Victoria Drive

The route Queen Victoria's coach took when she visited the Earl of Hardwicke at Wimpole Hall

Photo:The gates to Victoria Drive on Cambridge Road in 1930, with the Lodge just visible behind the trees

The gates to Victoria Drive on Cambridge Road in 1930, with the Lodge just visible behind the trees

Victoria Drive is an old coach path, leading from the  A603 to Wimpole Hall through a plantation of English native trees such as ash and chestnut on the National Trust's Wimpole Hall estate. It is so named  because it was the route Queen Victoria's coach took when she and Prince Albert visited the Earl of Hardwicke at Wimpole Hall in 1843.

Today it is used by horse riders, walkers, dog walkers and cyclists too.  There's a wonderful variety of trees and plants here.  Wildlife to be seen along the route includes hares and muntjac deer. 

This page was added by Martin Grigor on 11/06/2013.
Comments about this page

There are not many true "Orwellites" (pronounced "Orrellites") still alive and living in the Village but if they were they would tell you the story of the Coach - pulled by Grey Horses - that can be seen on a dark creepy night galloping along Victoria Drive!! I was told this story as a child by many of the older residents. Who dares to walk through the woods at night to see if the story is true?!!

By Shirley
On 19/06/2013

Spooky, eh? Details of any further sightings will be gratefully received by the editors. A further enquiry. Does anyone know if Victoria Drive was built specifically for Queen Victoria's visit (on a pre-existing track or similar)?

By Martin Grigor
On 19/06/2013
Add a comment about this page

If you're already a registered user of this site, please login using the form on the left-hand side of this page.