In Features

A is for AMPTHILL
Ampthill is one of the region’s most historic and beautiful towns. If you’re looking for countryside and pretty views, you’ll find plenty of them in and around this cute market town.
Image: the thatched cottages of Ampthill.

B is for Bedfordshire Day
Put the 28th November in your diary – Bedfordshire Day is a day to celebrate all that is great in the county! The date is the anniversary of the birth of John Bunyan… Look out for him a bit later!

C is for Castles
You might not think it, but there are plenty of castles around the county for you to explore, many of them are ruins, but that doesn’t mean they’re not fascinating!
Image: Somaries Castle.

D is for Dunstable Downs
Managed by the National Trust, the Dunstable Downs are a beautiful place to explore whatever the weather.

Image: Dunstable Downs.

E is for events
Bedfordshire is a hive of activity, there’s so much going on all year around – check out our what’s on page to see what’s happening near you!

F is for forests
Bedfordshire has a host of wooded areas and forests, perfect for dog walking, trips with the family and those lovely autumnal strolls.

G is for Glen Miller
You might not think that Glenn Miller has much association with Bedfordshire, but you’d be wrong, the mystery surrounding his disappearance began at Twinwood Airfield – which was the closest airfield to Bedford at the time and where the BBC had their secret headquarters during the second world war.

H is for hats
The town of Luton is famous for hat production and you can see evidence of this all over, particularly with the football team, who are nicknamed the Hatters.

I is for Italy
Did you know that Bedfordshire has the highest number of migrants from Italy? Well, now you do!

J is for John Bunyon
One of the most famous exports of Bedford is the writer and preacher John Bunyan, Bedfordshire Day is held annually on his birthday, you’ll also find exhibitions and museums around the county dedicated to him.

K is for Kathy Brown’s garden
This garden located at the Manor House is one of the most impressive gardens in the region, it has been nominated among the Nation’s Top Thirty Gardens and you won’t be surprised by why it consistently gets nominations when you visit.

L is for Luton
There is so much more to Luton than the airport, this town has museums, beautiful hotels, history and of course shops and restaurants galore!

Image: Luton Town FC

M is for Museums
Bedfordshire is one of the most historical counties in the UK, it played a significant role in the second world war and has long been associated with tanks and aircraft as well as connections with the royal family. There are plenty of museums telling you all there is to know about the region’s heritage.

N is for Nature
If you’re looking for green spaces, there are an abundance of them in Bedfordshire. From the Chiltern Hills, the Dunstable Downs and the many gardens and parks there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about and enjoy nature.

O is for Ouse
The Great River Ouse is 143 miles long and is the fourth longest rivers in the UK!
Image: River Ouse

P is for planes
While you might be told that Luton is one of London’s airports, it is firmly in Bedfordshire!

Q is for Queens
We mentioned that Bedfordshire has a royal connection, it played an important part in the trials and tribulations of the Tudor dynasty, King Henry VIII had his wife Catherine of Aragon exiled to Bedfordshire during the debate over whether or not they could get divorced so he could marry Anne Boleyn.

R is for Ronnie Barker
Perhaps Bedfordshire’s most famous son, comedian Ronnie Barker was born in Bedford!

S is for Shuttleworth
The Shuttleworth collection is one of the most impressive collections of machinery in the UK – visitors and tours are welcome throughout the year.

T is for tree cathedral
This is an impressive structure formed from hedges, trees and shrubs in the shape of a cathedral – located in Dunstable, the tree cathedral was created after the First World War in a spirit of faith, hope and reconciliation.
 

U is for University
Bedfordshire University is a centre for academics and has everything from a business school to a creative arts department. There are campuses in Luton and Bedford as well as over the border in Milton Keynes.
 

V is for vineyards
If you’re a fan of wine, make sure to visit the community vineyard at Warden Abbey. Visits are by appointment, but the produce is available to everyone.
 

W is for Woburn
The Georgian heart of Bedfordshire is full of beautiful buildings as well as the popular Woburn Abbey and the Safari Park
Image: Woburn Abbey

X is for Xmas Markets
This is the time of year for Christmas Markets and there are plenty of them taking place around the county, find out more here.
 

Y is for You
Because after reading this list, you’re on your way there, right?
 

Z is for Zoo
We can’t not mention Whipsnade Zoo! Not only can you visit the animals, but they also have accommodation so you can stay over!
Image: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

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