This Sunday, we popped out and explored a new area just near the three counties of Beds, Herts and Bucks.
Pitstone Windmill
First stop was a trip to what is claimed to be the oldest windmill within the British Isles at Pitstone. A short cut across the field, after parking in a small lay-by specifically for the windmill, led us to the 17th century Pitstone Windmill.
On Sundays, during the season the windmill is open for tours! This was really interesting as we learnt all about the mechanics and how the windmill served the communities by grinding grain. A history, CDT, physics lesson all in one.
My daughter was able to have a go at grinding grain, pulling a pulley and climbing the old stairs! We recommend the Sunday tour, however, the windmill tours only happen Sundays in season and the last one will be Sunday 25th Sept. National Trust members go free or it is £3 per adult.
Ivinghoe Beacon
The views were wonderful and therefore we drove 10mins away to Ivinghoe Beacon car park, which is up the hill for our picnic. We could see miles away!
There was a wonderful artisan coffee van, selling mainly hot drinks but the coffee was amazing! I sometimes grab a decaf and I can thoroughly recommend Coffee Heroes decaf roast! No compromise on flavour there. Sometimes, an ice cream van is onsite as well, making it a great stop off on route picnic spot or place to enjoy numerous walks with incredible views.
From a families perspective, you will need to take your potties as both the windmill and Ivinghoe Beacon do not have toilets. However, if you keep driving towards Berkhamsted, you can visit Ashridge National Trust for toilets, shop and cafe, as well as more walks and free parking.
We hope to visit Ivinghoe again this Autumn to see the Fall views!
