.png){kind=icon}
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
If you’re looking for somewhere different to spend a few days on a staycation or an interesting day trip destination, look no further than the county of Bedfordshire! Easily accessible from London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire, this often overlooked county in the East of England is a great place to escape everyday life!
Visiting the many towns and villages of Bedfordshire will give you the best of both worlds, you’ll find wonderful countryside at the Forest of Marston Vale, Greensand Ridge and the Dunstable Downs, perfect for anyone wanting to lose themselves in nature. There are many walking and cycling trails for the more active among you, as well as great places to eat, drink, shop and take in the history of the impressive stately homes that can be found around the region. This is the best county to visit for those of you who are truly outdoorsy, you’ll find flowing rivers and countryside teeming with birdlife and flowers. Step back in time at crumbling ruins and beautiful manor houses, plus you’ll be able to spot kestrals and fallow deer, one of the few places in the south east of England where you can still see these creatures in the wild.
This wide and varied county has many great contrasts, from Safari Parks to family attractions to exciting events and beautiful places to stay.
Whatever you’re looking for in a day trip or holiday, you’re sure to find it in Bedfordshire, there are the natural beauties of the landscape, which attracts everyone from photographers to artists to campers to walkers, there are the amusements including adventure parks and more that will wow thrill seekers, sports fans and families alike, animal lovers will marvel at the wide open spaces boasting natural wildlife, as well as ZSL’s Whipsnade Zoo site and Woburn Safari Park letting you get up close and personal with some of the world’s most majestic animals.
If that’s not quite up your street, perhaps the history and romance of the place is, here in Bedfordshire there are loads of sites of historic interest, such as the Priory Church of St Peter in Dunstable where it is said the Church of England was born, Queen Eleanor was laid to rest in Dunstable and Henry VIII’s wife, Catherine of Aragon was incarcerated in the county during their divorce. For the history buffs among you, you’ll love the connection to World War Two when heads of state in Europe sought refuge here!
History fans will want to book a room at the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa resort, which not only hosted many notable people, but was the site of the Eastern Command Headquarters and where Churchill Tanks, manufactured in Luton, were tested. Churchill himself gave a speech right outside it during the war years!
If you’re looking for a romantic break, staying in Bedfordshire is a good shout, there are spa hotels, luxury hotels, beautiful B&Bs and rooms boasting four poster beds, elegant staircases and gorgeous gardens all over Bedfordshire at prices and places that will suit every traveller.
Whatever time of year you choose to travel, you won’t be stuck for things to do. Take a look around the site to find inspiration for family days out, ideas for activities, parks and nature reserves, places to stay and more. Many places offer free or affordable days out, especially during term times with others giving out special discounts during the school holidays for those of you travelling with children.
Make sure to sample the local delicacy, the Bedfordshire Clanger before returning home, having been made famous by the Great British Bake Off, you can’t visit without trying one!
