Things to do & places to visit in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

Bedfordshire #57 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.22 based on 19.2k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 5:01.

Bedfordshire Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (16)

• Parks
• Airport Lounges
• Speciality Museums
• Playgrounds
• Forests
• Zoos
• Farms
• Historic Sites
• Auto Racing Tracks
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• History Museums
• Theaters
• Bodies of Water
• Art Galleries
• Water Parks
• Gardens

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Edible Ornamentals (542 reviews)
   - Great day out, learn lots, leave with some great products and experiences, and eat some very tasty food.
   Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Farms
   
   
   We began selling chilli pepper plants in 2001. The plants, and later pickles and sauces, gained very favorable attention and in 2007 we purchased Cherwood Nursery in Chawston which we renovated. Known for its 'Pick Your Own' chilli tunnel which is open to the public, the nursery has become the destination of choice for European hot pepper enthusiasts. In addition to fresh retail and wholesale chillies we also produce a selection of gourmet sauces, spice rubs, dried, smoked, frozen, and pickled chillies processed onsite in a 5 'Stars On The Doors' production kitchen. We also 'grow-to-order' for many other European hot sauce producers, restaurants, farm shops, delicatessens, and distinguished retailers such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. We host tours and workshops. Our chilli sauces are available from the nursery and local Waitrose stores. Edible Ornamentals has featured in the national daily press, The Economist and leading national trade publications The Grocer and Fresh Produce Journal. Joanna featured as a chilli expert on BBC's 3 Counties Radio, Radio 2's 'Chris Evans Show', and Radio 4's 'You and Yours' and has appeared in many TV programmes including Ready Steady Cook, Economy Gastronomy, Market Kitchen, Countrywise, Gordon Ramsay's 'Ultimate Cookery Course', 'The Hairy Bikers' and ITV's 'Sunday Brunch'. Heston Blumenthol visited and filmed an episode of his Channel 4 series "Great British Food" which featured Shawn and Heston eating a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, hottest chilli in the world at that time. Edible Ornamentals won an extremely prestigious "Grower Of The Year Award" at the annual Horticultural Weekly sponsored event in 2011. That same year we were crowned "Best Chilli Grower UK" at the Fiery Foods Festival in Brighton. We were also named 'Local Food Hero' for East Anglia by the Good Food Channel's Market Kitchen and in 2015 awarded an extremely prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. See more..
   
2. 5.0 PalmerSport (83 reviews)
   - Best driving experience!
   Auto Racing Tracks
   
   
   Fantastic day 100% recommend, the day is so well organised and made by the team leaders shout out to Kerry B, great cars, top instructors, who push you to your limits to get more than imaginable from the cars, especially Richard (Dickie) in the Ginetta and Caitlin in the JP-LM. The tasty food is an added bonus. Can’t wait to return. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Edible Ornamentals (542 reviews)
   - Great day out, learn lots, leave with some great products and experiences, and eat some very tasty food.
   Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Farms
   
   
   We began selling chilli pepper plants in 2001. The plants, and later pickles and sauces, gained very favorable attention and in 2007 we purchased Cherwood Nursery in Chawston which we renovated. Known for its 'Pick Your Own' chilli tunnel which is open to the public, the nursery has become the destination of choice for European hot pepper enthusiasts. In addition to fresh retail and wholesale chillies we also produce a selection of gourmet sauces, spice rubs, dried, smoked, frozen, and pickled chillies processed onsite in a 5 'Stars On The Doors' production kitchen. We also 'grow-to-order' for many other European hot sauce producers, restaurants, farm shops, delicatessens, and distinguished retailers such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. We host tours and workshops. Our chilli sauces are available from the nursery and local Waitrose stores. Edible Ornamentals has featured in the national daily press, The Economist and leading national trade publications The Grocer and Fresh Produce Journal. Joanna featured as a chilli expert on BBC's 3 Counties Radio, Radio 2's 'Chris Evans Show', and Radio 4's 'You and Yours' and has appeared in many TV programmes including Ready Steady Cook, Economy Gastronomy, Market Kitchen, Countrywise, Gordon Ramsay's 'Ultimate Cookery Course', 'The Hairy Bikers' and ITV's 'Sunday Brunch'. Heston Blumenthol visited and filmed an episode of his Channel 4 series "Great British Food" which featured Shawn and Heston eating a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, hottest chilli in the world at that time. Edible Ornamentals won an extremely prestigious "Grower Of The Year Award" at the annual Horticultural Weekly sponsored event in 2011. That same year we were crowned "Best Chilli Grower UK" at the Fiery Foods Festival in Brighton. We were also named 'Local Food Hero' for East Anglia by the Good Food Channel's Market Kitchen and in 2015 awarded an extremely prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Wrest Park (1.103 reviews)
   - Beautiful scenic location
   Monday: Historic Sites
   
   
   See more..
   
5. 4.5 Woburn Abbey and Gardens (897 reviews)
   - Beautiful
   Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Historic Sites
   
   
   Woburn Abbey and Gardens are currently undergoing a major refurbishment programme and will reopen to visitors in Spring 2024. Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is now home to the 15th Duke and his family. Alongside the world class collection of art, the house contains the fascinating stories of the people who have shaped the history of both the Abbey and the nation; including the ‘creation ‘ of Afternoon Tea. The Gardens, with a twenty year restoration programme, are of equal splendour with 28 acres of Repton designs to be explored and discovered. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Birds of Prey Centre (809 reviews)
   - Great Afternoon Out
   Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   My husband and I experienced the falconry for two, 3 hour experience. It was nice combination of organised but relaxed. We weren’t overly sure what to expect but what we got to do was great fun. It was great to hold a variety of hunting birds plus meet a few extras. We also got to watch one of the daily shows as part of our experience which was also great and very interesting. As well as having access to the rest of the park to look at the other animals. The only down side was that we were expecting to be the only people booked at our time slot for the experience, but it turned out to be a whole group of people. However after we learnt this, it didn’t ruin the day, it didn’t mean we missed out on anything at all, it was just different to what we were expecting. Overall a great experience that I would recommend to people who enjoy close up Zoo experiences or are interested in birds of prey specifically. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Stockwood Discovery Centre (781 reviews)
   - A wonderful experience for the whole family
   Monday: Speciality Museums
   
   
   Stockwood Discovery Centre is a place where everyone can enjoy whether you are a keen gardener, interested in local history, a child who likes to have a great play area and somewhere to meet with people to share a meal/drink. The Mossman Collection of vintage vehicles is well worth a visit and I really like the special exhibitions that they have there from cars to wildlife photography. One particular vehicle that I love in the Mossman Collection is a highly painted bus from Pakistan. The Gardens are beautiful to walk through at all times of the year with the greenhouses as well there is always a wealth of colour. There is even a place where you can learn about bees and beekeeping. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Mead Open Farm (771 reviews)
   - Lots to do
   Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms
   
   
   Enjoy a great family day out at Mead Open Farm in Bedfordshire, open in all seasons for all weather fun! Discover the huge indoor play, acres of outdoor adventures, adorable animals to meet and special events throughout the year. Children of all ages will love Shaggy’s Indoor PlayWorld, with huge playframes packed with fun things to do for older kids, whilst Mini Moo’s soft play area is great for Under 5’s. Explore acres of outdoor play, including two huge jumping pillows, Topsy Turvey Towers adventure playground, Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes*, Climbing Wall* and seasonal tractor and trailer rides*. Get hands-on when feeding goats and sheep, grooming ponies or make a new fluffy friend at the Bunny Hop. Refuel at the award-winning Grainstore Kitchen, for freshly prepared meals, snacks and drinks. Some of the special events include Lambing, Easter, Dino Week, Camping, Summer of Fun, Freaky FunFest & The Magic of Christmas. *Some areas are seasonal and weather dependent. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Dunstable Downs (739 reviews)
   - Space to breath, views and loos!
   Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Parks
   
   
   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. See more..
   
10. 4.5 The Shuttleworth Collection (695 reviews)
    - First visit
    Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Gardens
    
    
    Started by Richard Shuttleworth, who collectected some of the exhibits still here, The Shuttleworth Collection is home to the best collection of genuine WWI aircraft that all still fly in Europe, alongside other historic aircraft from 1909 to the 1950s. The Collection includes the oldest aircraft still flying - the 1909 Blériot. Also, the oldest airworthy British aircraft 1912 Blackburn Monoplane, the 1934 race winning DH88 Comet, record breaking 1936 Mew Gull, 1938 special ops Westland Lysander and many more. Vintage vehicles including a steam locomobile and early buses, cycles and motorcycles are also part of The Collection. Shuttleworth is based at an aerodrome with a grass runway, PPR required and aviation fuel available at self-service pumps. It's just off the A1 at Biggleswade with free parking, on-site Play Area, restaurant and adjacent Swiss Garden, and a period Mansion (open event days). May to October it is a top class vintage airshow venue. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Priory Country Park (382 reviews)
    - Gorgeous, all-season spot
    Monday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Parks
    
    
    We are lucky enough to live close to this beauty spot and have the pleasure of taking walks around it on a regular basis. It's beautiful during every season, with many different aspects to enjoy - the Finger Lakes, marina, woods, meadows. Lovely for a stroll, a longer walk out through to mid-Beds, or a spot of lunch or picnic. Definitely one of Bedford's prettiest areas! See more..
    
12. 4.5 Ascott House and Gardens (340 reviews)
    - Big surprises from a small property
    Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
    
    
    Discover Ascott, where a historic home meets superb art collections, natural and formal gardens, and views across the Aylesbury Vale. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Wardown House, Museum and Gallery (252 reviews)
    - Well worth a visit
    Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    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. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Bedford Park (252 reviews)
    - What a beautiful park
    Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Gardens
    
    
    Bedford Park gives you an indication of its size as you go along the length of it along Park Avenue. The walk around the massive park is slight over a mile with a beautiful water fountain on the east side which also has a children’s play area. The Pavilion cafe in the centre serves some good food and can be a stop for a coffee. Tennis courts, basketball courts are spread around the park. Seems like a fantastic place for dog walking, a run or a leisurely stroll. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Shuttleworth Swiss Garden (248 reviews)
    - Fabulous gardens, eclipsed by the fame of the aircraft museum
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
    
    
    The Swiss Garden is a late Regency, nine acre garden, which is adjacent to the Shuttleworth Collection. The garden was created by the third Lord Ongley between 1820 and 1835, and is laid out in the romantic and Swiss picturesque style. It is the only complete example of this period and is open to the public all year round. The Swiss Garden has 13 listed structures including a Swiss Cottage, Indian Kiosk, and Grotto & Fernery and Victorian embellishments such as Pulhamite rockwork. It is licenced as a civil wedding venue, and outdoor events run throughout the year including the annua Mad Hatters tea party and open air theatre. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Grove Theatre (203 reviews)
    - Great night seeing history of rock
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters
    
    
    Brilliant night tonight seeing the history of rock, the staff were all so friendly and happy to be back! I have always loved this theatre and tonight was no exception. The band were fantastic, super talented and thoroughly entertaining. My only minor criticism is that we were not encouraged to dance till the last song, I have seen music shows here before and danced the whole way through so I wondered if maybe this was a Covid related restriction? Still a great night though! See more..
    
17. 4.5 The Higgins Bedford (194 reviews)
    - Exploración bedfordia
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • History Museums
    
    
    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. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Panacea Museum (140 reviews)
    - Totally fascinating
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community who created their own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford. The Panacea Museum is in ‘Castleside’, a beautiful Victorian house that was part of the community’s headquarters. It tells the story of the Panacea Society and other similar religious groups. The museum also incorporates several other buildings, set within the gardens, that formed the original community’s campus. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Grand Union Canal (132 reviews)
    - Wyvern Shipping Company
    Bodies of Water
    
    
    If it was possible to give this company is 6 I would do. We took over our barge on Monday and it was a really smooth process. The barge itself was extremely well maintained and beautifully clean. Thank you Lisa. We sailed for 2 1/2 days and turned round and came back all of the trip was a pure pleasure. The weather was on our side which made things all that much better. Would definitely recommend and using this company again. Well done all and thanks Don for our briefing. See more..
    
20. 4.5 RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve (131 reviews)
    - Called in with my wife and mum to the RSPB in Sandy to see my dad’s entry in their Book of Remembrance.
    Monday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    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. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Parson's Close Recreation Ground (74 reviews)
    - Lovely Space For All
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks • Parks • Playgrounds
    
    
    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. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Shortmead House (61 reviews)
    - Wedding
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Shortmead is an elegant manor house, with its origins in the 16th century and set in twenty four acres of grounds. Located in Bedfordshire, it is Biggleswade’s best kept secrets. In a tranquil setting with open vistas and positioned on the outskirts of the town, yet the house is conveniently located just off the A1 motorway and close to a mainline railway station. See more..
    
23. 4.5 Wrest Park (1.103 reviews)
    - Beautiful scenic location
    Monday: Historic Sites
    
    
    See more..
    
24. 4.5 Woburn Abbey and Gardens (897 reviews)
    - Beautiful
    Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Historic Sites
    
    
    Woburn Abbey and Gardens are currently undergoing a major refurbishment programme and will reopen to visitors in Spring 2024. Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is now home to the 15th Duke and his family. Alongside the world class collection of art, the house contains the fascinating stories of the people who have shaped the history of both the Abbey and the nation; including the ‘creation ‘ of Afternoon Tea. The Gardens, with a twenty year restoration programme, are of equal splendour with 28 acres of Repton designs to be explored and discovered. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Birds of Prey Centre (809 reviews)
    - Great Afternoon Out
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    My husband and I experienced the falconry for two, 3 hour experience. It was nice combination of organised but relaxed. We weren’t overly sure what to expect but what we got to do was great fun. It was great to hold a variety of hunting birds plus meet a few extras. We also got to watch one of the daily shows as part of our experience which was also great and very interesting. As well as having access to the rest of the park to look at the other animals. The only down side was that we were expecting to be the only people booked at our time slot for the experience, but it turned out to be a whole group of people. However after we learnt this, it didn’t ruin the day, it didn’t mean we missed out on anything at all, it was just different to what we were expecting. Overall a great experience that I would recommend to people who enjoy close up Zoo experiences or are interested in birds of prey specifically. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Stockwood Discovery Centre (781 reviews)
    - A wonderful experience for the whole family
    Monday: Speciality Museums
    
    
    Stockwood Discovery Centre is a place where everyone can enjoy whether you are a keen gardener, interested in local history, a child who likes to have a great play area and somewhere to meet with people to share a meal/drink. The Mossman Collection of vintage vehicles is well worth a visit and I really like the special exhibitions that they have there from cars to wildlife photography. One particular vehicle that I love in the Mossman Collection is a highly painted bus from Pakistan. The Gardens are beautiful to walk through at all times of the year with the greenhouses as well there is always a wealth of colour. There is even a place where you can learn about bees and beekeeping. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Mead Open Farm (771 reviews)
    - Lots to do
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms
    
    
    Enjoy a great family day out at Mead Open Farm in Bedfordshire, open in all seasons for all weather fun! Discover the huge indoor play, acres of outdoor adventures, adorable animals to meet and special events throughout the year. Children of all ages will love Shaggy’s Indoor PlayWorld, with huge playframes packed with fun things to do for older kids, whilst Mini Moo’s soft play area is great for Under 5’s. Explore acres of outdoor play, including two huge jumping pillows, Topsy Turvey Towers adventure playground, Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes*, Climbing Wall* and seasonal tractor and trailer rides*. Get hands-on when feeding goats and sheep, grooming ponies or make a new fluffy friend at the Bunny Hop. Refuel at the award-winning Grainstore Kitchen, for freshly prepared meals, snacks and drinks. Some of the special events include Lambing, Easter, Dino Week, Camping, Summer of Fun, Freaky FunFest & The Magic of Christmas. *Some areas are seasonal and weather dependent. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Dunstable Downs (739 reviews)
    - Space to breath, views and loos!
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Parks
    
    
    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. See more..
    
29. 4.5 The Shuttleworth Collection (695 reviews)
    - First visit
    Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Gardens
    
    
    Started by Richard Shuttleworth, who collectected some of the exhibits still here, The Shuttleworth Collection is home to the best collection of genuine WWI aircraft that all still fly in Europe, alongside other historic aircraft from 1909 to the 1950s. The Collection includes the oldest aircraft still flying - the 1909 Blériot. Also, the oldest airworthy British aircraft 1912 Blackburn Monoplane, the 1934 race winning DH88 Comet, record breaking 1936 Mew Gull, 1938 special ops Westland Lysander and many more. Vintage vehicles including a steam locomobile and early buses, cycles and motorcycles are also part of The Collection. Shuttleworth is based at an aerodrome with a grass runway, PPR required and aviation fuel available at self-service pumps. It's just off the A1 at Biggleswade with free parking, on-site Play Area, restaurant and adjacent Swiss Garden, and a period Mansion (open event days). May to October it is a top class vintage airshow venue. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Priory Country Park (382 reviews)
    - Gorgeous, all-season spot
    Monday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Parks
    
    
    We are lucky enough to live close to this beauty spot and have the pleasure of taking walks around it on a regular basis. It's beautiful during every season, with many different aspects to enjoy - the Finger Lakes, marina, woods, meadows. Lovely for a stroll, a longer walk out through to mid-Beds, or a spot of lunch or picnic. Definitely one of Bedford's prettiest areas! See more..