Locals say they feel ‘lucky’ to live in the village, but some feel it could offer more
People living in a village just off the A1 say they feel ‘lucky’ to live there, but some feel more could be done to attract visitors. Hovering on the Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire border is the historic village of Wansford.
Popular for its posh hotel – The Haycock – and countryside walks, Wansford is full of people who have either been born there and stayed, or others who moved there decades ago. Its residents praise the village for its charm and character, but some feel there could be more on offer to attract people outside the village to visit.
As part of the Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we spoke to some locals about what it’s really like to live in Wansford. Anne Bradshaw, who was “born and bred” in the village, says Wansford “punches above its weight”.
“It’s a small village – and a very friendly village,” said Anne, a former journalist. She added: “We get a lot of people come here. The river gets people here, both summer and in the winter.
“We have people who swim here all year round, which is crazy. A lot of people have been here all their lives, and that seems to be the natural thing. We’ve got lots of pubs, restaurants and pubs, but yet you’re also out in the countryside. You’re also in spitting distance of the A1.”
Anne also owns a shop in the village called Shopy McShopFace, selling items she gets from auctions. The shop was previously owned by her uncle and auntie. Anne said she loves to meet new people who visit her shop. One of Anne’s customers, who asked not to be named, said “you are a very lucky person” if you live in Wansford.
Another lady, who asked not to be named, said she “loves” the village. She added: “It’s middle class here, and generally people are very friendly.
“I love coming to the shop because they have all the things I like. I know a lot of people in the village, there are a lot of activities to do but because of my health I can’t do them because of my health. If you want to get involved there is a village hall. There is a mini village walking group and we have very nice lakes to walk around.”
She continued: “It’s filled with beautiful buildings and beautiful countryside. Everyone pretty much knows each other, and people are always nice to each other. The posh hotel brings in some people to the village, but there is also lots of support from locals. It’s a very tight knit community and I’m lucky to live here.”
Elizabeth Weald described Wansford as a “place like no other”. She added: “There is so much history all around with the buildings being so old. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to live, especially with all of the countryside around. It’s very close to the A1, so we’re not far away from places like Stamford and Peterborough.”
Gillian Elleyne has lived in Wansford for 19 years. She finds the village to be “lovely”, as well as “pretty”. However, she feels the area could attract more visitors. She said: “There is not a lot to do here. I enjoy my gardening and the nearby garden centres. We occasionally go out. Our friends go to the Haycock and say its fabulous.
“We have some pubs. The Cross Keys, it’s a local pub for local people, but I’ve never been in 19 years. The Post Office is desperately needed, so that is really useful. We just don’t have the footfall here.”
Robert Hudson said he “instantly fell in love” when here moved there several decades ago, but also feels Wansford could offer more. He said: “It’s a village filled with lots of friendly people. The only thing I’d say is you don’t see lots of people come here.
“It’s a nice place to stop by for the Haycock, but I’d say the pubs rely on a lot of local people. That’s good, but it would be good to get lots of more people come and see how great the village is.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said they love Wansford, but also would like to see more in the village. They said: “I feel it could use a bit more to bring people in.
“We don’t want it to become overcrowded, but it would be good to get a few more people into the village and show what’s on offer. Other than that, Wansford is a lovely place to live.”
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