🌿 Discover Ashwell: A Hidden Gem in North Hertfordshire.
Just approximately 15 minites drive from Biggleswade, tucked away in the postcard-perfect village of Ashwell lies a little slice of history, nature, and charm that makes for a delightful day out. Whether you're dipping your toes in the refreshing springs, exploring centuries of local lore, or enjoying a pub lunch in the sunshine—Ashwell has something for everyone. Nestled at one of the sources of the River Cam, this little gem is a dream to wander through.
🌸 The Village Gardens
Ashwell Springs
💦 ASHWELL SPRINGS: Nature’s Playground. Just steps from the heart of the village, the Ashwell Springs invite visitors to kick off their shoes and paddle in crystal-clear waters. It’s a peaceful, magical spot perfect for cooling off on a warm afternoon. Crystal Waters & Stepping Stones, the Springs are shallow, fresh, and wonderfully clear — ideal for paddling or sitting back while dogs, kids, and grown-ups alike embrace the cold splash. There’s a Peak District feel here, especially with those characterful stepping stones. It’s not hard to imagine this spot buzzing in summer, so do arrive early to scout out the perfect picnic patch!
🪣 Caught a fish - remember to take a net
🐟 Pond-Dipping Surprises Nature put on quite a show — a child reeled in a tiny European Bullhead, and we netted a few silvery Sticklebacks (all gently returned to their watery home). It’s hands-on wildlife at its most charming.
Fishing technique, a little bit of patience 😁
📌 GETTING TO THE SPRINGS We parked for free on the High Street, right beside The Three Tuns pub — just a few steps from the steps leading directly to the Springs. 🗺 Location:High St, Ashwell, Baldock SG7 5NL
🏛 ASHWELL MUSEUM (FREE) Open Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2:30–5pm (free entry, donations welcome), the Ashwell Village Museum is a treasure trove of stories. Housed in a Grade II listed Tudor building, this former tailor’s shop and schoolhouse now charts Ashwell’s journey from the Stone Age to the present day—through curious artefacts, local tales, and rich heritage. The museum is paired perfectly with tea and homemade cakes across the way in the church hall. 📍Location: Ashwell Village Museum, Swan Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Herts, SG7 5NY
🏛 Ashwell Free Museum open Sunday's
🏛 Ashwell Free Museum open Sunday's
🍰 Tea and Homemade Cakes are served on Sunday's at The Parish Hall right next to the Museum
🔒 THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE LOCK-UP Tucked somewhere in the village is one of Hertfordshire’s last remaining 19th-century lock-ups. Built in 1800 with salvaged church stone, it once held local mischief-makers overnight. The most famous story? Amos Pammenter, who tunneled his way out and simply went home to bed. Legendary. 📍Location: Village Lock-Up In Garden Of Number 20, Hodwell, Ashwell, SG7 5QQ
🔐 The Old Lock Up in the village
📖 The History of the Lock Up
🍻 WHERE TO REFUEL.... You’ll find cosy pubs like The Three Tuns, complete with a family-friendly play area and located just a stone’s throw from the Springs. The Three Tuns is also a hotel, perfect if you wanted a romantic or peaceful night away!
🧒 The Three Tuns Pub/Hotel play area
🍻 The Three Tuns Pub/Hotel located next to the Springs
🛝 A PLAY PARK There’s also a village play park and scenic footpaths waiting to be explored for the children. A great picnic spot! There are toilets located conveniently next to the park too, however opening times may vary. 📍Location: Ashwell Recreational Ground, 17 Lucas Ln, Ashwell, Baldock SG7 5LN
✅️ Paddle location ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Play park near by ✅️ Free museum on Sunday's ✅️ Scenic walk around the village ✅️ Pub with a play area ✅️ Half term idea ✅️ Date idea
🏞 A HIDDEN GEM ON THE RIVER – DISCOVER DANISH CAMP RIVERSIDE Nestled in the heart of Willington, Bedfordshire.
🛡 HISTORY OF THE DANISH CAMP This site stands as a silent witness to history, marked by its striking double moat and intriguing landing platforms. These features hint at a fascinating Viking presence, possibly tied to their mastery of the River Great Ouse—a vital artery for exploration, conquest, and trade. Could this have been a staging ground for their legendary longships? The evidence certainly whispers of a time when Norse warriors may have navigated these waters, leaving behind echoes of their storied past.
😌 ABOUT THE DANISH CAMP TODAY The Danish Camp Riverside is a Norwegian log cabin surrounded by lush woodland along the banks of The River Great Ouse. You will find a heated terrace with a roof to enjoy oudoor fresh air and scenery what ever the weather. Also an outdoor bar and seating is available in the better weather. A true escape from the hustle and bustle, this tranquil spot offers breathtaking views and a relaxed atmosphere.
🎶 LIVE MUSIC If you love live music, Friday nights at The Danish Camp are a treat! Once a month, the venue hosts fantastic gigs, adding a vibrant energy to the peaceful riverside setting, open till late.
🍽️ FOOD & DRINK For a quick stop off coffee, an icecream, cocktail, breakfast, burger or a more substantial treat of a meal they serve up delicious food and drinks—perfect for a riverside dining experience.
🛥 BOAT TRIPS IN APRIL - OCTOBER In the summer/autumn months, you can hop on a boat ride or hire out one for £45 for 1 hour, gliding along the Great Ouse for a magical waterside adventure (normally booked in advance. Open Wednesday's and weekends from April - October. Weather and availability depending, please keep an eye on the Facebook page. Also visit the website for more information. Boat trips information here
🐓 THE CAR PARK Oh, and don’t forget to say hello to the adorable chickens by the car park! The Danish Camp even had an Owl too - twit-a-woo! Once in the car park take a left and within a minute or two you will see The Danish Camp on your left. 🔐 Gates are locked 15 minutes after closing times. Make sure you vacate the car park to avoid being locked in
🚶♂️WALKING & CYCLING Love the outdoors? You can walk or cycle along the old Varsity Line railway route between Bedford and Sandy, now a fantastic trail winding through Willington and passing right by The Danish Camp.
🎊 LOOKING FOR A VENUE TO HIRE? The Danish Camp has a scenic setting to hire for weddings or a birthday party.
❗️SAFETY NOTICE The Danish Camp has areas of deep water and uneven terrain. The premises are fully licensed and to comply with current legislation this means that Children under 16 years of are not permitted on the premises unless accompanied by a supervising adult.
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY The Danish Camp is suitable for disabled visitors and wheelchair use. Danish Camp has a private car park approximately 200 metres from the main entrance.
There is a disabled toilet facility on the right hand side of the hallway in the log cabin, accessed by the main entrance door.
Danish Camp also has a large covered and heated terrace which may be accessed by the timber walkway around the log cabin or the blocked pathway to the immediate left of the main entrance gates. Danish Camp enjoys a tranquil riverside location but it is advised to take extreme care when accessing the lower levels as the ground is uneven. Slopes are gentler to the far left and far right of the log cabin.
🚣♂️ RIVERCRAFT IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO BRING RIVERCRAFT, RIGID OR INFLATABLE INTO THE CAR PARK Canoes, paddle boards, kayaks or other rivercraft are not able to launch from Danish Camp or disembark to leave the site.
It is possible to come down or up river to visit, use the ‘Pull-Up’ point to leave the river, you may then leave your river vessel on the lower riverbank, then depart using the ‘Pull-Up’ point.
✅️ Riverside location ✅️ Walks & cycling routes ✅️ Animals to see nearby ✅️ Accessible ✅️ Free Parking ✅️ Date idea ✅️ Family location ✅️ Live music once a month ✅️ Food & drink
🗓 OPENING TIMES OF THE DANISH CAMP ▪️Closed Mondays & Tuesdays ▪️Wednesday - Sunday: 9am - 5pm (Once a month on music Friday nights they are open untill late)
🔎 Hidden away in Chicksands, just outside Shefford, lies a free museum that's not widely known—but absolutely deserves a visit! - The Millitary Intelligence Museum!
😍 WHATSUPBEDS.COM EXPERIENCE We expected a small museum, but wow—this place had stories to tell! From a marble fragment of Hitler’s desk, to explosives disguised as coal, every exhibit whispered secrets from the past.
Our tour guide was a treasure trove of knowledge, sharing fascinating details that brought history to life. And here’s a blast from the past—who remembers the ‘Elephant Cage’? (Yes, that giant structure used to pick up transmissions!) If you ever drove from Clophill to Shefford in Bedfordshire, you might recall seeing it looming in the distance.
🤫 THE SECRETS OF BEDFORDSHIRE We won’t spill too much—some secrets are meant to be discovered in person. If you're curious about the covert history of Bedfordshire, there's only one way to find out...
📸 WHY IT'S A MUST-VISIT This hidden gem in Bedfordshire is packed with intrigue, unveiling stories you never imagined. Well worth a visit! Check out the photos below—these are the ones we were allowed to take. Photography outside the museum? Strictly forbidden. Because some secrets are still classified!
✅️ Free museum ✅️ Free parking ✅️ History ✅️ Standard toilets
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY You will find a couple of small steps into the entrance of the museum. There are standard toilets in the museum, no large accessible toilets.
🗓 OPENING TIMES ▪️Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm
✍️ HOW TO BOOK YOUR VISIT This isn't a museum you can just stroll into—you must book in advance. 🆔️ You’ll need to complete an online form with identification (passport or driving licence).
🤫 A SECRET MAZE ADVENTURE Tucked away in the heart of Shefford, Bedfordshire, this delightful maze is a must-visit for families looking for budget-friendly fun.
🌳 ABOUT THE SHEFFORD HOO MAZE Step into the enchanting world of Hoo Hill Maze, nestled within a secluded orchard on private grounds. Here, nature weaves its magic beyond the maze itself—wander through thoughtfully designed spaces where you can play games, unwind in serene corners, and immerse yourself in a landscape that evolves with a continual programme of creative planting.
😍 WHATSUPBEDS.COM EXPERIENCE Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by John, the owner, who shared fascinating stories about the house’s history. As we settled down for a Teddy Bear's Picnic with our grandchild, John serenaded us with his guitar, adding to the magical experience.
It’s an enchanting escape that keeps everyone on their toes—you will get lost (but that’s half the fun)! You could spend half a day here wandering around in the quirky surroundings. There are random chairs which are dotted around in and around the maze—perfect for a quick rest if you need it!
🌸 WHAT TO EXPECT ✨ Gardens: A stunning garden leading to the maze—perfect for a moment of tranquility before the challenge begins! 🛝 Play areas: Playtime fun with toddler cars and slides to keep the little ones entertained. 🥪 Picnic area with benches: Though seating is limited, so bringing a blanket is a great idea!
✅️ Budget friendly ✅️ Hidden Gem ✅️ Picnics allowed ✅️ Small toilet onsite ✅️ Play area ✅️ Free parking ✅️ No booking required
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY The maze is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to narrow pathways and uneven ground.
🐶 DOGS Unfortunately dogs are not allowed.
🕙 OPENING HOURS Hours can vary and differ. The maze is open most Sunday's during the summer months 10am - 4pm, but please keep updated by visiting the facebook page. ▪️Sundays: 10 am – 4 pm. ▪️School & Bank Holidays: Mondays 10am – 4 p.m. Fridays 10am – 4 p.m.
🎟 ENTRY PRICE ▪️£5 per person ▪️Children under 5 go free ▪️Family Ticket (up to 6 people) £20
🗺 LOCATION Find the maze as you enter Shefford, along Hitchin Road. Hoo Hill Maze Hitchin Road, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5JD
🎊 WANT TO PRIVATE HIRE THE MAZE? Looking for a unique venue? The Maze and Gardens can be exclusively yours! Whether it's a vibrant party, a dreamy wedding, a memorable gathering, or any special occasion, this picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for your event.
🌳 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 driving towards a hidden gem or just a dead end! But then after parking in a layby, 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 also runs alongside a railway track.
🤔 THE CATCH... 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. You will however find grassed areas fine for a picnic. We only saw four 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 - one 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
