Ten great places to visit in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire is a fascinating county and being just a stone’s throw from London, it is a great location for daytrips, conferences and extended stays. There are plenty of fun places to explore from stately homes to wide open countryside and museums, theatres and attractions a plenty.

While it might not be the first place to spring to mind when you are looking for somewhere to spend a few days, there are lots of things to see and do. To start you off, here are ten of the best places to visit in Bedfordshire.

Bedford

Image: Bedford.
We thought we’d start off with the county town, Bedford isn’t a huge place, but what it lacks in size it makes up in diversity. There are some pretty incredible sites, some amazing places to grab a bite to eat and being that it has a huge Italian and Punjabi community, you can be sure that you’ll find authentic cuisine here.
Bedford also has a lot for people to do, so whether you’re just here for the day or stopping for a few days, you’ll be well entertained. Head to the Castle Quarter for the majority of the attractions and find out about the history of John Bunyan, who not only is notable around these parts but even has his own museum. The Higgins Bedford Museum is also a good shout if you want to find out more about the various Saxon and Roman finds from the region.

Elstow
While Bedford might be the place to go for those wanting to know more about John Bunyan, Elstow is his birth place. It’s a cute and endearing little town with lots of buildings remaining from the 1600s and Elstow Abbey, which is said to have been there since the 11^th century. For a real taste of Tudor style architecture, make your way to the village green where you’ll find Moot Hall, originally built in the late 1400s as a court house, to really immerse yourself in the county’s history.

Woburn

Image: Woburn Abbey
This quaint village is full of Georgian grandeur in the form of townhouses, restaurants and more. It is also the home of Woburn Abbey and the estates that  also includes the safari park. The abbey is a former monastery that became the seat of the Duke of Bedford after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16^th century and this along with the more obvious Georgian architecture makes it a great spot for history fans.

Biggleswade
If Woburn was a bit too grand, give Biggleswade a go. Biggleswade is the home of Jordans Cereals and the original mill is an historical attraction and has gardens, a café and regularly hosts workshops. The Shuttleworth Collection is also a good place to visit, fans of engineering will love the collection of aircraft, vehicles and more. It is also said to be one of the only places where you can find an Edwardian flying machine!

Dunstable
If you like your animal attractions and you’ve done everything Woburn has to offer, try Dunstable where you’ll find ZSL Whipsnade Zoo! If the zoo isn’t quite to your taste, why not take a look around the Priory which is historically important. It’s where Henry VIII officially divorced Catherine of Aragon and where she was held prisoner for some time. Dunstable is also the gateway to the Chilterns which is a most for anyone who is into their country walks.

Leighton Buzzard

Image: Parson's Close, Leighton Buzzard
If a gateway to some gorgeous countryside sounds like it might be your cup of tea, head to Leighton Buzzard. Not only will you have a chance to enjoy this charming market town, but it also opens up to some of the most beautiful countryside in Bedfordshire. Just follow the union canal south to be greeted with rolling hills and an abundance of wildlife. The canal was one of the main sources of travel between London and Birmingham during the 1920s, and is well worth a visit, as is Ascott House, one of the region’s many stately homes which can be found here. Being that it is a fairly rural location, Leighton Buzzard is the base of several farms and farm attractions, so it is a great place for families to visit.

Shefford
For somewhere truly rural, head to Shefford, a charming town that looks the very picture of rural England. There are thatched rooves and timbered houses throughout the area for you to look at, plus there are lots of sightseeing options with views across the two rivers and many walking trails. It is also a haven for golfers with three courses all within easy reach

Luton

Image: Wardown Park Museum.
Probably most famous for the airport, Luton has quite a lot going on. The Luton Festival is a huge event that has attracted national acclaim and as it is frequently visited by travellers, you’ll find that it is a real hub for restaurants, tea rooms and several museums. The Stockwood Discovery Centre is full of interesting exhibits and the Wardown Park Museum explores the region’s hat and lace making heritage.

Ampthill
Another town full of Georgian grandeur, Ampthill is a shopper’s paradise, especially if you are looking for unique gifts as it is full of independent retailers. It also hosts a regular market where you can grab fresh local produce and again, is a good spot for history fans. Overlooking the town you’ll find Houghton House, the ruins of a Jacobean mansion.

Silsoe

Image: Wrest Park
Arguably the most impressive place to visit in this village is Wrest Park where you’ll find a Grade 1 country house with some incredible gardens. The village itself is also a cute spot with lots of pretty cottages and some tearooms to grab a couple of refreshments. Keep your eyes peeled for the chamber where drunks would be locked up, it is still in the centre of the village!