🌳 Our adventure to Bromham Lakes Nature Reserve began with a long road that seemed to stretch into nowhere. For a moment, we wondered if we were heading toward a hidden gem—or just a dead end! But then after parking, the trees opened up, and the quiet beauty of the reserve revealed itself.
ℹ️ ABOUT BROMHAM LAKES NATURE RESERVE Once a landscape shaped by mineral workings, this 25-acre reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the 1980s, vibrant wildflower meadows and thriving woodlands were carefully planted, setting the stage for nature to reclaim the space. Today, the site flourishes freely, evolving into a haven for wildlife and a serene escape for visitors. In 1991, it was officially designated a Local Nature Reserve, ensuring its protection as a cherished sanctuary of natural beauty.
🛤 A small part of the walk runs alongside a railway track.
🤔 THE CATCH... But here’s the catch—you won’t be strolling along the lake’s edge like in a picture-perfect postcard. Instead, the water lies just out of reach, slightly below ground level, shielded by a natural barrier of trees and shrubs. You can see it shimmering between the branches, but don’t expect to dip your toes in or sit beside it with a picnic. The lake is there for glimpses, not for communion—a secret sanctuary where nature, rather than humans, reigns. However you will find grassed areas fine for a picnic. We only saw 4 people in total on our walk. You may see a few bunnies hopping around like we did.
🚶♂️HOW LONG DOES THE WALK TAKE? While exploring, you might stumble across a couple of dead ends, or off routes into trees or bushes, but don’t let them stop you! If you take your time to absorb the surroundings, walking the full circuit takes around 45 minutes - hour—perfect for a peaceful escape. The circular walk users the same entry and exit route.
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY Due to uneven terrain and a few steps along the way, this isn’t a wheelchair-friendly walk. Sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure are recommended! Bench seating is sparse also.
🅿️ PARKING No designated car park here—just a free layby at the end of a quiet road. It may feel like an isolated spot, but that only adds to the charm of the visit!
✅️ Quiet area ✅️ Scenic ✅️ Birds & wildlife ✅️ Great for dog walking
🌳 We took a trip to Whipsnade 'The Cathedral Gardens'. A beautiful unique tranquil spot in Bedfordshire, perfect for a picnic or a walk.
ℹ️ ABOUT This beautiful Tree Cathedral, is made from trees, shrubs and plants, and was created after the First World War in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation' and is the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral that you see today.
📖 TIME LINE ▪️1930 – Edmund Blyth begins planting the Tree Cathedral with Albert Bransom as a tribute to fallen comrades. ▪️1939–1947 – The Second World War halts progress; Blyth returns in 1947 to find the site overgrown. ▪️1952– Enough clearance allows for the first ecumenical services to be held. ▪️1960 – A generous legacy enables Blyth to donate the site to the National Trust. ▪️1978 – A hornbeam avenue is added in memory of Blyth's son, Tom, who had managed the site. ▪️1983 – Gerald Wallsam's passing leads to endowment fund reorganization, ensuring high maintenance standards. ▪️2023 – National Trust takes full management of the Tree Cathedral.
🅿️ FREE PARKING
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY Most is accessible but some parts are grassed areas.
🗺 ADDRESS National Trust, Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LQ
✅️ Free parking ✅️ Scenic surroundings ✅️ Picnic location ✅️ Walking location ✅️ Dog friendly 😑 Mostly accessible for wheelchairs, mostly grassed areas ❌️ No toilets or facilities
🦆We had the pleasure of exploring Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve on the very day it opened to the public—5th April 2025. It is open 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week.
🏞 WHAT WE LOVED The walking route consists of well-maintained gravel and grass paths, offering a serene journey around the lakes. The gentle-paced walk around the stunning lakes took around 45 minutes, providing a perfect mix of relaxation and nature immersion. Wandering through this tranquil setting, charming wooden bridges, surrounded by glistening waters and chirping wildlife, felt like a breath of fresh air.
🪑 LOOKING FORWARD TO... One thing we noticed—there are no benches around the lakes yet, making it a challenge for those who need a rest during their walk. While we managed the route just fine, having dedicated seating would make this reserve even more accessible. If you’re visiting soon, consider bringing a blanket to sit by the lakeside and soak in the scenery. 🗣️ The Green Trust has confirmed benches will be added in the future, but when we visited in April 2025, funding was still in progress. We’re excited to see how the space evolves to be even more visitor-friendly!
🛝 PLAY PARK Nestled near the lakes and leading into a nearby residential area is a small play park, a fun addition for families. However, when we visited in April 2025, it was still closed, with no confirmed opening date yet.
☕️ THE CAFÉ (open 10am to 3pm daily) A welcome retreat after a lakeside stroll—the café is a delightful spot to grab a drink, treat yourself to some ice cream or cake, and unwind at the seating area outside or indoors. Toilets, including accessible facilities, are available, making it a convenient stop during your visit.
🏰 CLOPHILL & CAINHOE CASTLE HISTORY History lovers will appreciate the fascinating story of Cainhoe Castle, visible in the distance as a grassy mound near the lakes. Clophill itself has deep historical roots, with evidence of a Roman road running through the village.
📜 In the Domesday Book of 1086, Clophill was recorded as Clopelle, meaning tree-stump hill. Cainhoe Castle was once an impressive motte and bailey fortification from the late 11th or early 12th century. Tragically, during the Black Death, the castle and its surrounding village were abandoned, as the population succumbed to the devastating plague. By 1374, the castle had fallen into ruins and was never rebuilt. Today, only its turf-covered mound and historic earthwork banks remain, serving as silent echoes of its medieval past.
🔎 WHAT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED HERE? Archaeological finds have uncovered intriguing relics of the past, including: ⭐️ The Rondel Dagger ⭐️ Wooden Stakes ⭐️ Pottery Fragments ⭐️ Flints ⭐️ Horse Shoes
Each item tells a piece of the untold stories buried beneath the soil, giving us glimpses into the lives of those who once walked these lands.
🅿️ THE CAR PARK Spacious and convenient—parking is plentiful, so no need to worry about finding a spot. However, blue badge bays are available but are not free.
🚶Want to save on parking? You can park for free in the village and take a short scenic walk down to the nature reserve instead!
✅ Dog friendly ✅ Paid parking available ✅ Café with toilets ✅ Indoor & outdoor seating at the café 😑 Mostly accessible, though some areas have uneven grassy terrain ❌ Fishing prohibited
😍 Discover the Charm of Buckingham nestled in lush greenery. Buckingham is a picturesque town where history and nature blend seamlessly. With the tranquil River Great Ouse weaving through, it’s a haven for those eager to explore rich heritage, unwind in scenic parks with benches dotted around, or let children burn off their endless energy at the play parks it offers. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking a peaceful escape for a picnic or walk, Buckingham has something for everyone.
😌 Buckingham
😌 A TOWN WITH CHARACTER Wander through the heart of Buckingham and you'll find cozy cafés, delightful restaurants, and bustling charity shops. Among its historical gems stands the Old Buckingham Gaol, a fascinating museum that whispers tales of the town’s past. Just beyond the park, you’ll stumble upon the mysterious Flosh, an intriguing landmark connected to Buckingham’s milling history.
⛪️ Buckingham Town
🔐 THE OLD GAOL A Glimpse into Buckingham’s Dark Past. Built in 1748, the Old Gaol was Buckingham’s answer to a growing problem—where to safely detain criminals. Before its construction, the town relied on a temporary lock-up after the original castle gaol burned down in the Second Great Fire of Buckingham (1725).
Security was so poor that, in 1743, authorities feared a dramatic jailbreak. A convicted murderer, George Sansbury, faced immediate execution to prevent his accomplices from springing him from custody! Today, the Old Gaol Museum stands as a testament to this gripping history, offering visitors a journey into Buckingham’s turbulent past. ♿️ Buckingham Old Gaol accessibility 🌐 Buckingham Old Gaol Website
🗝 The Buckingham Gaol
💦 THE FLOSH - A PADDLE SPOT One of Buckingham’s most intriguing landmarks, The Flosh sits alongside Lord’s Bridge, a historic weir tied to Buckingham’s old town mill. Overlooking the water, Hunter Street leads towards Buckingham University, where the past and present intertwine. If you enjoy discovering unique locations rich in history, this is one stop you won’t want to miss. Why not cool your feet in these clear waters, although small but beautiful location.
💦 The Flosh - Pefect place for a paddle
♿️ Accessible route to The Flosh:
1. Start at Ford Street Bridge:
Begin at the Ford Street Bridge, which is accessible for wheelchairs.
2. Follow the River Great Ouse:
The park's path follows the river, providing a relatively flat and accessible route.
3. Tanlaw Mill:
You'll pass the historic Tanlaw Mill along the way.
4. The Flosh:
The path continues towards The Flosh, offering a picturesque and accessible route along the river.
🚶♂️WALKS ▪️Railway Walk A Journey Through Time. The Railway Walk follows the route of the old train line, 1 mile of straight footpath, ponds and a rich variety of wildlife. Step onto the Railway Walkand trace the path of history! Once part of the Banbury to Verney Junction Branch Line, this route has transformed from a bustling railway into a scenic walking trail.The Railway Walk starts just off Tingewick Road. ▪️Circular Walk The circular walk around Buckingham is around 3 miles taking maybe around 2 hours. Taking in Bourton Park, the University, Chandos Park and the Great River Ouse, the walk is clearly way marked and includes alternative routes, making it easier for pushchairs etc. Passing through the heart of Buckingham, it meanders through parkland and along the old railway embankment, where it offers great views of the Town. MAP OF THE CIRCULAR WALK
🌳 Beautiful walks - some are accessible
🛝 A LIST OF PLAY PARKS IN BUCKINGHAM ▪️Bourton Park Junior and Senior Play ▪️Bridge Street & Skate park ▪️Chandos Park ▪️Clarence Park ▪️Otters Brook ▪️Lace Hill Sports and Community Centre ▪️Lace Hill Bobbins Way and Needlepin Way ▪️Ken Tagg ▪️Moreton Road ▪️Overn Avenue ▪️Stratford Fields
🛝 Some parks are riverside, a great place for picnics
🅿️ PARKING Cornwells Meadow Car Park offers affordable rates. Stay all day on Sundays & Bank Holidays for only £1.70. This car park also offers accessible toilets and is situated steps from the shops and river walk.
🅿️ Parking Charges By Meadow Shopping Centre (June 2025)
🛍 Meadow Shopping Centre with cafes, shops & Waitrose
💘 WANT A ROMANTIC STAY IN BUCKINGHAM An ideal place for a date night away from the hustle and bustle. We have found lots of great deals on Expedia below. Click here to view hotels
💯 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! A fantastic free thing to do in Luton, Bedfordshire on sunny or rainy days. Great for families, friends, date idea or time on your own to experience the history, fascinating artifacts and beautiful gardens it has to offer in Bedfordshire. The museum even has a couple of cute chickens.
From lots of classic vehicles, carriages, to antique toys, to farming to stuffed animals, plants in the greenhouse, and even a couple of skeletons, this museum has so much to see and intereting stories to tell of the past.
🛝 THE PLAY AREA The play area close to the cafe is perfect for little ones to play while you can sit by and chill out if you like. You will find climbing equipment, a slide is currently and a few other things.
✈️ ARE YOU A PLANE SPOTTER? If you love plane spotting this is an excellent place to spot them. The planes from Luton Airport will be flying over regularly.
😋 FANCY LUNCH?
If you wanted to go out for just lunch Stockwood Discovery Centre has a cafe serving food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating. You can see the menu on the pics below. Alternatively you can also take a picnic in the tranquill gardens with plenty of space for the little ones (or big ones) to run around or just take a book, and enjoy the surroundings.
WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO OFFER?
✅️ Free museum ✅️ Interesting Artifacts
✅️ Scenic gardens
✅️ Play park
✅️ Cafe
✅️ Shop
✅️ Wheelchair accessible
✅️ Accessible toilets ✅️ Free parking
THANK YOU... We absolutely love Stockwood Discovery Centre, a gem in Bedfordshire which has so much to offer. The volunteers devote so much time to make this a wonderful place to visit for everyone and we can see and appreciate all the hard work they really do. We spent a couple of hours here but you could easily spend half a day here at your own pace. We had an amazing day out with friends.
