π 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.
π 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!
π§ββοΈA SURPRISE Just when we thought the day couldnβt 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 couldnβt 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 parkβtake a left into the woods, and let your adventure begin. Trust us, your inner child will thank you.
π― RECOMMENDED A beautiful place to visit in Bedfordshire and a fun place to keep the kiddies occupied.
β οΈ Free parking β οΈ Dog friendly β οΈ Play area β οΈ Scenic β οΈ Date spot location β οΈ Half term trip out
πΆ 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.
πͺ 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 Β£1.99 kite from Poundstretcher in Houghton Regis (yes, really!) and had an absolute blast soaring it through the sky. Who knew Β£2 could buy so much joy?
This iconic Bedfordshire beauty spot isnβt just about the views, itβs steeped in history, perfect for picnics with benches to relax, and if youβre 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!
π FREE WELLBEING WALKS Every Thursday at 1pm, join a FREE Wellbeing Walk. Itβs a gentle, guided stroll thatβs great for the body and soul. For information click here.
Wellbeing Walks
πΆββοΈβΏοΈ 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
βοΈ THE CAFΓ βͺοΈ10:30am -12pm: With lots of choice you can enjoy breakfast baps from (vegetarian options). βͺοΈ11:30am - 3pm: Serving jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, baguettes, salads, quiche, one pot meals like chilli and bread & butter, sausage rolls, pizza slices & chips. πΆ For dogs: you will also see doggy icecream and treats for sale in the shop.
Menu - (prices & items may change)
Hire out a tramper for a Β£5 donation
Borrow a small bike for young children
π ΏοΈ PARKING INFORMATION βͺοΈNational Trust Members: Park for free! βͺοΈEveryone else: Just Β£3.50 for the whole day. βͺοΈBlue badge parking available.
π¦ Bennetts FREE Splash park is great for a fun day out for all the family with a play park and Cafe onsite.
π 2025 DATES βͺοΈMonday 5th May - Sunday 31st August βͺοΈ7 days a week βͺοΈ10am - 6pm
π¦ 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.
π ΏοΈ PARKING - Charges may apply When driving to Bennettβs 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.
π 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!
π€ 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.
βΏοΈ 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.
π WHEN IS THE MAZE OPEN? The Maze is open the same time when the Garden Centre is open.
βοΈPLEASE NOTE: It may be closed due to adverse weather conditions or maintenance, so it's always worth phoning before you go.
πΊ THE GARDEN CENTRE The garden centre is wheelchair friendly and dog friendly. You can buy things from plants, to clothes, to toys.
βοΈ 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.
Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo - An affordable zoo in Huntingdon not too far from Bedfordshire!
π OPENING DAYS & TIMES βͺοΈTuesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.30pm βͺοΈSunday: 10.00 - 4.30pm
π¦ 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.
π΄ TROPICAL HOUSE Inside the warm Tropical house you will find crocodiles, turtles, fish & snakes surrounded by palm trees. (The Whatsup Bedfordshire family loved this!)
π 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!
πΆ DOGS Donβt forget, dogs are welcome too!
π FOOD & DRINK Onsite your can visit: βͺοΈThe Steakhouse (Open Wednesday - Sunday) βͺοΈThe Tea Room βͺοΈFarm Shop π« Please be aware pinics are not allowed. βοΈPlease check the website via the event link opening times.
βΏοΈ 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. π» Accessible toilets - Accessible toilets are available in both the Steakhouse and Tea room.
π NO BOOKING REQUIRED, JUST PAY ON THE GATE BY CASH OR CARD! (Prices have gone up 50p this year) βͺοΈ Adult: Β£5.50 βͺοΈ Child: Β£4.50 βͺοΈ Ages 3 & under: Free
π‘ 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.
π SOME INTERESTING HISTORY The Panacea Society was originally called βThe Community of the Holy Ghostβ, and was made up mostly of women. Its leader was Mabel Barltrop β the widow of an English clergyman, and mother of four childrenβ whose followers called her βOctaviaβ.
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 βthe campusβ β 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 β a period of peace and happiness called βthe Millenniumβ.
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 β a tradition they called βthe Visitationβ.
π§ FOR CHILDREN Children trails, colouring sheets and wooden toys in the activity space in the main museum building 'Castleside'.
β FOOD AND DRINK Tea room serving refreshments, hot & cold snacks with indoor & outdoor seating.
πΌ TOILET INFORMATION Baby changing can be found in a toilet that is big enough to fit a pushchair in
π ΏοΈ PARKING No parking is available at the Museum, however there is pay and display parking nearby.
π 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.
π 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
π― 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.
πΈ CHECK OUT OUR PHOTOS WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER β οΈ Free museum β οΈ Scenic gardens β οΈ Play park β οΈ Cafe β οΈ Shop β οΈ Wheelchair accessible β οΈ Accessible toilets β οΈ Free parking β οΈ Rainy days β οΈ Educational
π 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.
π TERM TIME OPENING HOURS βͺοΈWednesday - Sunday βͺοΈ11am - 5pm
