In Things to do

Heritage Open Days are returning in September so get your plans in place now to enjoy a host of seldom seen heritage attractions across the county.

Running from 8th – 17th September, Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history. Every year, thousands of the country’s hidden heritage sites come together to give you the chance to explore – all for free! So, if you’re looking for something to help make the summer holidays feel longer, here are some of the places you can look forward to discovering in the next few weeks.

8th- 17th September

All Saints Church
104C High Street, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5BJ
Check the website for times and dates

Join a guide for a tour of the church and tower, viewing from the roof will be allowed, weather permitting. The exterior of All Saints has recently been resorted thanks to National Heritage Lottery Fund. There will be a range of tours throughout the festival, so check availability here.

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre
Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Station Road, Ridgmont MK 43 0XP
Check the website for times

This Victorian station house and booking office with museum is a great way to see the region’s rail heritage. The centre tells the story of the Marston Vale Railway Line, the first to reach Bedford.
Check availability here

Woburn Heritage Centre
Bedford Street, Woburn MK17 9QL

Visit the Woburn Heritage Centre throughout the festival to see an exhibition of Woburn artists. No booking is required, check times and dates here 

9th September


Dunstable Middle Row Market
Ashton Square, Dunstable LU6 3SN
9.30-3.30 pm

Learn more about the Dunstable High Street Heritage Action Zone and celebrate Heritage Open Days. The square is serviced by a car park which has accessible parking and there are public toilets available.

Canvas and Words
Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade SG18 0AP
10.45am – 3.30pm

A display of artwork from local artists and authors with connections to Biggleswade will be featured throughout the day and visitors are able to visit the society archives.
No booking required, the display has disabled access but the archives does not.

10th September


Jordans Mill Tour Experience
Jordans Mill, Langford Road, Biggleswade SG18 9JX
11am – 3pm

A chance to explore Jordans Mill, home to the Jordan family since 1893, tours take place every hour and there is no booking required. The gardens are fully accessible but the meadow isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, dogs are also welcome on site.

Ailesbury Mausoleum and Crypt
Church Road, Maulden MK45 2AU
3pm – 5pm

Discover one of the first mausolea to be built in the UK, with the earliest parts built by a descendant of Rob the Bruce! It was built as a memorial to Diana Countess of Oxford by her husband, Thomas Bruce the first Earl of Elgin. The crypt holds the coffins of several family members and is a fascinating look back at our ancestors.

No booking required, please be aware that there are stairs down to the crypt.

13th September
 

The Walled Garden at Luton Hoo Estate
Lime Tree Entrance, Luton Hoo Estate, Luton LU1 4LF
11am – 3pm

A chance to explore this historic Capability Brown designed garden. The site features a five acre garden which was created by Capability Brown for John Stuart, the Earl of Bute and former Prime Minister.

Please be aware that the garden is very old and some areas are not accessible by wheelchair.

15th & 17th September

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Tour, Cranfield
St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Court Road, Cranfield MK43 0DR
10.30-11.30 am on Friday
2pm – 3pm on Sunday

A guided tour of the St Peter and St Paul Churchyard, which houses the graves of 15 casualties of WWI and WWII. A number of the WWII graves are linked to the former RAF Cranfield air station. Tour will include the  chance to learn more about the casualties and about the work that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission does.

Pre booking is required here

16th September

Houghton House Tour
Hazelwood Lane, Ampthill MK45 2EY
11am -12.30pm

The ruins of Houghton House offer a fascinating look into 17th Century Bedfordshire, so come along and learn more about the house’s interesting history.

No booking is required, but there is a max of 25 people per tour, so depending on demand, you may have to wait for a later session.

There is also no disabled parking outside the hours, but most of the house can be viewed from ground level.

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