Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Willington Dovecote and Stables
Outstanding 16th-century stone dovecote and stable building
Willington, Church End, near Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK44 3PX
Important notice
We are open the last Sunday of the month, April to September 2025, 2-5pm. Additional opening to be announced.
- Assistance dogs only
Floor in the Dovecote is uneven. Access to the first floor of the Stable is by steep staircase only.
- By road
4 miles east of Bedford, just north of the Sandy road (A603)
- By bus
Busses run from Sandy and Bedford
- Cycling
View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network
Willington, Church End, near Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK44 3PX
Highlights
Dovecote
16th-century Dovecote, a remnant of Gostiwck's extravagant manorial complex.
Stables
Almost 500 years old, one of four remaining Tudor buildings commissioned by John Gostwick at Willington.
Things to see and do
Article
Visiting Willington Dovecote and Stables
The stables and dovecote at Willington reflect the architectural style of Gostwick’s manor complex. But what were they built for and did they have a more extravagant purpose?
Article
Volunteering at Willington Dovecote and Stables
Volunteer opportunities at Willington Dovecote and Stables
Events at Willington Dovecote and Stables
Find out when our upcoming events and open days area
Places to stay
Lyveden Cottage
Mystery, beauty, and the peace of forgotten places surround this cottage in the Northamptonshire countryside.
Waterclose Meadows Campsite
This rural, village campsite is by the river and working mill; explore the area on foot, or by bike or boat.
Upcoming events
Event
April Open Day 2025
Come see inside the Dovecote & Stables which hosted a Henry VIII visit in the 1540s. The Dovecote appears on the front cover of the book "60 Remarkable Buildings of the National Trust".
Event
May Open Day 2025
Come see inside the Dovecote & Stables which hosted a Henry VIII visit in the 1540s. The Dovecote appears on the front cover of the book "60 Remarkable Buildings of the National Trust".
Event
June Open Day 2025
Come see inside the Dovecote & Stables which hosted a Henry VIII visit in the 1540s. The Dovecote appears on the front cover of the book "60 Remarkable Buildings of the National Trust".
Event
July Open Day 2025
Come see inside the Dovecote & Stables which hosted a Henry VIII visit in the 1540s. The Dovecote appears on the front cover of the book "60 Remarkable Buildings of the National Trust".
Event
August Open Day 2025
Come see inside the Dovecote & Stables which hosted a Henry VIII visit in the 1540s. The Dovecote appears on the front cover of the book "60 Remarkable Buildings of the National Trust".
Event
September Open Day 2025
Come see inside the Dovecote & Stables which hosted a Henry VIII visit in the 1540s. The Dovecote appears on the front cover of the book "60 Remarkable Buildings of the National Trust".
About Willington Dovecote and Stables
Enjoy the tranquil setting of this outstanding 16th-century stone-built dovecote and stable buildings, which nestles alongside Willington church.
A nesting site for barn owls and kestrels the dovecote is a great spot for bird watching. However, we now try keep pigeons out of the dovecote's 1,500 nesting boxes. The car park, and grounds are accessible at all times
Please note: The dovecote has open afternoons days on the last Sunday of the month from April to September from 2pm to 5pm. Visits to the Dovecote & Stables are held in conjnunction with the St. Lawrences Church next door, and an opportunity to visit the church is also offered. From 3pm - 4pm on the last Sunday of the month there is an organ recital at the church which visitors are welcome to join, as well as teas/coffees/cake available and toilet facilities.
History
Article
History of Willington Dovecote and Stables
Discover how Lord of the Manor John Gostwick’s role in the dissolution of the monasteries led to the creation of an impressive manorial complex at Willington over 450 years ago.