Flitwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flitwick |
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 Church of St Peter and St Paul |
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 Flitwick
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| Population | 13,663 (Parish, 2021) |
| OS grid reference | TL033350 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BEDFORD |
| Postcode district | MK45 |
| Dialling code | 01525 |
| Police | Bedfordshire |
| Fire | Bedfordshire and Luton |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Flitwick is a town in Central Bedfordshire, England. It is an old town, first mentioned in a very old book called the Domesday Book in 1086. Back then, it was described as a small village next to the River Flitt. The name "Flytwyk" was used in 1381.
The nearby River Flit flows through Flitwick Moor. This area is a special nature reserve. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning it's important for its plants and animals.
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Where is Flitwick Located?
Flitwick is about 10 miles (16 km) from both Bedford and Luton. It shares many services with Ampthill, a town just to its north. A small stream called Running Waters forms the border between the two towns. This stream is now part of the A507 road.
Towns and Villages Near Flitwick
Some of the places close to Flitwick include Ampthill, Maulden, Clophill, Flitton, Greenfield, Steppingley, Pulloxhill, Westoning, Harlington, Barton le Clay, Tingrith, Eversholt, and Millbrook.
How Flitwick is Governed
Flitwick has two levels of local government. The first is the Flitwick Town Council, which looks after local matters. The second is the Central Bedfordshire Council, a larger authority for the whole area. The Town Council works from the Rufus Centre, a building opened in 1999.
Shopping in Flitwick
Flitwick's population has grown a lot recently. The town is working on plans to improve its shops. Currently, you can find a Tesco and a Co-op for groceries. There are also many smaller shops and estate agents, especially near the railway station.
Every Friday, an outdoor market is held in the village hall car park. Here, you can buy fresh local produce. Stalls offer things like fish, baked goods, fabrics, and fresh fruits and vegetables. A new Aldi supermarket also opened in September 2023. The market is always getting new stalls, like a butcher and Thai food.
Fun Things to Do in Flitwick
Flitwick has a modern sports centre. It features a 25-metre swimming pool and a smaller pool for kids. You can also find a gym and squash courts there. This new leisure centre opened in March 2015.
The town has four public houses, which are traditional pubs: the Crown, the Swan, the Bumble Bee, and the Blackbirds. The Blackbirds is a very old building from the 1600s. It has a big garden and a play area for children. There is also The Flitwick Club, a social club for members.
If you like bowls, the Flitwick Bowls Club was started in 1923. It's a place for playing lawn bowls and also a social club for its members.
A large holiday resort called Center Parcs Woburn Forest opened nearby in July 2014. It is located just outside Flitwick.
Getting Around Flitwick
Road Travel
Flitwick is about 4 miles (6.4 km) from Junction 12 of the M1 motorway. This makes it easy to reach by car.
Bus Services
Several bus services connect Flitwick to other towns. For example, the 42 bus goes to Westoning, Harlington, and Bedford. The 2 bus also connects to Ampthill and Bedford. Other services go to places like Shefford, Clifton, Biggleswade, and Milton Keynes.
Train Travel
Flitwick has its own train station. It is on the Thameslink line. Trains go north to Bedford and south to London, Gatwick Airport, and Brighton. This makes Flitwick a popular place for people who travel to work in bigger cities.
Schools in Flitwick
Flitwick has three lower schools: Kingsmoor, Templefield, and Flitwick Lower School. There is also a middle school called Woodland Middle School Academy. The old Flitwick School building is now a community centre, youth club, and toddler group. For older students, Redborne Upper School is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from Flitwick Railway Station.
Local News and Media
You can get local news and TV shows from BBC East and ITV Anglia. Radio stations like BBC Three Counties Radio and Heart East also serve the area. There's also an online community radio station called Bedford Radio. For local news, you can read Bedford Today and Flitwick Papers. The Flitwick Papers is made by the Town Council and delivered to every home in Flitwick.
Sports in Flitwick
Flitwick is home to four football teams: Flitwick Town, Flitwick Ladies, Flitwick Eagles, and Dinamo Flitwick.
The town also has the Flitwick Cricket Club, known as The Otters. It has many adult and young players. The lawn bowls club is also a popular sports spot.
Important Landmarks
One famous landmark is Flitwick Manor House. It is now used as a hotel and restaurant.
There are also signs of an old Norman castle called Flitwick Castle. Locals sometimes call it "The Mount."
The historic Church of St Peter & St Paul is the town's parish church.
Near Flitwick, at Clay Hill, is one of the UK's first solar farms that doesn't need government funding. It started working in 2017 and produces a lot of clean energy.
Famous People from Flitwick
- Henry John Sylvester Stannard (1870–1951) was a British artist who painted with watercolours. Even the British Royal Family bought his paintings.
- Michael Crowther, a well-known American wildlife conservationist, grew up in Flitwick.
- Brian Stein, a former professional footballer for Luton Town, lives in Flitwick.
- Malcolm Wynn, a former English cricketer, was born in the town.
- Russell Howard, a famous stand-up comedian, lived in Flitwick for a few years when he was younger.
Images for kids
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Church of St Peter and St Paul
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The Rufus Centre, where the Town Council works
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The Blackbirds public house
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Flitwick Railway Station in 1991
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Flitwick Manor
