Facts and places of interest in Leighton Buzzard
Interesting Facts about Leighton Buzzard
- It is thought that the name 'Leighton' comes from an old English language and means 'a clearing in the woods'. The word 'Buzzard' was added in the 12th century as there were two towns with the same name and the Dean of Lincoln needed to differentiate the two towns, he added the name of his local representative Theobald de Busar. Over the years the town became known as Leighton Buzzard.
- 'The Barron Knights' band first formed in Leighton Buzzard.
- 'Kajagoogoo', a band from the 1980s, also formed in Leighton Buzzard and had the hit 'Too Shy'.
- The town has a sizeable sand quarrying industry.
Places of Interest in and around Leighton Buzzard
All Saints Church - Leighton Buzzard
All Saints Church dates from 1277 and is said to be the finest church in the county. It has a 190 ft spire with some fine medieval ironwork with carved angels and beautiful stained glass windows. It has been described as the cathedral of South Bedfordshire and is probably the finest church in the county.
Leighton Buzzard Light Railway (LBLR)
The Leighton Buzzard Light Railway is a narrow-gauge light railway which operates on a 2 ft 0 in (610 mm) gauge, and is just under 3 miles (4.8 km) in length and is now run as a heritage railway.
The Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal runs between Birmingham and London and passes through nearby Linslade. Walkers can join the tow path from various places and cruises are also operated along the canal. Stockgrove Country Park - Heath and Reach
Stockgrove Country Park is managed by the Greensand Trust and is situated on the Bedfordshire / Buckinghamshire border in the village of Heath and Reach between Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes. There are more than 80 acres of park land and some of the neighbouring oak woodland is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Mead Open Farm - Billington
Mead Open Farm is a lovely place to visit for a family day out. See all the farm animals and many rare breeds. Children can play in the indoor play area and also in an outdoor play area with a large sand pit in the summer months. There is a picnic area and cafe too.
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