🌳 Whipsnade Tree Cathedral - A unique spot for a picnic or walk...

✈️ Escape on a Budget: Your Passport to saving more with WhatsUp Bedfordshire, flying from Luton.

💡 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY AT THE AIRPORT.
Literally scraping by just to get away? Worried about all the extras costs? We get it, honestly we really do, this is why we have put some ideas below to help you save a little more and stress a little less. Stay savvy, and let’s make travel affordable again.

🥃 Not just for shower gel:
So we all know those little travel pots of 100ml are a great idea to keep in your hand luggage for shower gel, shampoo, etc saving space and money. Little insider tip -  have you thought you could add rum, vodka or your favourite tipple in one just incase of any emergency? 😜 - Please note: airlines say you can't drink your own alcohol on the plane, I'm not sure why this rule is in place are they just trying to take more of our cash? Don’t try to pop open your duty free on the plane, you won't get away with that one.

🥛 Water or squash? Bring an empty bottle to the airport and fill it with free water at the water stations, if you don't like plain water you can take a mini concentration juice that you can add to give you flavour also as it's small you can fit it easily in your hand luggage. You can buy these for around £1.45 from Aldi. Self catering?  This comes in handy while your on holiday to add to your bottles of water, while saving you money at the same time.

🥂 VIP Lounge & Travel Insurance:
An all inclusive VIP Lounge at Luton Airport costs around £38pp, this is all inclusive of alcoholic hot & soft drinks and all food. You can save money if you have a barclays card account and opt in for the Travel Plus Package for £22 per month. This covers your travel insurance (including your partner and dependants up to the age of 23 who live with you) plus the great benefit for me is 6 free visits a year to the VIP Lounge (if you have a family of 6 for instance you can use the passes all in one go or spread them out individually throughout the year). If you don't have a Barclays account and want to opt in for a different membership you can check out a Groupon offer here.

👍 Zip Lock Bags - Versatile -  Food, Perfume smelling clothes:
Zip lock bags are so handy for many different things. Traveling from Luton Airport you can keep your 100ml in your bag, you no longer have to put them in a zip lock bag or even take them out of your hand luggage. Flying back into Luton maybe a different story you may have to have clear Zip lock bags to put your 100ml liquids in, depending on where you are flying from. Also if you are one of those people who can't resist a cheeky, sneeky sarnie or pastry from breakfast, these are great for storing food or keeping your freebie munchies in your hotel room fridge for when you feel a big peckish.
🧴Can't fit your fav perfume in your hand luggage? Spray all your clothes with your fav fragrance, roll up your clothes as tight as you can, then zip them in a zip lock bag. The smell will be lasting and it keeps your clothes smaller so you can add that extra bikini in if you wish. These bags can fit anywhere and are so handy.

🎒 Try to travel light: Try looking at taking a few days away where you can take just your hand luggage, maybe a 2-5 day break (you still get a holiday this just keeps the cost down). Hold baggage can add to the expense. We've found Jet2 to be the best for hand luggage. You can take two bags! Hand luggage can weigh no more than 10kg and can be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including wheels and handles). You can also take another small personal item such as a bum bag or laptop for free as long as it fits under your seat (40cm x 30cm x 20cm).
We found an amazing bag on Amazon, you can fit so much in it and is perfect for Jet2 flights.

Click below to view the Rucksack - the best one I've ever brought with so many compartments and space. As a women travelling this was brilliant, I could get away for five nights with this bag without having to buy hold luggage.
➡️ https://amzn.to/4g4L67v

💳 Boots Advantage Card: Do you have a Boots Advantage points card? If you do and you have enough points you can get a meal deal for free using your points. A meal deal at Luton Airport costs around £5.00. You can get a drink, sandwich/salad/wrap and a snack like a chocolate bar, crisps, fruit. I like to save my meal deal for a little picnic for on the plane. You can also get essentials like toothpaste, deodorant etc with your Boots Advantage Card last minute, just make sure you have enough points on you Boots advantage card to be able to grab your items for free!

🎊 Are you travelling on your Birthday?
Love Chinese food?
At Luton Airport you will find a Chopstix.
Chopstix has a great deal when you sign up to the newsletter and download the Chopstix app you can qualify for a FREE BIRTHDAY BOX to celebrate your special day! You can use this epic deal at any of participating stores including one located at Luton Airport. When you sign up you get five free spring rolls, grab another three for free by entering the referral code:
💥54277
(Please be aware when claiming your free birthday treat they may ask for ID to confirm it's your birthday)

☕️ Hot drink sachets:  You could take all in one coffee sachets/hot chocolate and ask for a cup of hot water on the plane, just ask nicely, please note they may not be able to offer you hot water all the time as they have a limited amount of supply. If you can get away with it you can save £3 - £4. All in one coffee sachets from Home Bargains only cost around £1.00 for 10. Not only that but if you go self catering these sachets will come in handy.

🥪 Bring snacks: If you have enough room, remember you can bring your own snacks, crisps, sandwiches, sausage rolls. This came in so handy as we were stuck on the plane for 2 hours once before it took off and you could see people eyeing us up while we were munching away, and yes of course offered hand outs, no one fancied my cheese and onion rolls.

🛍 Duty Free: If you're buying something from duty free and you get a bag (be cheeky and ask for the larger one) this acts like an extra bag where you can cram other bits and take on the plane with you.

🧣 Keep your clothes on:
Heading out from the lovely Luton weather I use my sarong as my scarf. For one it keeps me warm and secondly it saves space in my hand luggage, thirdly it acts as a blanket in the plane when the hubby is blasting out the air conditioning and lastly it's my beach babe sarong - well I think so.

🛎 BOOK A HOTEL/VILLA/TRANSFERS
Want a hotel to add and/or transfers you can find them here via:
➡️ Expedia
➡️ Hotels.com
➡️ Booking.com

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 A Day Trip to Billing Aquadrome Summer 2025: Big Vibes, Tiny Price...

Ever fancied a mini holiday without the packing, planning, or price tag? That’s exactly what we got with our spontaneous day trip to Billing Aquadrome—a splash of adventure, a sprinkle of entertainment for the whole family, including your four legged member of the family! A great day for a picnic, entertainment and fun!

🎟 YOU NEED TO BOOK A DAY PASS
You will need to book day passes before you go. There are a limited number of daily passes available so definitely book in advance. Click here

🎟️ THE DAY PASS
From 9am to 10pm, your pass unlocks a full day of fun. It’s like pressing pause on everyday life and stepping into a holiday bubble—without booking a stay.

💳 Cost Breakdown:
▪️£5 per person 
▪️Under 5s: Free 
▪️Car parking: £5 extra 

And yes, it’s absolutely worth it. You get the holiday vibe, fresh air, and a jam-packed itinerary—all for less than a takeaway.

💦 WHAT'S INCLUDED (For Free!)
Here’s what your day pass gets you—no extra fees, just pure fun:

✨️ Splash Park (seasonal)
✨️ Amphitheatre Shows
✨️ Skate Park/Bike Track
✨️ Indoor Soft Play
✨️ Lake Walks & Picnic Spots
✨️ Mini Train Rides (times may vary, seasonal)
✨️ Play Parks & Foam

♨️ BBQ's ALLOWED
At designated areas BBQ's are allowed as long as they are kept off the ground. You may need to check with the park before you go to see if there are plenty of spots available as school holidays and bank holidays may get busy.
☎️ Phone: 01604 408 181

❓️FAQS
You can check the official Billing Aquadrome FAQs for more details on dogs, BBQ’S and more here.

🎤 ENTERTAINMENT
With live singers, to flyboard shows to fun games for the children, this ticked all the boxes for entertainment throughout the day! You can see what's on here for 2025.

🎪 EXTRA FUN (Paid Access)
Want to level up your day? These extras are available on-site:
🔸️Funfair rides (£2–£4)
🔸️Circus performances
🔸️Bike hire
🔸️Swimming pool (off-peak only for day passes, booking required)
🔸️Shops, cafes, restaurants
🔸️Amusement arcades
🔸️Aqua fun (seasonal)

🐶 FOR DOGS
Dogs are allowed on the park, including in, the arcade, reception, and downstairs at The Venue. The cafe by the water sports.
Dog-friendly activities such as the "Tough Mutter" agility course and opportunities to enjoy walks and even canoe or pedalo rides with your dog.

🔐 INSIDER TIP
If you’re planning to catch the evening shows at the Amphitheatre, make sure you’re already inside before 6pm—after that, security checks may b for holiday passes only. We lucked out by being in the area early!

💯 OVERALL...
Billing Aquadrome gave us the perfect blend of excitement and chill. Whether you're chasing foam bubbles, admiring the alpacas, or just a break from routine, this day trip delivers the goods. And at £5 a head? It’s practically a steal.

♿️ ACCESSIBILITY
We found Billing Aquadrome to be very accessible in most places. The car park is gravel though and in rainy weather the muddy paths can get very muddy. There is a stairs lift to the swimming pool viewing area, this is also where you will find the free small soft play area. The splash park, restaurant, cafes and amusements are all accessible. I haven't found an accessible caravan on the website so it will be worth contacting them directly to find out.
☎️ Phone: 01604 408 181

🎟 DAY TICKETS -Click here

😴 WANT TO STAY
You have a choice of caravans, lodges with hot tubs, glaming & touring campervans from £25.
Holidaysclick here

👀 CHECK BOOKING.COM
You may find a good deal on booking.com, if you do book through them see if the passes are included before you book, I believe some do and some don't.

🌐 BILLING AQUADROME WEBSITE
https://meadowbay.com/billingaquadrome/

😍 Stoke Bruerne a beautiful location in Northamptonshire, just a mere 15 minute drive from Milton Keynes. Although all of its amenities are convenienly close together, it is a charming, scenic location that feels like you have stepped back in time.

😌 WHAT DOES STOKE BRUERNE HAVE TO OFFER?
From picturesque english cottages, from a historic scenic canal or calming woodland walk, delicious eateries, fun boat trips, a pub/restaurant with a play area and even peacful camping available, Stoke Bruerne has something to offer for everyone!

🕳 THE 9TH LONGEST CANAL TUNNEL IN THE WORLD....
Blisworth Tunnel: Deep beneath the peaceful waters of the Grand Union Canal lies a masterpiece of engineering—Blisworth Tunnel. Stretching an impressive 3,075 yards (2,811 meters), it’s not only the longest wide, freely navigable tunnel in Europe but also spacious enough for two narrowboats to pass side by side in opposite directions.

This subterranean passage ranks as the third-longest canal tunnel in the UKand an impressive ninth-longest in the world. Carved through the earth, it plunges 143 feet (43 meters) below ground level, making it one of Britain’s most fascinating hidden waterways.

Whether you’re exploring the canal by boat or simply marveling at its history, Blisworth Tunnel is a quiet giant, connecting past ingenuity with present-day adventure.

🛝 A PUB WITH A PLAY AREA
The Navigation is a pub/restaurant with indoor as well as outdoor seating directly next to the canal features a fenced off play area with climbing equipment and a double slide for probably for ages a 5+. Serving food and drinks. Also The Navigation is dog friendly in the bar & beer garden.

📖 THE FREE CANAL MUSEUM
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
Note: Please check the website to keep updated on opening times incase of closing for private events.

The canal museum is free and accessible (accessible via the side entrance of the cafe and is only accessible on the lower level not level 2). Parking charges do apply. There is a green with numerous benches to sit on, a great location for a picnic to watch the world slowly pass by!

Nestled in the charming canal village of Stoke Bruerne, The Canal Museum stands as a testament to Britain’s rich waterway heritage. Housed within a beautifully preserved Grade II listed corn mill, this pioneering museum—the first of its kind in the country—unlocks the fascinating stories of the Grand Union Canal. 

Try your hand at creating your own iconic roses and castles, slip into a boater’s costume, and soak in the sights, scents, and sounds of life on the water.

Then, meet Sculptor, the museum’s historic narrowboat. Built in 1935, she carried cargo, fought fires in WWII London, and worked the waterways until her retirement in 1984. Now, she’s moored outside, ready to share her incredible story.

🚤 BOAT TRIPS (Dog friendly)
1️⃣ Charlie: There are two boat trips available one being Charlie located directly outside the museum. This is open
▪️April - October every weekend and everyday in the school holidays
▪️11am - 3.30pm (last trip)
▪️Trips depart every 30 mins
▪️Trips lasting 25 minutes.
▪️Adults: £5, Children: £4
(Please note: Prices can change at anytime)

2️⃣ Santa Cruises in December are available leaving from The Boat Inn across the canel opposite the museum.

🌳 WOODLAND WALK
If you find yourself wandering past the museum with curiosity in tow, head straight down toward the tunnel—just a short five-minute walk will lead you to the woodland walk, a tranquil path tucked away beyond the canal’s edge. This may not be accessible for wheelchairs in some locations and the it is has a slight raised path.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t explore too far this time (blame an off day!), but even in my brief adventure, the woods had plenty to offer—sculptures hidden among the trees and playful lambs bouncing through the fields, radiating the kind of joy that makes you pause and smile. 

I can’t say for sure how far the trail stretches or what surprises lie further ahead, but if you’re up for an unplanned meander, this could be the perfect little detour. Just a heads-up: the gravel path might pose a challenge for wheelchair users, so some extra consideration may be needed. 

Whether you’re looking for a serene escape or simply enjoying a moment with nature, the woodland walk holds its own quiet charm—perhaps next time, I’ll venture deeper and uncover more of its secrets! 

🚙 CAMPING SITE FOR CARAVAN CLUB MEMBERS
Home Farm Camping site is a camping site for members only and just steps away from the Navigation pub/restaurant and a minute walk to the other canal restaurants such as an Indian, museum and walks.This site is ideal for golf, fishing and Star Gazing. Dogs are welcome. This site has battery charging facilities. Costing from only £14 a night. Book me a pitch here.

💯 RECOMMENDED BY WHATSUPBEDS.COM
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply seeking a picturesque escape, Stoke Bruerne invites you to step into the rhythm of the past and experience the legacy of Britain’s canals and scenery, a memorable place to visit, enjoy, relax, an adventure and to explore.

✅️ Free museum
✅️ Canal walk
✅️ Woodland walk
✅️ Restaurants
✅️ Dog friendly locations  
✅️ Scenic location
✅️ Accessible (in most areas)
✅️ Pub with a play area & accessible 
✅️ Camping (members)
✅️ Historic location 

☀️ Looking for a Free Day Out In the Summer? When the sun's blazing and the kids are bouncing off the walls, Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire is the perfect escape. Whether you're wrangling toddlers, teens, or dragging nan out for some fresh air, this spot ticks all the boxes. Just 35 minutes from Dunstable or 27 minutes from Biggleswade — it’s practically begging you to pack your towels, grab the swimwear, and dive into the day.

-💦 SPLASH PARK FUN & PLAY PARK
Get ready for giggles galore! The free splash park features spinning sprinklers and water blasters, while the pirate ship-themed play area is overflowing with slides, swings, climbing frames, and sit on bouncy fun. While the space is enclosed, it’s pretty vast — so don’t blink, or your mini-adventurer might be halfway up a rope ladder.

🍦 THE CAFE & FACILITIES
There's a café for caffeine emergencies, and snacks like crisps, ice-creams (always  a bonus treat), accessible loos with a radar key (you can purchase through amazon), and changing rooms to wrangle those soggy swimsuits. Toilets close around 6pm - 6.30pm.

🐠 WILD FUN IN THE SPRINGS
Wade in! The shallow springs are sparkling, warm, and just right for little legs. My 3-year-old granddaughter toddled in — knee-deep in the shallows, giggling as fish darted past her toes. Water blasters, nets, and splashy joy abound, the children had dingys and they were having so much fun with these, I found one for only £29.99 on Amazon - Great Price! We even saw folks chilling in chairs with their feet in the water like it was their personal spa retreat. No judgment — it's genius. Forget your net for a spot of fishing? No biggie — the kiosk has you covered costing around £2.50.

🧗‍♂️ ROPE ADVENTURES
Got a daredevil in the family? The rope adventures and zip wires will get their hearts racing. Perfect for kids aged 5 or 8 and up (as long as they're over 1 metre tall). Expect squeals, harnesses, and a lot of "Look at me!" moments. Prices range from £8 to £35, and the adrenaline rush is priceless. Click here to find out more.

🦄 THEMED PEDALOS
Flamingos, dragons, unicorns — oh my! These quirky themed pedalos bob across the water just past the accessible bridge from the car park. Turn right and voilà — you're in pedalo paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for the local swans and ducks, and if your little ones want to feed them, duck food is available at the kiosk near the splash park.

🚶 SOMETHING FOR THE WALKERS WHO DONT LIKE TO SIT AROUND ALL DAY
Calling all explorers! Across the bridge lies a serene lake led by the River Lea with a circular walking route that spans 12 miles. We didn’t tackle it this time (tiny legs and snack breaks got in the way), but it's on our bucket list for the next visit. Whether you're power-walking or meandering, nature’s waiting.

🧺 PICNICS WITH FESIVAL VIBES
Stanborough Park doesn’t just serve splash zones and scenic springs — it’s also picnic royalty. With sprawling green spaces to claim, there’s no shortage of perfect setups. Fancy a tranquil patch under a shady tree? You got it. Want front-row seats to splash park chaos while the kids run wild? Sorted. Prefer the gentle hum of the springs while you snack in peace? Right this way.

And it’s not your average blanket-and-sarnie crowd either. Picture tents, gazebos, full dining sets with table and chairs, inflatable loungers — even a few shisha pipes puffing gently in the breeze. Music drifts from Bluetooth speakers, kids chase bubbles, and families kick back like it’s Glastonbury minus the mud. The whole vibe is picnic meets festival (no BBQ's allowed), and it’s kind of brilliant.

🅿️ PARKING
Here's the scoop: we parked free on Lemsford Lane and hopped onto a public footpath just right of the Lakeside School. It's around a 7-minute walk, but be mindful — some spots need permits. For ease and accessibility, the official car park is a safer bet... if you can snag a space. When we arrived, it was jam-packed. It's a pay-and-display zone, so prices may change — the info we saw was from 13/07/25.

💡 WUBTIP - Incase it is too busy and you can't get a space in the car park it maybe worth taking something like a Trolley Cart incase you have to park a little further away - it will save you those extra hands you will need for the over excited kids.

✅️ Free splash park
✅️ Play park
✅️ Easy access into the springs
✅️ Parking right next to the park
✅️ Accessible toilets
(need a key? Click here)
✅️ Circular route
✅️ Rope Aventures 
✅️ Pedalos
✅️ Picnic spot
✅️ Gathering spot
✅️ Kiosk for snack and drinks
✅️ Dog friendly (must be on a lead)

🏴‍☠️ Hitchin’s Hidden Gem: Splashin’ Around Bancroft Park

😍 FIRST THOUGHTS...
If adventure had a postcode, it would be Bancroft Park in Hitchin. We stumbled upon this delightful green spot and it instantly won our hearts with its pirate-themed playground and splashy surprises!

🛝 PLAY AREA
Scooter Humps & Monster Games -
Before we even reached the swings, the little humps circling within the play park had my three year old granddaughter zooming around like a tiny stunt performer on her scooter. And the real showstopper? A giant orange arch that doubles as an interactive monster game. It’s imaginative, quirky, and just the right amount of weird. A lover of trampolines my granddaughter loved the three mini ones in a row.

💦 SPLASH PARK
Sure, it's compact—but don’t let size fool you. Buckets tip with dramatic flair, water sprays from mysterious places, and there’s even a moat that makes you feel like you're wading through medieval puddles. It’s chaotic in the best way. The splash park opens around May - September.

🧺 PICNIC PARADISE
Between pirate ship,  climbing frames and shaded nooks, there's plenty of space to roll out a picnic blanket and pretend you’re stranded on a a little island—with snacks, of course.

🚻 TOILET TALK
Need a loo? There’s one in the white building inside Bancroft Park. Timing? Mystery. Comfort level? Acceptable. We call that a win.

🧋THE CORNER SHOP
Across the road you'll find Blakes Corner—a humble convenience store with a legendary milkshake machine. If you haven't had one yet, are you even living? Sandwiches, crisps, emergency suncream—they’ve got it all.

🅿️ PARKING PRO TIP
We parked just a 5-minute stroll away at Hitchin Outdoor Swimming Pool. Free on Sundays—we love a free day!

✅️ Free splash park
✅️ Play park
✅️ Toilets 
✅️ Shop for convenience across the road
✅️ Picnic spot
✅️ Free day out
✅️ Half term fun