Top Things to do in Bedfordshire
Top Hotels in Bedfordshire
- 1. The Waterfront Hotel, Spa & Golf
- 2. Premier Inn Luton Town Centre hotel
- 3. Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport, an IHG Hotel
- 4. Flitwick Manor Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 5. Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport
- 6. Thistle Express London Luton
- 7. Premier Inn Luton (Airport) hotel
- 8. Travelodge Luton
- 9. Hilton Garden Inn Luton North
- 10. ibis London Luton Airport Hotel
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bedfordshire, England
Discover the best top things to do in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom including Leighton Buzzard Brewing Co., Dunstable Downs, Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Priory Country Park, The Higgins Bedford, Parson's Close Recreation Ground, Panacea Museum, Ampthill Park, RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve.
Restaurants in Bedfordshire
1. Leighton Buzzard Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By phillipthomas
I went to Leighton buzzard Brewery on Sunday 1st. They had a record sale, good selection of beers and a fabulous Indian Street food lady selling snack foods such as peas cachoori ( excuse the spelling) keema curry, cauliflower curry, chick peas, lentils and many more condiments all of which I have not tasted since visiting India. The atmosphere was relaxed and accepting of children and dogs. Well worth a visit.
2. Dunstable Downs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
Soar above a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations.Stand on top of Dunstable Downs for a view that will simply take your breath away. These Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated for the quality of their chalk grasslands.As well as two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Five Knolls and Medieval Rabbit Warrens) there are many other historical features and the site has much to offer you.The chalk grasslands of the Downs have miles of footpaths and several circular walks, a fascinating history and an abundance of plants and wildlife.Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the highest point in Bedfordshire.The wind-swept ridge provides ideal conditions for a variety of air sports, especially kite flying. On calmer days it's the ideal site to enjoy the view and a picnic.Please note: Chilterns Gateway Centre is owned by Central Bedfordshire Council and managed by the National Trust.
Reviewed By fly2thai - Exeter, United Kingdom
I took my 2 grandsons to the National Trust Summer of Sport during the summer holidays last week, and although it poured with rain, it was still a great day. It's such a beautiful relaxing area, and we plan to return next week, and hope the weather is better. We arrived at 11am and left at 4pm. The children played cricket and football, did some colouring and we ventured to Chute Woods to visit the adventure playground, which they loved, in fact I could hardly make them leave. We did the walk around the woods too and saw all the dens previous families had made. The NT are happy for you to make a den of your own or build on others, which is a great idea. Next week we plan to visit the tree cathedral and do the stone age walk, and play cricket/football again and try our hand at flying a kite. It was a free event, the staff were great especially the gentleman on reception, who couldn't be more helpful and we had lunch and afternoon tea in the cafe. The toilets were spotless, and I thoroughly recommend a visit, as even if you only visit the cafe the views are stunning. It looks as if in hot weather they open all the sliding glass doors in the cafe which must be lovely. There are some great historical photos on the back wall of the cafe too, which were really interesting. Am really looking forward to our return, and I am coming up all the way from Devon !!
3. Stockwood Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 759 reviews
Reviewed By scl8uk - Luton, United Kingdom
An afternoon to entertain my 4 year old grandson while his Mum took a well earned rest and for a local place of interest you can't go far wrong! Free entry and lots to see and do from educational, interactive activities to climbing on an old tractor. A compact but felt expansive attraction with a value cafe and the obligatory gift shop to finish. Considering you're only a mile from central Luton you can have that country feeling. Thank you
4. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery is situated in the beautiful landscaped Wardown Park, on the outskirts of Luton town centre. The museum houses a range of displays throughout the building, including the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Gallery and the popular Luton Life Gallery. The museum underwent a redevelopment during 2016, reopening in April 2017. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery also holds events and activities for all ages and interests throughout the year.
Reviewed By treatyv - Luton, United Kingdom
Lovely little museum about Luton History based in Luton's famous Wardown Park. This place was orginally a stately home and its grounds were the Capability Brown lanscaoed Wardown Park
5. Priory Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By LINDAE129 - Grimsby, United Kingdom
Took the family to the Beefeater Restaurant, found on entering the park, for lunch, which was appreciated by all then decided to walk it off around the park and lake This park is well worth a visit A beautiful lake is the centrepiece and sets the scene and this is surrounded by the park This consists of a large area of grass (this was being cleared of equipment following a concert) but there was an enormous area for children to run about kicking a football or playing chase games There was also an area with weird park equipment which the children loved as it was so different There was also a couple of woodland walks which we ventured on These passed a hidden lake and had beautiful narrow walkways covered by overhanging bushes which formed an archway in places and made it all seem a bit fairytaleish. Quite idyllic We then stopped for a very nice ice cream from the small cafe on site Delicious All in all a good afternoons enjoyment was had by all Well worth a visit
6. The Higgins Bedford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
The Higgins Bedford is Bedford's art gallery and museum. It's a place to explore collections of fine & decorative arts, world-class watercolours, local stories and find out about great Bedfordians. Changing exhibitions mean there is always something new to see. There is lots to do for all the family.
Reviewed By debrichgil - Bedford, United Kingdom
Should be nationally recognised. Firstly you have the rooms celebrating the history of Bedford from prehistoric to present. Then the exhibitions displaying the recent histories of immigrants to the town. Then a fantastic art gallery/rooms with pictures by Turner , impressionists, modernists, contemporary Art, etc. Then upstairs rooms of fantastic glassware, and pottery. Can take a few hours to browse your way round, then a look round the shop, before dining at the very highly rated Higgins Pantry. If you have any time left a visit to the next door Bunyan Museum, and .......Panacea museum. Three treasures in the centre of Bedford.
7. Parson's Close Recreation Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
On 9th May 1848 Parliament passed a private act to allow for common land owned by the church to be awarded to the then Leighton Buzzard Urban District Council “as a place of recreation for the inhabitants of Leighton Buzzard and the neighbourhood”. In 1974 the land transferred ownership from the Urban District Council to the newly formed Parish Council of Leighton-Linslade, who retain ownership today. A dedicated grounds team take pride in managing the park on a daily basis and has overseen the park taking shape to incorporate the many facilities it now has to offer. These include toilet facilities, children’s play area, skate park, youth shelter, multi-use games arena and splash ‘n’ play.
8. Panacea Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community who created their own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford.
Reviewed By RabbitRoamer
If you are of a certain age you may recall the curious newspaper advertisements regarding Joanna Southcott’s Box and a form of spiritual healing ... this peculiar offshoot of Anglicanism and middle-class eccentricity was the source of these ... The Panacea Society itself existed as a religious organisation for nearly a hundred years until the last members died in 2012 ... but in its last years arrangements were made to transfer its work and assets to a charitable trust that became the Panacea Trust of today ... This is their Museum ... A fascinating place that strikes a neutral tone (it does not proselytise) as it guides you on a journey through social, political and religious thought of the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries (via Southcott, Wroe, Jezreel et al.) to arrive at the origins of the Panacea Society, and their surprisingly Feminist flavour of Anglicanism ... … and then there is THE BOX … All of this is excellently presented in various buildings around the Campus, which is a lawn area that the Society considered to be on the site of the Garden of Eden … you are most welcome to rest here in pleasant surroundings. There is a small but peaceful Chapel and a tea shop in the Founder’s House. Recommended for those with an interest in social history … and Edwardian interior design … An excellent visit, allow a couple of hours, there’s more than you expect, and could also be combined with a visit to the Bedford Museum and Art Gallery opposite … An unexpected Gem that is highly recommended ..!
9. Ampthill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Andy-S60 - London, United Kingdom
Very pleasant couple of hours wandering the footpaths of this park, where the trees were resplendent in their autumn colours in the bright sunshine. Great photo opportunities, birds and squirrels everywhere. Well marked paths. Couple of memorial crosses to Catherine of Aragon and to the Estate. Two free car parks and a cafe (currently take away only). A great morning out.
10. RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Located on Bedfordshire's Greensand Ridge, RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens has over 5 miles of trails, leading through tranquil woodland, an historic Iron Age hillfort, heathland and formal gardens. A hide looks over small pools where birds and other wildlife come to feed. The RSPB shop sells gifts, optics and bird food, and you can enjoy a freash sandwich or salad from the chiller, or a well-deserved ice cream or hot drink after your walk.
Reviewed By Y8245JYtinah
We decided to go and have a look at RSPB's head office, The description of the place is completely different to our local reserves.. The first thing we saw was a kestrel hovering while we was getting the cameras out. Following the path, autumn colour where amazing.. beautiful colours. Walking thought the first part of the woods, seeing the restoration of the rare environment in progress, fence posts being put in so the natural undergrowth controllers can be brought in (ponies). Walking up along the Greensand ridge the views through the trees are breath taking. The Iron Age Hill Fort takes a bit of imagination but you can see why it was there, Its a tangible link to the past that can be seen and touched. From the fort, the path twists and turns along the ridge then down into a valley, then up then down, a stunning path,steps, slopes, more steps, some steep.. the knees cry out for mercy a couple of times but ooohh so worth it. so much to see, Fungus, the sand stone cliff, the trees,the animals and birds... The garden when you get to the HQ building is lovely, There was a rhododendron in flower, all the way up here, in late Nov.. amazing. The Tree of Life is a brilliant idea.. the powerful feelings there is wonderful.. I hope people respect it. The Woodpecker trail was the last one we did,so much to look at with more stunning views, trees in full autumn dress..More climbing but worth it. We will go back, at a different time of year. On the minus side, No food available, apparently the supplier had gone, we had to go back to the town to find something for lunch.. It was not a problem. Shop well stocked, staff helpful.
TAGS
