The tiny Cambridgeshire village known for its burial mounds and award-winning pub

Bartlow village sign
Bartlow village sign -Credit:Colin Bell/Geograph


When it comes to idyllic and picturesque villages, Cambridgeshire has no shortage of them. The county is blessed with some truly wonderful areas that provide a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is no better example of this than Bartlow, which is only a half hour drive from Cambridge. Although the village is small, it is packed with breathtaking burial mounds, remarkable restaurants and an old world charm that makes it difficult to resist.

Some people may know the village very well, but others might not be familiar with it. Take a look below as we dig deeper into Bartlow and why it is one of the county's hidden gems.

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Full of old-world charm

One of the remaining burial mounds in Bartlow
One of the remaining burial mounds in Bartlow -Credit:Cambridge News

Bartlow is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Cambridge, which is about a half-hour drive from the city, depending on route taken and traffic. The total population of the village comes in at just over 200 people.

Despite its small size, Bartlow boasts a fascinating history and many notable landmarks. One of its most famous attractions is Bartlow Hills, which consists of four Ancient burial mounds dating back to the Roman era that offer people a glimpse into the lives of those who lived there thousands of years ago.

The medieval church of St. Mary is also a hotspot in the village and reportedly dates back to the 12th century. It features stunning stained glass windows, a beautiful interior, and visitors can even see the remains of a 13th-century wall painting depicting the Tree of Jesse.

Plenty of Good nearby schools

There’s one Ofsted rated 'Good' nursery in the village itself – Little Hands Nursery School which is open from 8am to 6pm. Bartlow is also a five minute drive from the nearby infant school Linton Church of England as well as the primary school Linton Heights Junior,

For older children, Linton Village College is the local secondary school and provides education for pupils between the ages of 11 and 16. It also offers a wide range of subjects, including sciences, languages, humanities, and the arts, with a focus on preparing students for further education.

High standards of dining

The Three Hills pub in Bartlow
The Three Hills pub in Bartlow -Credit:Cambridge News

Although Bartlow doesn't have a huge amount of dining options compared to other villages, it does contain one of the county's biggest culinary draws. The Three Hills, on Bartlow Road, has won two AA Rosettes, a Michelin Plate, and countless Restaurant of the Year awards over the years.

The venue originally opened as an alehouse in 1847, and is the only one of its kind in the village. It was actually named after the three burial mounds - or tumuli - at the nearby roman cemetery, with other features including six luxury ensuite rooms, an orangery, an extensive covered patio, and landscaped gardens.

Its current dinner lunch consists of a range of fine dining and gastropub style dishes. These include Gressingham Duck for £32, Crispy Battered Haddock and Chips for £18, and 28 Day Prime Aged Hereford Sirloin Steak for £32.50 among others.

House prices

House prices are not particularly cheap in most places in Cambridgeshire and Bartlow is no exception. According to Land Registry data, properties in the village had an overall average price of £670,000 over the last year.

Sold prices in Bartlow over the last year were 48 per cent down on the previous year. They were also 56 per cent down on the 2002 peak of £1,530,000.

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