Best attractions and places to see around Barkway include a mix of historical sites, natural trails, and unique monuments. The region features a gently rolling landscape, offering opportunities for easy walks near Barkway with distance and exploring local heritage. Visitors can discover remnants of ancient pathways and significant historical structures. This area provides diverse outdoor attractions Barkway for those interested in history and gentle exploration.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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The "invention" of the prime meridian – more precisely, the scientifically based division of the globe into longitude and latitude, with the prime meridian running at this point as the central reference line – in the second half of the 19th century was an epochal masterpiece in the field of cartography and navigation, particularly significant for seafaring at the time. Even today, in the age of modern GPS navigation based on satellites orbiting the Earth, coordinates based on this principle continue to be used to determine location. A film (in German) from the highly recommended series "Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity" explains the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Greenwich and discusses the problem of longitude measurement solved there. This episode can be found in the ARD media library under the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/maritime-greenwich-grossbritannien-folge-194/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MDM1NjMw
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War Memorial on former airfield worth a few minutes stop.
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This is a long, straight off-road path with changing surfaces (gravel, singletrack) between Ashwell and Melbourn, which is part of the Icknield Way. It is not particularly scenic, but you can get that continuing westward toward Letchworth.
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Great straight route, quite bumpy, alot divets. Ideal if you suspension to soak up the bumbs
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Ensure you stop off at the Woodman Pub, which is almost adjacent to the old 8th airforce airfield at Nuthampstead. The Woodman pub is an excellent stop and littered with history pertaining to the American aircrews who flew from there during WW2. At the back of the pub is the airfield museum which is definitely worth a visit.
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Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. You can visit Cromer Windmill, a restored 17th-century windmill, or explore the Steeple Morden Airfield Memorial, which offers a historical perspective on a former WWII airfield.
Barkway is rich in history. You can explore the unique Cromer Windmill, which dates back to 1681. The Ashwell Street Byway follows part of an old Roman Road, offering a glimpse into ancient pathways. Additionally, the Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial Road and Steeple Morden Airfield Memorial commemorate significant WWII history.
Absolutely. The Ashwell Street Byway is an unpaved grassy trail suitable for cycling, horse riding, or walking, following an old Roman Road. The Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial Road is also a great cycle way with scenic views. For more options, you can find various road cycling routes, general cycling routes, and MTB trails in the area.
The Barkway region features a gently rolling landscape, offering picturesque countryside views. While specific natural landmarks are not highlighted, the area provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities, particularly along routes like the Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial Road, which rolls quietly through very pretty fields.
The Greenwich Meridian marker at Orwell is a roadside monument indicating the Greenwich Meridian. It highlights the cartographic significance of this line, which was an epochal masterpiece in the field of cartography and navigation, particularly for seafaring in the 19th century.
Beyond the well-known sites, the Cromer Windmill can be considered a unique find, being the country's only surviving windmill of its kind. Its limited public opening hours make a visit feel special. The historical significance of the Ashwell Street Byway as an old Roman Road also offers a distinct experience.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural trails. Many enjoy the scenic and quiet roads, such as the Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial Road, which offers beautiful views through fields. The historical depth of sites like Cromer Windmill and the Roman Ashwell Street Byway are also highly valued.
While specific parking details for every attraction are not always listed, for the Ashwell Street Byway, free parking is available in Ashwell village, which also has shops and a coffee shop. It's advisable to check individual attraction websites for detailed parking information.
Yes, the Greenwich Meridian marker at Orwell is noted as wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive spot to visit and learn about its cartographic importance.
Yes, if you're exploring the Ashwell Street Byway, you can find shops and a coffee shop in Ashwell village, which is a convenient stop for refreshments before or after your activity.
The gently rolling landscape of Barkway is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and horse riding along trails like the Ashwell Street Byway. Autumn provides beautiful scenery, and even winter walks can be rewarding, though some routes might have mud or puddles, as noted for the Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial Road.


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