitn... More info and book online.. Price from £49.00
	The Barns Hotel (Form. Corus Hotel Bedford) Cardington Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction NE) The Barns Hotel is situated in a beautiful riverside location, within 3.5 acres of landscaped gardens, yet just 10 miles from the M1 and 8 miles from A1. The tranquil setting offers views of the g... More info and book online.. Price from £57.00
	Bedford Swan Hotel The Embankment, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N) Built in 1794 for the 5th Duke of Bedford this beautiful hotel overlooks the River Ouse in the centre of Bedford. Combines intimate surroundings, a friendly atmosphere with high quality facilities & b... More info and book online.. Price from £59.00
	Embankment Hotel The Embankment, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction N) Today the Embankment hotel offers all the modern visitor could want. All 20 bedrooms all en suite. All rooms with telephone and television. Room rates include breakfast and a choice of newspaper. Th... More info and book online.. Price from £52.00

More Elstow hotels...

Nearby travel help

Bedford St. Johns Station	(1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction N)
Kempston Hardwick Station	(1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction SW)
M1 Junction 13	(8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction SW)
M1 Junction 12	(10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction S)
London Luton Airport	(16.2 miles, 26.1 km, direction S)
Cambridge Airport	(28.0 miles, 45.0 km, direction E)
Elstow to London	(43.5 miles, 70.0 km, direction S)