Buckden Towers - St. Neots

nicholas Titley

We visited Buckden towers for a fete with a small car show, we didn't enter any of the buildings but we did stroll the grounds as well as visiting the fete.
We went to display our purple supra Sachi, but we enjoyed the craft stalls, the food vans, the live music and the gardens.
The ornamental gardens are well kept, the walled vegetable was growing a lot of produce but was functional rather that for show.
The building has so interesting history with many a famous people staying there since 1186.
The building is quite ornate and has made use of over fired bricks to form patterns in the brickwork of the building, you can get guided tours with more info on the building if you pre book before visiting.
Sadly there's the remains of a giant 150 year old redwood Infront of the building that has been cut down, the stump is still quite impressive and gives a clue to how mighty the tree must have been.
The rear garden has various trees leading down to a pond, there are some old fruit trees mainly apple but some medlar trees that bear fruit know by the crude name of monkeys bum these can be eaten but are an old fruit not seen much these days.
In the formal garden there are box hedges scented climbers fig trees some old fashioned pear trees and hop and grape vines.
The fete was by the farmers market and craft stalls, there were only 15 show cars there.
An interesting place to visit if you are passing.

Charles Nixon

A fascinating place. Beautiful gardens, interesting architecture and much of historical significance

Richard “Sammy” Salmon

Buckden Towers is an iconic venue worthy of any business meeting. We were very well looked after by Gill and Gemma who couldn't do enough for us. Coffee and water provided and good internet too. Lunch is a short walk away to either The Lion, George or Vine. Where else can you go to compare with history of Buckden Towers.
We hired the Parlour Meeting room and indulged in lunch this time, prepared by Kriss. It was magnificent.

Sean Hyland

We stayed 2 night's for a family birthday,a great experience, full of history, loads of rooms for our sole use , plus a large kitchen fully equipped,, great gardens and walks

Rob H

The 15th-century buildings are the remains of the palace of the bishop of Lincoln. Although it is often stated as being built in the 15th century, the first (wooden) Palace was actually built in the late 12th century, when records show it as being used to house the bishops of Lincoln. The wooden structure was replaced by more substantial buildings and a tall brick tower was added in 1475, protected by walls and a moat, and surrounded by an outer bailey. Parts of the complex were demolished in 1632 on the orders of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The Victorian house now present on the site was built in 1872. The remains of the bishops' moated palace which survive consist of the great tower, the inner gatehouse, part of the battlemented wall, which used to surround the inner court within the moat, and the outer gate and wall.

Interesting history at this former palace that most people wouldn’t know due to the lack of signs. Queen Catherine of Aragon resided here from July 1533 to May 1534 until she was transferred a few miles away to Kimbolton Castle, where she died in 1536. Henry VIII and Queen Catherine Howard stayed at Buckden Palace in 1541, during a summer tour that the King and Queen took of England before her coronation. It was during this tour that Catherine would be accused of committing adultery with Thomas Culpeper which led to her beheading for treason in 1542.

Robbie III

Buckden is a great place for a picnic! There's a duck pond on the grounds and lots of room to roam along a path around it. The sheep next door have definitely been acclimated to people and we're practically begging for pets. It is quiet, set away from the road, and appealing. Wonderful for a picnic. Just please clean up after yourself!

Gen R

A stunning hidden gem of Buckden. Buckden Towers famously housed Catherine Aragon after her divorce with Henry VII. She is celebrated throughout the venue along with beautiful 12th-century architecture. Part of the venue is rentable for parties and conferences. The lakeside is dazzling and the staff like Yvonne so very kind. Ring ahead if you want a guided tour. Most of the venue is completely free to wander but please leave a donation as it clearly the team work hard to maintain the grounds. Parking opposite side of the road is free. Follow your visit with a gin and tonic at the Lion or The George.

imane benbaha

Lovely place
Very historical
Very peaceful
Staff guy was nice
The garden is gorgeous
I love the huge tree