Danish camp

A Norwegian log cabin surrounded by woodland on the banks of The River Great Ouse in Willington just east of Bedford

The log cabin at Danish Camp is situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse in Willington, Bedford. In 2004 The Terrace was added to the log cabin so that visitors could come to Danish Camp throughout the year. This area provided much needed room for dog walkers, group visits and has since been used for many events and celebrations

The ‘Moated Site’ is adjacent and although in private ownership, is an English Heritage Scheduled Ancient monument, one of the very few water-filled moats, still remaining from the viking age. History tells of the Danes sailing from The Wash to Willington, where they made a homestead and repair harbour. The layout of the land that can be seen today certainly suggests a substantial settlement. This historical site has always been known as ‘Danish Camp’ and was opened to the public in August 2007.

Our building and car park are located on the site of Willington railway station, which was on the route between Bedford and Sandy Opened in 1903, the station was located in a rural area and saw little passenger traffic; it closed together with the line in 1968. You can still pick out the original station platform and line side storage building in the car park. The railway line (originally called the Varsity Line) is now the route of the cycle track between the same two towns.

We also have a wildfowl collection, the only one left in Bedfordshire today that is open to the public. Escorted tours are by arrangement during Spring and Autumn and at scheduled times in the Summer months and some bank holidays. Group visits by arrangement at any time during the year, weather permitting.

We completed a very exciting project, the launch of ‘The Artful Dodger’, a wide-beamed steel boat. This vessel was lovingly restored with a contemporary feel to take passengers for river trips up and down the local river, and for longer trips to and from Bedford. We also have a new river route along the Bedford river, with our mooring opposite the Swan Hotel, by the Town Bridge. As The Artful Dodger is fully licensed, passengers can enjoy a glass of wine or a real ale on board as well as a clotted cream tea or a full celebration. It is also perfect for corporate events and meetings.  A really relaxing experience that we are looking forward to sharing with lots more visitors this year!

We will not allow bikes on site but there are hoops in the car park and we suggest brining a lock that is suitable to tether to a tree or similar.

Please note our care park is for visitors to the Danish Camp.  We do not allow rivercraft to be brought into the car park or launched from Danish Camp.  There is a new ‘pull-up’ point were rivercraft may disembark. 

Disabled Access 

The Danish Camp is suitable for disabled visitors and wheelchair use.

The Danish Camp has a private car park approximately 200 metres from the main entrance.

There is a disabled toilet facility on the right hand side of the hallway in the log cabin, accessed by the main entrance door.

Danish Camp also has a large covered and heated terrace which may be accessed by the timber walkway around the log cabin or the blocked pathway to the immediate left of the main entrance gates. Danish Camp enjoys a tranquil riverside location but we advise extreme care when accessing the lower levels as the ground is uneven. Slopes are gentler to the far left and far right of the log cabin.

Wheelchair users can enjoy the lovely countryside around Danish Camp using local pathways.

You can drive directly and park at the danish camp. 

Or you can enjoy a walk or go on a bike ride from Priory Marina.  Follow signs from the entrance to the marina turn first left by the recycling facilities and follow that road and you pick up the path as you walk/ride over the bridge.  Don't forget a bike lock for when you on site. 

CAUTION

GROUND SURFACES CAN BE SLIPPERY, ESPECIALLY IN WET OR ICY CONDITIONS.

For more information, please email info@danishcamp.co.uk

Getting to the Danish Camp 

You can drive directly and park at the danish camp. 

Or you can enjoy a walk or go on a bike ride from Priory Marina.  Follow signs from the entrance to the marina turn first left by the recycling facilities and follow that road and you pick up the path as you walk/ride over the bridge.