Nestled in central Bedfordshire, on the edge of the Dunstable Downs and two miles from Whipsnade Zoo, is the quaint village of Kensworth.
Originally located in Herfordshire, the village was transferred to Bedfordshire in 1897.
Property
According to Rightmove, the overall average selling price in Kensworth stood at £435,346 during 2017. This was an increase of 3 per cent on 2016’s average and 9 per cent on 2012.
There is a wide range of properties currently for sale in Kensworth, from a two-bed semi-detached for £250,000 to a huge £1.9m six-bed former rectory.
Amenities
Kensworth is served by two churches - the Grade I listed Church of St Mary, most of which was built in the 1100s, and the more modern Methodist Church.
At the heart of the community is Kensworth Village Hall on Common Road which is available for hire. Events held at the hall recently include a New Year’s Eve disco, a Christmas bingo night and a car boot sale.
Walking events also take place from the hall to the Dunstable Downs visitor centre. All are encouraged to attend, including children and dogs.
Kensworth Supermarket and Kensworth Village Stores supply newspapers, and groceries to the village, among other essentials.
The village is also home to Kensworth chalk pit, a working quarry which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England.
Transport
As you would expect for a semi-rural village, having a car makes life a lot easier for Kensworth residents. The M1 is a short drive away and buses connect the village with Hemel Hempstead and Luton. The closest train station is also in Luton.
School
According to Ofsted, the quality of education on offer locally isn’t great - the village school, Kensworth Church of England Primary, was found to be ‘indadequate’ at its last Ofsted inspection in 2016. Nearby alternatives include St Augustine’s Academy in Dunstable and Markyate Village School and Nursery, which are both rated ‘good’.
Secondary options include the Chalk Hills Academy and Stockwood Park Academy in Luton (‘good’).
Beechwood Park is an independent alternative for boys and girls from nursery through to Year 8, based in Markyate.
Pubs
The Farmer’s Boy on Common Road is a pet and family friendly pub with fine views, offering a range of games and activities including a garden with climbing frame. Most of the traditional pub grub on the menu is also available gluten-free.
On the outskirts of the village is the historic Packhorse Inn on Watling Street. The Grade II listed, 18th century pub houses a Chinese restaurant which also offers a takeaway service.
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