🎶 We’re excited to announce that Bands in the Park is returning to Riverside Park this summer 2025! Join us every Sunday from 2:30pm to 4:30pm for a season full of incredible live music from some of the best local performers.
✨️ WHAT TO KNOW
Bring a picnic, your favourite blanket or chair, and relax in the beautiful surroundings of Riverside Park as the sounds of summer fill the air. Whether you love swing, soul, jazz, pop, or something a bit different, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
🗓 2025 LINE-UP: ▪️20 July – Medication Time ▪️27 July – Diamond Country Dance Club ▪️3 August – Caxton Swing ▪️10 August – The Orchard ▪️17 August – The Roxton Press ▪️24 August – Lizzie Reynolds Vocalist ▪️31 August – The Soul Sisters ▪️7 September – Natasha Thompson Quartet ▪️14 September – Caz on Sax ▪️21 September – St Neots Big Band
🌧 IF THE WEATHER ISN'T GREAT Please note: performances may be cancelled at short notice due to poor weather conditions.
So gather your friends and family and head to Riverside Park in St Neots – your Sundays just got a whole lot more musical!
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY Everyone is welcome. We have Access-i-belle, our accessible carriage, available for people who are unable to sit on our ride on coaches, e.g. for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility, so everyone can enjoy a ride on the railway.
🐶 DOGS Small dogs are welcome to travel on the train, but they must be held or able to sit on the carriage. All dogs must be on a lead.
📍 LOCATION We are located within the Riverside Park in St.Neots, just past the play park. PE19 7HD near the main car park.
🅿️ PARKING Parking is free on a Sunday, all other days any chargable.
🎠 Milton Keynes, Willen lake summer funfair is returning this Summer 2025. Free Entry.
🗓 2025 SUMMER DATES All the fun of the fair will be returning to Willen lake from the 24th July everyday until 17th August 2025.
🕐 TIMES ▪️Weekdays 1pm - 9pm ▪️Weekends 12pm - 10pm
🎡 WHAT TO EXPECT With new rides for 2025 there’s something for the whole family to enjoy so fetch your family to Milton Keynes favourite park for some summer fun! ✨️ Waltzer ✨️ Superstar ✨️ Miami ✨️ Dodgems ✨️ Twister ✨️ Orbiter ✨️ Giant Wheel ✨️ High Flyer ✨️ Midnight Express ✨️ Apple Coaster ✨️ LOADS Of Childrens Rides ✨️ Games & Stalls
🅿️ PARKING Plenty Of Onsite Parking (Fee's Apply).
🧒 Kids go for £1 throughout the 2025 summer holidays at our Steaming Days!
We have had some great feedback from doing this the last two years, as most places seem to be putting their prices up, so we thought we'd do it again this summer.
🗓 2025 DATES July 30th and August 3rd, 6th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 27th and 31st... Summer holiday Steaming Days are generally held on Wednesdays and Sundays from 30th July to 31st August 2025. There are only a couple of dates not included and that is because they are special event days.
🚂 WHAT IS A STEAMING DAY? Come and enjoy steam train rides, watch the model trains, ride the miniature railway, visit our huge Railway Museum and stunning Visitor Centre, plus you can see inside the Travelling Post Office carriages. There are 25 acres to explore! We also have a lovely café, gift shop and secondhand book shop. There's so much to see and do for a First Class day out with the kids this summer!
ℹ️ BOOKING DETAILS You can pre-book via the event link, but pre-booking is not required for these days out. If you have a season ticket, these days are included in your free entry.
💷 COST - NO BOOKING REQUIRED, JUST TURN UP ▪️£5 per person ▪️Family of up to 6 people for £20 ▪️Under 5 - Free ▪️We now accept cash or card.
🥪 FOOD & DRINK There are no refreshments for sale on-site, but you are welcome to bring a picnic :)
🐶 DOGS Sorry, no dogs allowed.
ℹ️ FOR MORE INFO Any questions, please contact Dan on the mobile below. The website also has more details via the event link. We also cater for private hire. ☎️ Phone: 07539 329039 📧 Email: hoohillmaze@hotmail.com
📍WHERE CAN I FIND YOU? You can find us on Hitchin Road on the way into Shefford.
⛱️ Our ever popular beach will be back on the Market Place for 6 weeks during the summer holidays! Running from 28th July until 31st August 2025, 10am until 4pm!
🪣 Sands, buckets and spades, music and deck chairs will turn this part of Hitchin into the seaside!
🪁 On 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟯 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 2025 the skies above Dunstable Downs will come alive with extraordinary displays of kites flying.
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT Feast your eyes on a sky filled with professional and local amateur, choreographed kite displays as well as a jaw-dropping 50-foot-long inflatable Chinese dragon – an aerial spectacle not to be missed.
And the excitement doesn’t stop in the sky. There will be plenty going on at ground level too:
🎨 Hands-on arts and crafts 🎯 Classic sideshow games 🪁 A “make your own kite” station 🎪 A circus skills area 📖 Magical storytime sessions for kids 🍜 Delicious food and drink stalls from around the globe
There’s something for the entire family to enjoy, so plan your visit to 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 and get ready to let your imagination fly.
🎧 Drum & Bass On The Bike is heading to MILTON KEYNES...
📍WHEN & WHERE? ▪️Sunday 3rd August 2025 ▪️Starting at 14:00HRS ▪️From STADIUM MK, Stadium Way, Bletchley, MK1 1ST.
🎉 This has been a long time coming (4 years) but I can finally say it's OFFICIALLY HAPPENING…
As always, anyone and any mode of transport are welcome and you can of course BRING YOUR OWN SPEAKER by simply hooking up to our online livestream wherever you are in the crowd. SEE YOU SUNDAY!!
🤩 ABOUT DOM WHITING Widely recognised as the 'DJ on the Bike', Dom Whiting took his high-energy drum and bass sets to the streets during lockdown — and hasn't stopped since. His unique blend of live DJing while cycling through city streets has attracted thousands of followers and crowds across Europe, turning everyday locations into spontaneous raves.
Dom has collaborated with major brands including Samsung and Three, using his platform to promote products and connect with audiences in an authentic and innovative way. His viral performances have been featured on LadBible, ITV, and the BBC, cementing his status as a standout figure in the live music and street culture scene.
🏴☠️ Step into the world of 1716, where the reign of George I brings peace to England, but all is not as calm as it seems. The Old Pretender’s bid for the throne has failed, but danger lurks in every corner of the kingdom! Coffee houses in London buzz with tales of piracy on the high seas, while England’s roads are plagued by ruthless highwaymen, footpads, and smugglers. Amidst it all, the forces of Law and Order are struggling to keep control.
⚔️ Meet The Crew of the Phoenix and discover the dangerous and thrilling world of 18th century outlaws. Watch daring sword fights, from gentlemanly duels to fierce cutlass battles. Feel the heat of battle as you witness the firepower of Redcoats and highwaymen. Want to get hands-on? Join our militia Sergeant and take part in an exciting musket drill!
ℹ️ Explore our Living History Camp and get a firsthand look at daily life in the early 1700s. Meet the highwaymen, poachers, and smugglers who shaped this turbulent time, and discover how they survived in a land where law and disorder were often one and the same.
📖 Don’t miss out on this unique, immersive experience! Immerse yourself in the stories and struggles of early 18th century England, and experience the thrill of history in action.
😌 SENSORY BACKPACK HIRE - FREE Sensory backpacks that include ear defenders are available to borrow from our ticket office. We only have a limited number, so please book one ahead of time or ask a member of staff about availability on the day. You will be asked to leave a small security deposit while you are using the backpack. Book here.
The museum also has a sensory trail and you can pick up a map from our ticket office.
🎸 Join us at Hertford Castle on Sunday 3rd August, from 12pm to 7pm, for a truly unmissable 20th anniversary celebration of Rock at the Castle – Hertford’s biggest free music festival!
We’re bringing you a dynamic line-up across multiple stages:
🎸 Main Stage – From a fresh new student band making their debut, to beloved local legends, expect high-energy performances and serious rock 'n' roll vibes.
🌿 Garden Stage – Looking for something a little more mellow? Head to our acoustic haven, where soloists and duos deliver intimate, laid-back sets in a stunning setting.
🎧 Island Stage – New for this year! Get ready for big beats and bold sounds as we welcome the very best local DJs and the freshest new rap and hip-hop acts. From underground rhythms to crowd-moving anthems, this is your go-to stage for all things bass-heavy and unforgettable.
💥 Whether you’ve been rocking with us since day one or it’s your first time, come celebrate 20 years of music, community, and unforgettable moments at Rock at the Castle.
Free entry | Family-friendly | Donations welcome in support of Hearts for Herts.
With thanks to event sponsors McMullen's Brewing & Pubs and Duffield Harrison LLP.
🧥 £1 Clothing Sale – This Weekend! We have some great pieces left over from our recent clothing sale, and this weekend everything will be available for just £1 each.
🗓 WHEN & WHERE? Join us inside the Chapel on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025. 10am–3pm, to browse what’s left and pick up some amazing bargains !
It’s a great way to shop sustainably and support our community at Emmaus Village Carlton ♻️
😍 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.
🪁 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.
💦 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.
👀 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.
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
🏡 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.
💕 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
🌳 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
