😂 Get ready for a night of laughter and jaw-dropping entertainment with the Paul Zerdin – Jaw Drop UK Comedy Tour!
▪️AGES: 14+
Featuring the remarkable talents of ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, the show brings to life a delightful cast of characters including Sam, the cocky teenager; Albert, the 96-year-old with a razor sharp wit; and the Baby, who hilariously believes the world revolves around him.
Adding to the hilarity are Paul’s dim-witted American bodyguard Roger and an outrageous Urban Fox. This tour also marks the return of Paul’s TV and radio personality character, Alasdair Rimmer, who is eager to make a comeback with Paul’s help.
As a former America’s Got Talent winner, Paul promises an evening of top-notch stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, including his famous human dummy routine with an exciting new twist. Don’t miss this unforgettable show!
🎟 TICKET COST: £24 NOTE: A £3.50 transaction fee will be applied to your booking. You can book via the event link.
♿ WHEELCHAIR USERS Tickets can be not booked online please phone the box office.
🎊 Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at the Amthill Park EAT Feast, the ultimate street food extravaganza!
😋 WHAT TO EXPECT Ampthill Park will transform into a vibrant culinary hub, bringing together a mouthwatering array of international flavors from the best local food trucks and caterers. Whether you’re a fan of sizzling street tacos, gourmet burgers, or delectable vegan and veggie options, there’s something for everyone at this delicious celebration!
🌱 Vegan | Veggie | Gluten-Free Options Galore! Here's a taste of what's cooking at Ampthill:
🇻🇨 Caribbean – One Pot 🇬🇷 Greek – Eat is Greek 🇰🇷 Korean – Maya Street Food 🍟 Loaded Fries – High Fryers 🇲🇽 Mexican – Mamas Mexican 🥟 Bao Buns & Rice Bowls – Harlem 2 Manila 🇮🇳 Indian Wraps – Hyderabadi Dhaba 🍪 Sweet Treats – Crumb De La Crème 🍷 The Stirrup Bar – Fully Stocked Bar 🧡 Free Entry | Family Friendly | Outdoor Vibes
🎶 MUSIC But it’s not just about the food—immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere filled with fantastic music and refreshing beverages. Grab a drink, enjoy the tunes, and soak in the vibrant community spirit as you connect with friends, family, and fellow food lovers.
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY FRIENDLY Bring the little ones along, as this event is child-friendly. So why settle for a takeaway on the couch when you can indulge in a feast of flavors right in your hometown? Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of great food, great company, and unforgettable memories at the Ampthill Park EAT Feast!
🪑 WHAT TO BRING... Please bring, fold up chairs or blankets.
🛝 PLAY PARK You will also find a play park on the grounds, great to entertain the children!
🐶 DOGS Dogs on leads welcome
📅 2025 AMPTHILL PARK DATES ▪️Friday 11th April ▪️Friday 9th May ▪️Friday 13th June ▪️Friday 11th July ▪️Friday 8th August ▪️Friday 12th September
🔮 An intimate Evening of Clairvoyance, including a supper, with talented Medium Philip Kinsella. A choice of 3 suppers, including a Vegan gluten free choice.
ℹ️ INFORMATION Please be seated by 7pm. Supper is served at 7.15pm promptly. *Tickets to be purchased before the event* No refunds. Over 18’s only. When they are gone, they are gone!
🎟 TICKETS COST: £25 Tickets are available from the Axe & Compass at £25 per person, which includes your supper. Cash or card accepted. Thank you . Call The Axe on 01525 237394 or pop in to book. We are looking forward to seeing you at this popular venue.
( Any questions, please feel free to contact us at Crystal House Wellbeing Centre Facebook page messenger )
🎶 Is there a more iconic Cuban album than Buena Vista Social Club’s eponymous debut? Winning the Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album, it remains a high watermark not just for Cuban music but world music as a whole, having been only one of two non-English speaking albums to be included in Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums of all time list.
▪️AGE: 18+
Doing this album any sort of justice is no easy task, but there isn’t anyone better than Sambroso Noda, the beating heart of London’s Cuban community and flourishing music scene. He has whipped up a bonafide ‘all star’ group of Cuban musicians who will pay their own unique and loving tribute to the landmark album.
🎶 WHAT MUSIC? The 7-piece all star band promise to mesmerise the crowd with their combination of Cuban Son, Latin Jazz and Rumba, from Cuba’s Golden era.
🎭 We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for our brand new queer adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless classic, The Great Gatsby!
🤩 EVENT DETAILS Step into the glamour, intrigue, and heartbreak of the Roaring Twenties—reimagined through a fresh, vibrant lens by our very own Chloe Carpenter!
📍LOCATION: Maulden Village Hall
🎟 TICKET COST: £10 You can book tickets via the event link.
💥KEMPSTON2025DISCOUNT DAYS! ▪️Friday 12th September ▪️Friday 21st September ▪️All rides only 2 tokens (excludes bungees)! ▪️Unlimited rides passes for £15
TOKEN COST 🎫 1 Token = £1.20 🎫 10 Tokens = £10.00
💳 ENTRY: £2.00 (Free entry when purchasing an unlimited ride pass)
ℹ️ KEEP UPDATED INCASE OF ANY CHANGES Keep updated on the Facebook via the event link.
Whipsnade Zoo wants as many people as possible to be able to enjoy a brilliant day out with them, to benefit from the amazing animals which live at Whipsnade Zoo, connect with nature and help us create a world where wildlife thrives.
To help people who might find cost or other challenges a barrier to visiting Whipsnade Zoo, the Universal Credit tickets provide entry at a reduced price.
🙋♀️ WHO CAN GET THE REDUCED TICKETS? Reduced price tickets to Whipsnade Zoo available for those currently receiving: ▪️Universal Credit, ▪️Working Tax Credit, ▪️Child Tax Credit, ▪️Employment and Support Allowance, ▪️Income Support ▪️Jobseeker’s Allowance.
🌐 ONLINE BOOKING ONLY VIA THE 'EVENT LINK' BUTTON These tickets are only available to purchase online in advance, for up to six people per household (under 3’s go free and do not need to book – but must be accompanied by an adult with a booked ticket). As only full price tickets are available to buy at the gate.
📝 WHAT WILL I NEED TO BRING WITH ME? You'll need to bring proof of eligibility with you and show this when you present your ticket(s) to the friendly staff at the Zoo entrance. This can either be by logging into your Universal Credit portal or by bringing your proof of benefit letter (one proof per household). To be eligible you must have received a Universal Credit payment within the last month and you may also be asked to show photographic ID.
🎟 HOW MUCH ARE THE REDUCED TICKETS? ▪️ADULT (AGES 16+) - £7.00 / £6.00 ▪️CHILD (3-15 YEARS) - £4.00 / £3.00 ▪️UNDER 3 - Free
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
💡 AN IDEA TO SAVE MONEY ON FOOD... You can check out the toogoodtogo app to see if they have any surprise bags of food left, generally they are £3 instead of costing £9. Be quick though they can sell out quickly. https://share.toogoodtogo.com/item/699154/
👻 Ghost Nights at The Lowndes Arms, Whaddon. Dare you join us for a night of spine-tingling encounters and paranormal thrills? We’re opening our doors for two exclusive Ghost Nights:
📅 Friday 12th September 2025 📅 Friday 31st October 2025 (Halloween Special!)
For just £45 per person, your night includes: ✨ A meal on arrival ✨ Access from 7:30pm ‘til late ✨ A chilling evening filled with ghostly happenings
🎟 BOOKING Spaces are extremely limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone! Book now to secure your place… if you’re brave enough. ☎️ Phone: 01908 990334
🏛 This year 2025 we once again join in England’s largest festival of heritage and proudly open the garden gates for visitors to join us FREE OF CHARGE.
ℹ️ ABOUT ‘Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.’
🅿️ FREE TO ATTEND Parking is free and conveniently located right next to the Walled Garden. We also offer accessible facilities within the garden, along with plenty of seating options throughout. Dogs on leads accompanied by well behaved owners are welcome to join us for Heritage Open Day.
📍 PLEASE NOTE There is no access via the Hotel please use postcode: LU1 4LF
ℹ️ FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HERITAGE OPEN DAYS For more information click the event link. Heritageopenday.org.uk
🌳 Learn about the ancient origins of the park all the way up to the modern era. On your walk, discover hidden gems such as the Veteran Lime Tree, Doric Seat and Ha-ha, which survive from the 18th century English Landscape Garden design of the park and have been recently revealed, revived and restored as part of our National Lottery Heritage Fund project.
😍 FREE: This walk is free but donations to the Friends of Great Linford Manor Park are welcome. No booking is required, just turn up and enjoy!
🕥 TIME: Guided walks are held on the second Friday of the month at 10:30 and on the last Sunday of the month at 14:00.
🚶♀️DURATION: Walks last around 90 minutes.
🥾 WHAT TO WEAR.... Sensible, hard-wearing footwear and outdoor clothing is advised.
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY On one stretch of the route there are a set of deep steps (leading up to the Railway Walk from the Cascade Pond). Please let the walk leader know if you would prefer to leave the pond via an accessible route. One or two park features are located on grass, which can be muddy when wet. A hearing loop is available on request from events@theparkstrust.com. Accessible parking is located around the Parklands Pond at What3Words location pencil.parsnips.glosses.
🅿️ PARKING There are limited parking spaces on the approach to the park from Parklands (see above). Otherwise, please park at the Memorial Hall car park, off Marsh Drive and leave the Arts Centre car park free. What3Words location unite.nipping.places.
🗺 MEETING PLACE: MK Arts Centre car park, Great Linford, off Parklands (St. Leger Drive), MK14 5DZ.
🚂 The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre is held in the picturesque setting of Old Warden Park, home of the world famous Shuttleworth Collection housed in its own museum. The much photographed Victorian Country House, built by the Shuttleworth family in the late 1870’s, provides a magnificent backdrop for the event.
🗓 2025 DATES & TIME ▪️Friday 12th September - Sunday 14th September ▪️09:00 - 17:00
Attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society aims to give an insight into the country life at the turn of the 20th Century when steam was in its hey day. Many working demonstrations are taking place wherever you may care to roam on the 400 acre site.
For the complete day out visit the beer garden, listen to the band and watch the Stage Show. Stay into Saturday evening and end your day marvelling at the magnificent line-up of showman’s engines generating the fairground rides and attractions.
ATTRACTIONS ✨️ Steam Engines of all sizes ✨️ Action-Packed Arena ✨️ Working Demonstrations ✨️ Heavy Horses ✨️ Fairground Organs ✨️ Working Crafts ✨️ Craft & Food Halls ✨️ Trade & Market Stalls ✨️ Children’s Area ✨️ Vintage Vehicles ✨️ Old Time Fairground ✨️ Vintage Tractor ✨️ Licenced Bar & Refreshments
🧸 Free flow play at Marston Stay and Play Group for babies and toddlers at Marston Moretaine Village Hall.
🫧 With different themes every week. Singing and bubbles at the end of each session.
🗓 WHEN ARE WE OPEN? We are open all through the holidays too. Keep an eye on the FB via the event link for any changes. ▪️Monday's: 10:00 - 11:30 ▪️Tuesday's: 10:00 - 11:30 ▪️Friday's: 10:00 - 11:30
COST - PAY AS YOU GO: 🔸️Child & 1 adult: £5.00 🔸️Extra child: £1 🔸️Extra adult: £1
REFRESHMENTS ☕️ Tea & coffee available 🍪 Juice & a biscuit (for little ones) 🥓 Bacon Rolls - £1.50
ℹ️ KEEP UPDATED Keep an eye on the Facebook page via the event link incase of any changes or cancellations
🚃 An award-winning Victorian (1846) station house and booking office restoration in the Gothic Cottage Orné style, with Museum (Original Victorian Booking Office with historical displays & temporary exhibitions) Vintage Tea Room, Gift Shop & Garden.
🗓 2025 DATES OPEN 10am - 4pm ▪️Friday 12 September
ℹ️ ABOUT We tell the story of the Marston Vale Railway Line engineered by Robert Stephenson and opened in 1846. It was the first railway line to reach Bedford and for much of its life serviced the vast clay workings and brickworks at Brogborough and Stewartby; later transporting much of London's rubbish to landfill in the former clay workings. Now a thriving Community Rail Line and at the heart of the East - West Rail Scheme to reconnect Oxford back to Cambridge.
✨️ WHAT TO EXPECT Andrew Mortlock, London Brick Archivist, will be bringing an extensive collection of archives, photographs and ephemera connected with the brickworks that used to dominate the landscape along the section of the Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Ridgmont and other areas of Bedfordshire. Andrew will also be bringing his collection of company magazines, the Phorpres News, containing records and photographs of London Brick Company workers. Andrew and his family are steeped in London Brick with over 200 years’ service.
👨👩👧👦 FOR KIDS Family Quiz and Puzzle Booklet available to purchase from the Gift Shop. Symbol Spot Trail for children aged five and over. Collect your free pack from the Gift Shop with a valid train ticket.
🫖 VINTAGE TEA ROOM Vintage Tea Room in the former Ladies Waiting Room. Outside dining available in the Courtyard.
🚶♂️CIRCULAR WALKS Variety of circular & linear walks available from the Heritage Centre.
👩🏫 GROUP & SCHOOL PARTIES Group and school parties welcome all year by prior booking.
ℹ️ GUIDED TOURS Guided tours personalised to suit the visitor. Booking recommended for Tea Room – call 01525 287120
🎠 Looking for a fun and exciting day out for your little ones during the week? Time for Tots Takeover at Wicksteed Park is the place to be!
🗓 SEPTEMBER 2025 DATES September 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT Join us at Wicksteed Park for the Time for Tots takeover every Thursday and Friday during term time!
Get your little ones outdoors to explore our most popular toddler rides for little ones to enjoy at Time for Tots! Whilst you’re here, why not come join us in a nature or craft activity or say hello to Wicky Bear during his park walkabouts!
🎠 RIDES OPEN INCLUDE Astroslide, Carousel, Pig ‘N Putt (Crazy Golf), Roundabout, Meerkat Manor, Wicksteed Railway and Wicky’s Farmyard. Rides and attractions will be open from 10am until 4pm.
🎟 WRISTBAND COST Wristbands are £10 per person online and £12 on the day, with children under 0.9m free with a paying adult. £3 individual ride tickets will also be available to purchase.
🤸♂️ WICKY PLAY FACTORY - £2 PER CHILD Make your day even better by visiting Wicky's Play Factory with our autumn Time for Tots deal! Children can explore this exciting soft play for only £2 per child when you book on the day. All you need to do is show up at the Play Factory with your Time for Tots wristbands. Please note that this is on a first come first served basis and you may not be able to enter if the soft play is at full capacity.
Don’t miss out Time for Tots, book your wristbands online NOW!
👶 STAY & PLAY FOR FOR BABIES AND TODDDLERS EVERY FRIDAY IN CLOPHILL - TERM TIME ONLY!
HOW MUCH? 🔸️From 9.30am - Child is £5 🔸️From 10.00am - Child is £3 🔸️Babies: Free
WHAT TO EXPECT; ⭐️ Free flow play in our INCREDIBLE Clophill St Mary's Lower School and Nursery. ⭐️ Baby area. ⭐️ Playtime in our Wonderful Early Years Garden! ⭐️ Free weekly raffle.
REFRESHMENTS ☕ Coffee and cake for adults! 🍏 Healthy snack for all children & adults
💥 NEW CARD LOYALTY CARD We love seeing you every week and want to give something back to you.... So every week you come, you will get your card stamped....and when you have collected 10 stamps, you will get your next session free!!!
✅️ KEEP UPDATED Follow the Facebook Page incase of any changes or cancellations.
👀 CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO MAINTENANCE - A FREE A- MAZ-ING HIDDEN GEM IN BEDFORDSHIRE! So this maze is free to go too, kids & adults will love it...... if you can find it that is!
🤔 SO WHERE IS IT? This FREE MAZE is located at the wonderful Roxton Garden Centre in Bedfordshire. When you enter the car park you will not see any signposts for it. As you go in the car park facing the garden centre turn right, then turn left as if you are heading for a dead end, it may seem like you are heading for the delivery entrance but there you will see trees on your right and a sign in front of you for 'Roxton Maze'.
The maze is located next to the garden centre in a spacious field with a few benches to sit on.
♿️ IS THE MAZE SUITABLE FOR PUSHCHAIRS OR WHEELCHAIRS? I would say it is NOT suitable as there are branches, some on the floor and hanging low, some spaces may not be big enough and also the surface may not be suitable in my personal opinion.
🔓 WHEN IS THE MAZE OPEN? The Maze is open the same time when the Garden Centre is open.
❗️PLEASE NOTE: It may be closed due to adverse weather conditions or maintenance, so it's always worth phoning before you go.
🌺 THE GARDEN CENTRE The garden centre is wheelchair friendly and dog friendly. You can buy things from plants, to clothes, to toys.
☕️ THE CAFE The cafe has hot and cold food and drink options at reasonable prices. There is a kids menu and an indoor & outdoor space with unmbrellas to sit in the sun and relax amongst the outdoor flower section of the Garden Centre. Dogs are allowed but they are not allowed in the main restaurant area. Just ask staff if you are not sure, they will be happy to help.
💦 Bennetts FREE Splash park is great for a fun day out for all the family with a play park and Cafe onsite.
📆 2025 DATES ▪️Monday 5th May - Sunday 31st August ▪️7 days a week ▪️10am - 6pm
💦 FREE FAMILY FUN Enjoy the 16 super soaking water features ranging from gentle mists, spray arches and tipping buckets to spray shooter cannons. The Splash Park is designed to be enjoyed by children of all ages from 2 years to 10 years.
Those who are older are asked to act responsibly for the safety of all. Please note, the Splash Park will have 10 minute intervals where the water will stop to ensure water safety quality checks, why not take this opportunity to refresh at the Splashside Cafe.
❗️IMPORTANT INFORMATION *Bennett’s Splash Park and Splashside Café may be subject to closure due to unforeseen circumstances due to weather, technical faults or other issues beyond our control. For regular updates, please follow us on Facebook: @bennettssplash *
🍕 THE SPLASHSIDE CAFE The Splashside Café adjacent to the Splash Park offers an array of food and drinks for all to enjoy such as freshly prepared milkshakes, delicious pizzas, classic fish finger bap and much more! Please note, last orders are 5.30 pm. View the menu here.
🅿️ PARKING - Charges may apply When driving to Bennett’s Splash, please park in Ashton Square Car Park located off Bull Pond Lane, LU6 3BE. The Splash Park is a minute walk from here, into Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground. Please take care when crossing the road. ASHTON SQUARE CAR PARK is owned and operated by Central Bedfordshire Council. Please check the machines for chargeable days and hours.
😍 Bromham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Bedford in Bedfordshire, England, situated around 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Bedford town centre with the Great River Ouse running through it. The Coffee Shop is situated right next to the river.
🛝 WHAT WE LOVED Tucked away like a hidden gem, this riverside spot stole our hearts. Just steps from the water, we found a peaceful escape complete with a spacious field and a charming play park with benches. The meandering riverside paths held within the grounds felt like we had our own secret slice of nature. You could even take a blanket with you as the field area is quite big. While we were there we saw a couple working on their laptops, what a great location to work outdoors!
🧚♀️A SURPRISE Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any dreamier, we stumbled into a woodland walk straight out of a storybook. Fairy doors peeked through the leaves, an enchanting hideaway featuring still creatures for curious little explorers.
We couldn’t help but imagine how magical it must look after dusk when the lights truly come alive. To find this whimsical wonderland, simply head to the Mill car park—take a left into the woods, and let your adventure begin. Trust us, your inner child will thank you.
💯 RECOMMENDED A beautiful place to visit in Bedfordshire and a fun place to keep the kiddies occupied.
✅️ Free parking ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Play area ✅️ Scenic ✅️ Date spot location ✅️ Half term trip out
🎶 EVENT ON FRIDAY'S IN THE SUMMER In the summer they hold an event 'Friday Food Trucks'with music 4pm - 9pm. This is a free entry event but if you did want to secure a table it does cost to book.
Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo - An affordable zoo in Huntingdon not too far from Bedfordshire!
🗓 OPENING DAYS & TIMES ▪️Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.30pm ▪️Sunday: 10.00 - 4.30pm
🦁 WHAT ANIMALS WILL I SEE? The zoo proudly house's over 100 fascinating animals, from majestic African Lions to delightful sloth bears, a racoon dog, skunk, otters, a bob cat, wallabies, rabbits, meerkats and many more.
🌴 TROPICAL HOUSE Inside the warm Tropical house you will find crocodiles, turtles, fish & snakes surrounded by palm trees. (The Whatsup Bedfordshire family loved this!)
🛝 FUN FOR THE KIDS You will find an outdoor play area with a climing frame, swings, slide and bouncers. You will also find a tranquil circular woodland walk. Keep a look out for Peacocks roaming around near the Steak House!
🐶 DOGS Don’t forget, dogs are welcome too!
😋 FOOD & DRINK Onsite your can visit: ▪️The Steakhouse (Open Wednesday - Sunday) ▪️The Tea Room ▪️Farm Shop 🚫 Please be aware pinics are not allowed. ❗️Please check the website via the event link opening times.
♿️ IS THE ZOO ACCESSIABLE? (Whatsup Bedfordshire advice) The parking is on gravel stones so this maybe hard to navigate a wheelchair. Although it does mention on the website that you can park infront of the Farm Shop which is tarmac ideal for wheelchair users. The farm shop, Steak House & Tea room are accessible. On a winter day you may find the zoo area paths are muddy, with some gravel paths and grass, so it maybe hard to push a wheelchair in places. There is a wooden slat ramp to the Tropical house. 🚻 Accessible toilets - Accessible toilets are available in both the Steakhouse and Tea room.
🎟 NO BOOKING REQUIRED, JUST PAY ON THE GATE BY CASH OR CARD! (Prices have gone up 50p this year) ▪️ Adult: £5.50 ▪️ Child: £4.50 ▪️ Ages 3 & under: Free
🪁 SO MUCH FUN ON A BUDGET... Looking for a breezy day out with big skies and even bigger smiles? Dunstable Downs is calling! We grabbed a £1.99 kite from Poundstretcher in Houghton Regis (yes, really!) and had an absolute blast soaring it through the sky. Who knew £2 could buy so much joy?
This iconic Bedfordshire beauty spot isn’t just about the views, it’s steeped in history, perfect for picnics with benches to relax, and if you’re into geocaching, you might just uncover a hidden treasure or two. To add to the mix this location is dog friendly too, with la huge outdoor space for your fur babies to enjoy!
😌 FREE WELLBEING WALKS Every Thursday at 1pm, join a FREE Wellbeing Walk. It’s a gentle, guided stroll that’s great for the body and soul. For information click here.
Wellbeing Walks
🚶♂️♿️ SUGGESTED WALKS There are many walks you can choose from, walking from Dunstable Downs (in the picture below). Go solo, go with friends or family with an accessible suggestion too!
Suggested walks
☕️ THE CAFÉ ▪️10:30am -12pm: With lots of choice you can enjoy breakfast baps from (vegetarian options). ▪️11:30am - 3pm: Serving jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, baguettes, salads, quiche, one pot meals like chilli and bread & butter, sausage rolls, pizza slices & chips. 🐶 For dogs: you will also see doggy icecream and treats for sale in the shop.
Menu - (prices & items may change)
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY We love how inclusive Dunstable Downs is: ✅️ The café and visitor centre are fully accessible. ✅️ You can borrow a mobility tramper for a suggested £5 donation—perfect for exploring the trails with ease. ✅️ Need a wheelchair or a small bike for the kids? They’ve got those too! ✅️ Accessible toilets. ✅️ Baby changing.
Hire out a tramper for a £5 donation
Borrow a small bike for young children
🅿️ PARKING INFORMATION ▪️National Trust Members: Park for free! ▪️Everyone else: Just £3.50 for the whole day. ▪️Blue badge parking available.
🌳 Forest & lakeside adventures - heading out with family, friends, fur babies or going solo for some me time? Marston Moretaine Forest Centre is a great day out for all with a calming nature setting. Whether you’re cycling, strolling, geocaching, or simply sipping coffee with a view, this spot hits all the right notes.
Craving a quiet moment in nature? Planning a two-wheeled adventure? or scouting out the next lunch date spot? Marston Moretaine Forest Centre has you covered. This green gem in Bedfordshire is the kind of place that turns a casual stroll into a full-blown “why don't we come here more often?” experience.
😋 Menu - Prices & items may change
🦆THE LAKESIDE CIRCULAR ROUTE Walk, Roll, Ride—Your Way around the approx 4 mile circular route making a day out of it, take your time and enjoy some
🤔 WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? ▪️Bike hire? Yep, and super convenient (prices are displayed on site). ▪️Walking trails? Absolutely—try the circular lake route, or go off track and find secret paths. ▪️Picnics? Very much encouraged. Bring your sandwiches, your snacks, your sunhat/woolly hat. ▪️Grown-ups only! Don’t miss the balcony above the visitor centre café to enjoy a bit of adult time — perfect for coffee and views (just a heads-up: dogs aren’t allowed on the balcony, so Bruno will have to miss this one out). ▪️Geocaching? Yes, although we have yet to find one of these little treasures.
🚲 Bike hire prices - Prices & availability can change at any time
🧒 ADVENTURES FOR THE LITTLE ONES Kids won't just burn energy—they’ll make memories. ✨️ There's a play park right by the café. ✨️ Sensory gardens offer calming sights, scents, and textures. ✨️ And for the curious ones? Take a net and try pond dipping. It’s nature’s version of treasure hunting.
🛝 Play park next to the Visitor Centre/Cafe
♿️ ACCESS FOR EVERYONE Marston Moretaine Forest Centre is thoughtfully designed: ⭐️ Fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible ⭐️ Accessible & baby changing toilets available on site ⭐️ Blue Badge parking is available (free for Friends of the Forest members, otherwise pay-as-you-go) ⭐️ Accessible routes around the lake
🅿️ PARKING Parking is chargeable, but if you’re a Friend of the Forest, it’s free. ▪️Opening hours: 9am – 5pm daily ▪️Car park closes: 8pm sharp
🅿️ Parking charges (cost could change at anytime)
✅️ Accessible ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Accessible toilets ✅️ Food & drink available ✅️ Play park ✅️ Walking/cycling routes ✅️ Lakeside ✅️ Scenic ✅️ Adult only balcony ✅️ A shop for gifts
💕 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 chickens.
😋 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. https://www.culturetrust.com/spaces/garden-cafe
💯 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY WHATSUP BEDFORDSHIRE! Whatsup Bedfordshire absolutely love Stockwood Discovery Centre, it 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.
📸 CHECK OUT OUR PHOTOS WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER ✅️ Free museum ✅️ Scenic gardens ✅️ Play park ✅️ Cafe ✅️ Shop ✅️ Wheelchair accessible ✅️ Accessible toilets ✅️ Free parking ✅️ Rainy days ✅️ Educational
🗓 OPENING TIMES Opening times may vary through the seasons. Stockwood Discovery Centre is open seven days a week during the school holidays, with the exception of Christmas.
🗓 TERM TIME OPENING HOURS ▪️Wednesday - Sunday ▪️11am - 5pm
🏡 A FREE MUSEUM IN BEDFORD- The Panacea, a beautiful Victorian House. Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community that created its own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford. The museum has beautiful gardens to walk around.
📖 SOME INTERESTING HISTORY The Panacea Society was originally called ‘The Community of the Holy Ghost’, and was made up mostly of women. Its leader was Mabel Barltrop – the widow of an English clergyman, and mother of four children– whose followers called her ‘Octavia’.
Octavia. The founder of the Panacea Society.
During the 1920s, followers of the Panacea Society moved to Bedford to live near Octavia. Eventually, the community was able to combine the gardens of several properties to form ‘the campus’ – a private space between the community houses, with a chapel at its centre.
From this headquarters, the Society operated a religious organisation which reached across the world. Over two thousand people became members of the Panacea Society, in Europe, North America and many parts of the British Empire and Commonwealth.
From its beginning, the Panacea Society expected the end of the world. Society members were convinced that God would soon act to bring about a new age – a period of peace and happiness called ‘the Millennium’.
The Panacea Society was part of a wider religious movement of groups concerned with prophecy. The Panaceans believed that God was speaking to them through Octavia, but her followers did not believe she was the only modern prophet. Rather, they accepted a lineage of seven prophetic voices since the late 1700s – a tradition they called ‘the Visitation’.
🧒 FOR CHILDREN Children trails, colouring sheets and wooden toys in the activity space in the main museum building 'Castleside'.
☕ FOOD AND DRINK Tea room serving refreshments, hot & cold snacks with indoor & outdoor seating.
🚼 TOILET INFORMATION Baby changing can be found in a toilet that is big enough to fit a pushchair in
🅿️ PARKING No parking is available at the Museum, however there is pay and display parking nearby.
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