Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>This small Bedfordshire market town, perched on the River Ivel has great connections into London and is super-close to buzzy Bedford, and all its awesome independents. It’s also set in fantastic countryside – the Sand Hills, and you get an awful lot for your money. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1508" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Ivory-lounge-sandy-insta_Fotor.jpg" alt="Ivory Lounge modern indian dish served in black bowl on a wooden platter" class="wp-image-73728" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Ivory-lounge-sandy-insta_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Ivory-lounge-sandy-insta_Fotor-796x800.jpg 796w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Ivory-lounge-sandy-insta_Fotor-995x1000.jpg 995w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Ivory-lounge-sandy-insta_Fotor-522x525.jpg 522w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ivory Lounge</figcaption></figure>



<p><a aria-label="Amici Coffee (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amicicoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amici Coffee</a>, with an outlet at the train station, is perfect for your pre-commute caffeine fix, as <a aria-label="Cravin (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cravin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cravin</a> – a connoisseurs’ coffee hub. You’ve also got takeaways of every ilk, including the popular <a aria-label="Ivory Lounge (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ivoryloungesandy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ivory Lounge</a>, modern pizza joint, <a aria-label="Pecoro (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.pecoro.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pecoro</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anchaleeskitchen/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anchalee&#8217;s Kitchen</a> Thai food delivery service. Pub-wise, there’s the traditional <a href="https://thekingsarmssandy.weebly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings Arms</a> and The Queen&#8217;s Head, plus some great village gastros nearby, such as the <a aria-label="Coach House, Potton (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.coachhousepotton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coach House, Potton</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>There are a handful of convenience stores, plus a bakery and even an oriental supermarket, as well as a large Tesco. But you&#8217;ll also find fab local florist, <a href="https://www.theflowerroom.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Flower Room</a>, an old-fashioned independent hardware store (Gilbys), and a few great farm shops nearby including, new this year, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561488868982" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheppards</a>, <a aria-label="Wood View Farm (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.woodviewfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wood View Farm</a> in nearby Gamlingay and <a href="https://www.knottsoftempsford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knotts of Tempsford</a>, which also offers animal experiences, kids&#8217; parties and a farmer&#8217;s grill café. Plus there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk/visit/willington" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frost&#8217;s Garden Centre</a> just up the road, which has a food market, restaurant and does afternoon tea plus loads of seasonal events. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tigz-Rice-Brilliant-Brazilian-Salon-2020-44.jpg" alt="Brilliant brazilian" class="wp-image-63793" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tigz-Rice-Brilliant-Brazilian-Salon-2020-44.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tigz-Rice-Brilliant-Brazilian-Salon-2020-44-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tigz-Rice-Brilliant-Brazilian-Salon-2020-44-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tigz-Rice-Brilliant-Brazilian-Salon-2020-44-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brilliant Brazilian </figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a health centre and three dental clinics in town. You&#8217;ll find a number of beauty salons including <a href="https://www.studioofbeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio of Beauty</a> for treatments and training, <a href="https://www.thebeautyspotsandy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beauty Spot</a> for a wide range of top treatments, <a href="https://www.partridgebeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Partridge Beauty</a> for nails and specialist pedicures and <a href="https://www.brilliantbrazilian.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brilliant Brazilian</a> for female waxing, which even has a male grooming arm, <a href="https://www.gorilla-warfare.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gorilla Warfare</a>. As for hairdressers there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.halohairsalonlimted.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halo Hair Salon</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trimandproperhairdressing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trim and Proper</a> to name a couple. Wellbeing-wise, the brand new (opened Sept 2024!) <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/sandy-leisure-sports-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandy Leisure and Sports Centre</a>, offers a gym, exercise classes, cycle studio and football pitch. Or try <a href="https://www.4seasonsfitness.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons</a> for bootcamps, PT and circuits, CrossFit gym, <a href="https://cortextrainingcentre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coretex</a>, or <a href="https://www.jointheyard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Yard</a> for strength training and boxing, just out of town. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There are loads of local community groups to get involved with, from art clubs to the local <a href="http://www.sandycricketclub.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cricket club</a>, flower club and even a local ukulele group! The Sandy Carnival takes place every June, and the annual <a href="https://thesandyshow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandy Garden and Crafts Show</a> is a fun local quirk – prize pumpkin, anyone?! And come Christmas, there is of course a lights switch on as well as the mayor&#8217;s carol service. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Shuttleworth-House-2.jpg" alt="Historic country house Shuttleworth House Bedfordshire" class="wp-image-66162" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Shuttleworth-House-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Shuttleworth-House-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Shuttleworth-House-2-720x450.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Shuttleworth-House-2-840x525.jpg 840w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shuttleworth House</figcaption></figure>



<p>For starters, there&#8217;s <a aria-label="The Shuttleworth Collection (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.shuttleworth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shuttleworth Collection</a> with its hangers packed out with vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes plus acres of grounds and gardens to explore. It&#8217;s also home to the brilliant themed airshows, which make for a great family day out. <a href="https://www.moggerhangerpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moggerhanger Park</a> is good for exploring too, with its vast grounds, woodland play area handily located next to the tea rooms, weekly house tours and regular special events from outdoor cinemas to Santa&#8217;s grottos. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Ok it&#8217;s not brimming with bright lights and artsy attractions but there&#8217;s a lively programme of music and comedy at <a href="https://roundaboutclubsandy.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Roundabout Club</a> (or &#8216;the Roundy&#8217;) and it even has an al fresco cocktail bar and you will find open air theatre performances at The Lodge (more on that below) in the summer, it&#8217;s also got a rich Roman history, and you can do the <a href="https://kamino.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/greensands/app/uploads/2021/06/MOSAIC-TRAIL-HIGH-RES-1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosaic heritage trail</a> to learn more. Head to Bedford </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>It’s very good value with the average house price coming in around £322,000, ranging from terraces at under £260,000 and detached homes in the region of £437,000. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/MillLaneSandy-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87899" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/MillLaneSandy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/MillLaneSandy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/MillLaneSandy.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riverside property with 5 bedrooms. <a href="https://www.cooper-wallace.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/12292353-mill-lane-sandy">On the market for £665,000</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manor Farm Day Nursery</a> and <a href="http://www.smilersnursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smilers Nursery</a> are both independently run, plus there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/sandy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Bees</a> in Sandy, as well as Pre-schools at the local primaries <a href="https://www.robertpeelprimaryschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Peel Primary</a>, <a href="https://www.stswithunsprimary.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Swithuns C of E</a> and <a href="https://www.mapletreeprimaryschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maple Tree Primary</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Parents have plenty of choice when it comes to school. Primaries in town include <a href="https://www.robertpeelprimaryschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Peel Primary</a>, <a href="https://www.stswithunsprimary.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Swithuns C of E</a> and <a href="https://www.mapletreeprimaryschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maple Tree Primary</a> &#8211; all rated &#8216;Good&#8217; by Ofsted. State Secondary options are a little more limited with just <a href="https://www.sandysecondaryschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandy Secondary School</a> in the town, but there&#8217;s also an excellent range of independents nearby including <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/bedford-girls-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Girls’ School</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/bedford-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford School&nbsp;</a>for boys and the Co-ed <a href="https://www.bedmod.co.uk/">Bedford Modern</a>.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Just on the way out of Sandy is <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/the-lodge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Lodge (opens in a new tab)">The Lodge</a> – the headquarters of the RSPB. The house is surrounded by nature trails – perfect for tiring out the kiddies. And who knows what you might spot. Nothing wrong with a bit of twitching.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Direct trains take just under 50 mins to London St Pancras.</p>



<p>Main image: Orangeaurochs / Flikr</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live&nbsp;</a></em>.</p>


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