🏐 Launching at 17 historic sites, join us at Wrest Park from 19 July - 31 August 2025, for some fun and silliness for all the family to get stuck into.
Enjoy a wide range of hilarious tasks and side-splitting shenanigans. Collect your Taskmaster score card and complete your tasks. Celebrate your silliness with some selfie shots when you reach the finishing zone.
Wrest Park
🌞 EVENT DETAILS It’s all fun and games at Wrest Park this summer, with loads of activities for the whole family to get stuck into.
We’ve partnered with TV’s Taskmaster to set you silly challenges as you explore. Collect your Taskmaster score card and complete your tasks. There might be a rubber duck or two to spot on the way too. Celebrate your silliness with some selfie shots when you reach the finishing zone.
Please note: Alex and the Taskmaster team sadly won’t be doing the tasks with you … which does mean you’re in charge. Questionable. But exciting.
Plus, aim for a hole in one with mini golf, and use your imagination to build your own nature themed play structure.
🎟 BOOKING
Book early and save 15%.This event is included in the standard entry price. Your admission price will depend on the day you want to visit. Find out more about our pricing.
▪️Adult: From £17.20 ▪️Children (5 - 17): From £10.90 ▪️Under 5: Free entry ▪️Senior 65+: From £15.90 ▪️Student: From £15.90 ▪️Family with 1 adult & upto to 3 children: From £28.60 ▪️Family with 2 adults & upto to 3 children: From £46.30 ▪️Essential Companion: Free
✨️ MEMBERS - FREE Members get free entry. If you’re a member, you’ll also need to bring your membership card. You can only use the member rate for people included in your membership. FAQ❓️
☕️THE CAFE & SHOP Feeling peckish? Head to the Wrest Park café with its selection of delicious hot and cold meals and snacks, including a homemade soup of the day and freshly made sandwiches.
Take inspiration from history at the shop where you can pick up jams and chutneys, wines, beers, books, garden gifts and more.
🏛️ Exhibition: Roger W. Martin – A Collection In The Basement at Bunyan Gallery, John Bunyan Museum, Bedford.
🗓 EXHIBITION DATES & TIMES ▪️24th July – 30th August 2025 ▪️Tuesday to Saturday ▪️11am – 4pm
📚 WHAT'S ON DISPLAY? A special exhibition showcasing the lifetime collection of Roger W. Martin, featuring: ✨️ Rare books, including The Pilgrim’s Progress and Holy War ✨️ Historic pictures and objects connected to John Bunyan and his works
📖 TRIBUTE TO A DEVOTED COLLECTOR Roger W. Martin, who passed away 25 years ago, was known for his passion for Bunyan’s legacy—he always carried a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress with him. This exhibition honours his devotion and the generous donation of his collection to the museum in 2000.
🏛 Step into the world of John Bunyan when you visit the delightful village of Elstow, Bedfordshire.
🗓 OPENING TIMES ▪️April - October ▪️Open Saturdays only ▪️1pm - 4pm 🏛 MOOT HALL Wander onto the village green and discover Moot Hall - a registered Ancient Monument. This delightful 15th century timber-framed building is unique, being the only known combined manor courthouse & market hall to have been built in Britain by a nunnery.
As well as Bunyan-related items, Moot Hall houses a collection of 17th century furniture and various small exhibitions, including beautiful Bedfordshire lace-making. (Which you can purchase here.) Moot Hall is run by a small team of volunteers, all of whom are knowledgeable about its history, so don't hesitate to ask them questions.
▪️PLEASE NOTE: Cash only in the shop.
💷 ADMISSION There is no admission fee for individuals and families. Instead, we invite you to leave a donation, at the end of your visit, for whatever amount you feel your visit was worth. 🤔 WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? Bring the family, perhaps have a picnic on the green. Follow that with a stroll around the ancient timber-framed buildings on Elstow's High Street and the Abbey church and ruins of the former Benedictine nunnery. Then round off your visit with a cuppa at the delightful Elstow Tea Garden or at Elstow Post Office's Cottage Tea Room or the Red Lion Pub (A Sizzling pub).
♿️ DISABLED ACCESS There is one parking space at Moot Hall exclusively reserved for Blue Badge Holders. Access to the upper floor of Moot Hall is via a flight of fairly steep stairs but there is a chair-lift. There are some raised beams in the downstairs floor which you will need to be able to step over and one bay may not be accessible to wider wheelchairs. Sorry, but Moot is, after all, an authentic medieval building!
🅿️ CAR PARKING There is a small car park adjacent to Moot Hall - onlyfor people visiting the museum. - and this may be accessed from Church End. There are also three spaces in a small lay-by on Church End, opposite Moot Hall. Also at the Abbey Church, which is at the western end of Church End, and a large car park at The Red Lion Pub.
⛱️ If you’re searching for the best family-friendly summer day out in Milton Keynes, you’re in luck! The Beach at centre:mk inside Middleton Hall (Opposite John Lewis) is back, better than ever, and bringing all the seaside fun to the heart of the city. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the day, you won’t want to miss out on this urban beach adventure!
✅️ FREE ENTRY! ✅️ RAINY DAY IDEA ✅️ DECK CHAIRS
🗓 WHEN? ▪️8th August – 31st August 2025 ▪️Mon-Fri: 9:30am-6pm ▪️Sat: 9am-7pm ▪️Sun:10:30am-6pm ▪️Monday 25th Aug: to 10:30am - 6pm.
🤩 EVERY TUESDAY - PUNCH & JUDY 🤩 EVERY THURSDAY - FACE - PAINTING
⛱️ THINGS TO DO AT THE BEACH 🐚 Build sandcastles and paddle your feet in the sand 🐚 Enjoy classic fairground rides like teacups, trampolines, and mini rollercoasters 🐚 Grab tasty treats – from ice cream and candyfloss to burgers and slushies 🐚 Join free entertainment including live music, games, and kids’ shows (check the centre:mk events calendar!)
⛱️ 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!
🤔 WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? The farm is free entry with pigs to see, a play area, sandpit and a cafe. Their are also paid activities for children to enjoy at a low cost such as; (Keep an eye on the website for updates & price changes)
🤸♀️JUMPING PILLOWS ▪️£3 per hour
🏎 GO-KARTS ▪️£1.50 per go, ▪️£5 for five goes.
⛳CRAZY GOLF ▪️£6 per adult ▪️£3 per child
🐕 DOGS Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but you have to keep them on leads and out of the polytunnels.
☕ CAFE The cafe serves teas, coffees and light snacks and ice cream. They have a large children’s adventure play area including a zip wire and a haystack, and the play area is overlooked from the cafe so you can keep an eye on your little or not so little ones!
🍓 The Strawberry Café Opening times ▪️Monday to Friday open at 8am ▪️Saturday - 7am (carboot day) ▪️Sunday - 9am ▪️Breakfast served until 11.30
🚗 U-boot is open every Saturday morning (weather dependent) in Baldock.
🛍 BUYERS INFORMATION ▪️Time: From 7:00am ▪️Entry: Free ▪️Parking: Free
🚘 SELLERS INFORMATION ▪️Time: From 6:30am ▪️Pitch: £10.00 ▪️Payment: Card or cash payments for pitches.
🚮 No bins, take all your rubbish home with you.
💖 CHARITY STALLS We believe that it is our responsibility to re-pay the community for all the support we’ve enjoyed over 25 years. So we have always made it our responsibility to help charities with a special offer. We don’t give money but help them to help themselves by giving them a very special deal on the price of a pitch. We particularly like having the smaller charities with us. For instance every year a husband and wife raise money for a special school to have an outing and any money left over is used towards much-needed equipment. Speak to one of our team, or phone us on 07852 70 70 74.
🗺 HOW TO FIND US You can find us on the A507 just outside of Baldock. Coming from the A1 take the second exit from the ‘Tesco’ roundabout, follow this road to the next roundabout and then turn right. We are on the right just up the road. 📍For Sat navs use SG7 6RD which will bring you close enough to the field.
🎪 Cirquoise is coming to Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon this August 2025!
🗓 2025 CIRCUS DATES & TIMES ▪️Thursday 14th August - Sunday 31st August ▪️Closed Monday's ▪️Times: 11am, 3pm with additional time of 6pm on Sundays ▪️The show lasts 70 minutes
🎫 CIRCUS TICKET COST - £8.50 (Under 2's are FREE)
💡 WUB TIP - WOWCHER (SAVE MONEY) You can find tickets for the circus on Wowcher at a discounted price for only £5.00. These tickets are only on certain dates & times. Available on 16th, 23rd, and 30th August 2025 at 6 PM. Click here for Wowcher tickets.
🦁 ARETHE ZOO TICKETS INCLUDED? No you will need to purchase zoo tickets when you are there. The costs for these are:
▪️Adult: £5.50 ▪️Child: £4.50 ▪️3 & under go free
🗓 ZOO OPENING TIMES ▪️TUESDAY - SATURDAY: 10 am to 5:30 pm ▪️SUNDAY: 10 am to 4:30 pm
🎟 BOOKING CIRCUS TICKETS For circus tickets you can purchase them on the website via the event link.
🎊 Join in on August Bank Holiday Weekend 2025 for 3 days of live music, epic street food and good vibes. Get ready to dance to your favourite bands and discover new music from up-and-coming artists and chow down on lots of new and exciting Streetfood and Artisan Crafts from the best vendors in Hertfordshire.
Goatfest Spiritual Wellness will be back for 2025 and included as part of your ticket price. As well as this they've got Kids Cinema and Tiny Tots Dance Club included too - making Goatfest the perfect family-friendly event to look forward to this summer!
Goatfest is about celebrating music and having a good time with friends and family. Don't miss out on the chance to be there!
🗓 FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST LINE UP Al Casey & Scullydad / Rachel Early / Althea Grace / Nell King / Mr Rainmaker / The Soul Strutters / The Dominoes / Swanvesta Social Club / Amellia Brown / The Scallywags 🎟 TICKETS COST: From £0.00 - £32.10
🗓 SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST LINEUP Alex Francis / LIVE WIRE The Ultimate ACDC Show / Gasoline Alley / James Stephen & The Good Ones / Geeman / Iris & Steel / Swamp Stomp Swing Band / Wendy Woo / Bryony Dunn & The Forest / Bradley Jago / Tim Gerard / Jump 66 / The London Rock Collective / The Country Music Experience / Amber Lilly / Allergy / Saint Boy / Codicote Community Choir 🎟 TICKETS COST: £0.00 - £51.30
🏕 CAMPING FROM 3PM Camping is from £27.00 per person Camping FAQ click here.
🅿️ PARKING Car parking is £5 for Friday and £8 per day for Saturday or Sunday. A weekend parking pass is £12 (for campers it's £10). This charge applies to everyone parking onsite at Goatfest (campers and and glampers included).
ℹ️ INFORMATION All of the information terms & conditions can be found in the website via the event link.
🚣♂️ Canal Boats Bring Colour to Milton Keynes This August Bank Holiday 2025.
🗓 2025 DATES & TIMES ▪️Saturday 23rd - Monday 25th August ▪️10am - 5pm
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT Get ready for a unique shopping experience this August Bank Holiday! The Roving Canal Traders Association's Floating Market is bringing a splash of colour and a treasure trove of goodies to the Grand Union Canal.
From 10am to 5pm each day, the canal between Blue Bridge and Childs Way Bridge, near Campbell Wharf, will be abuzz with narrowboats selling a delightful array of wares.
Milton Keynes, a new town built in the 1960s, is intertwined with the Grand Union Canal, a vital transport link during the industrial revolution. Today, the canal offers a scenic backdrop for leisure and recreation.
📍 LOCATION Grand Union Canal Towpath from Blue Bridge 82 towards Bridge 82A Childs Way Milton Keynes, Bucks.
ℹ️ KEEP UPDATED Follow the Facebook page to keep updated.
🎠 STANLEY THURSTONS FUNFAIR IS COMING TO WARDOWN PARK IN LUTON THIS AUGUST HALF TERM 2025!
🗓 AUGUST2025 DATES (Open 1pm - 9pm 💥Friday 22nd August 2025 ▪️Saturday 23rd August 2025 ▪️Sunday 24th August 2025 ▪️Monday 25th August 2025 💥Thursday 28th August 2025 ▪️Friday 29th August 2025 ▪️Saturday 30th August 2025 ▪️Sunday 31st August 2025
💥LUTON2025DISCOUNT DAYS! ▪️Friday 22nd August ▪️Thursday 28th August 2025 ▪️All rides only 2 tokens (excludes bungees)!
TOKEN COST 🎫 1 Token = £1.20 🎫 10 Tokens = £10.00
💳 ENTRY: £2.00
KEEP UPDATED INCASE OF ANY CHANGES Keep updated on the Facebook via the event link.
🎊 It’s going to be a blast this bank holiday weekend at The White Swan in Dunstable!! Tons of stuff for you guys to enjoy - may as well bring your beds!
🎤 Thursday 21st August 2025 - 7.30pm With one of the best karaokes around with our one and only Paul biz 7.30pm Props - prizes & piss ups!
🎧 Friday 22nd August from - 7.00pm The one & only NICKY EDWARDS - playing the tracks we all love to get you up & dancing - drinks deals & food available
🎧 Saturday 23rd August 2025 -3.00pm our favourite resident DJ - mr Saunders in the garden from 3pm along side some seriously sizzling chicken bowls & all things halloumi - with drinks deals galore!
♨️ Sunday 24th August 2025 - 3.00pm We have our lovely Joe & kirsty in the garden from 3pm - 7pm £20 per person - kids in mind fundraiser ! Your BBQ food is included 👌 📲 Phone/WhatsApp:07702 999384
♨️ Monday 25th August 2025 - 2:00pm Our big beast of a BBQ SHINDIG! Let’s carry on and dance in the garden with our Saunders playing summer bangers - tons of cheeper drinks - and a right old summer partttttttyyyyyy!!!
🌹 Lussmanns new walled garden in Woburn is the perfect place to spend a sunny Friday evening or a lazy Saturday.
🍕 WHAT FOOD? Choose from three pizzas – all thin and crisp and cooked in our wood-fired oven. All are made with the very best San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella made up the road in Bedford. The charcuterie is of course organic, from our friends at Haye Farm in Devon who also supply the delicious lamb and beef for our burgers. The veggie burger is a stunning stack of halloumi, mushroom and pepper. It’s time for a slice of summer.
🗓 DAYS & TIMES Weather permitting, join us from 4pm on Fridays and from 12pm on Saturdays in the Walled Garden in Woburn. Please check our socials for updates, the garden will be walk-in only unless reserved for a private event.
🎊 Icklefest returns to Ickleford's beautiful village green. Over the course of the August Bank Holiday Weekend we welcome you to a family friendly festival of music, food and fun - a good old fashioned English Village Festival - Icklefest 2025!
🗓 2025 DATES & TIMES ▪️Saturday 23 August 2025 ▪️Sunday 24 August 2025 ▪️10am 9pm
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT ▪️LIVE MUSIC ▪️BBQ ▪️CRAFT STALLS ▪️FISH'N'CHIPS ▪️COFFEE ▪️ICKLEFORD'S STRONGEST MAN! ▪️ENTERTAINMENT ICE CREAM ▪️RAFFLE TOMBOLA ▪️BOUNCY CASTLE ▪️CHARITY STALLS ▪️CAR BOOT SALE ON SUNDAY ▪️PLUS lots lots more...
🍰 Cream Teas at St Katharine’s Church ▪️Saturday: 2:00–4:30 PM ▪️Sunday: 1:00–4:30 PM
🎵 Saturday 23 August – Main Stage 12:00–1:00 PM – Graham Ellis 2:00–3:00 PM – Ben Kempston 3:00 PM – Family Game 4:00–5:00 PM – David Williams 6:00 PM – Family Game 7:00–9:00 PM – The Blues Brothers
🎶 Sunday 24 August – Main Stage 12:30–1:00 PM – The Scott Duo 1:00–2:00 PM – Singing Butcher 2:00–3:00 PM – Matthew Zilch 3:00 PM – Family Game 4:00–5:00 PM – Micky P 6:00 PM – Family Game 6:30 PM – 🎟️ Raffle Draw 7:00–9:00 PM – Norton Splinter
🎊 Whether you're here for the music, the games, or the cream teas, Icklefest promises a weekend full of fun, flavor, and fantastic vibes.
🎊 Run by volunteers, 2025’s Woburn Sands Festival, to be held on August 22nd to 24th promises to be even bigger and better than last year! This free event is full of food, music and fun!
🎶 VENUES ACROSS WOBURN SANDS 100+ acts will play across five venues throughout Woburn Sands: 📍Main Stage: The Main Stage is located near the railway station at The Rec, where families can also find a multitude of stalls, food outlets, bars and other attractions. 📍The Weathercock Inn 📍The Coal Hatch 📍The Swan 📍Fir Tree Inn
🗓 MAIN STAGE - SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST 12:30 PM - Rock Chorus | Rock Pop Choir 1:00 PM - Crossroots | 60's, 70's, 80's dance 2:00 PM - Solarzone | 80's 3:00 PM - Soul Fever | Soul C 4:00 PM - Lost without Cause | Alternative pop-punk O 5:00 PM - Streetlight | Pop, soul, Motown, funk, country 6:00 PM - Lanterne Rouge | Rock n Pop 7:00 PM - Talkin’ Loud | Funk, Soul & R&B 8:00 PM - Dirty Lotus | Classic
🗓 MAIN STAGE - SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 1:00 PM - Sidewinder | Classic Rock 2:00 PM - Disco 3000 | Britpop 3:00 PM - Tess & the Durbervilles | Pop 4:00 PM - SIZENINE | Rock pop 5:00 PM - Roberts Family Band | Pop 6:00 PM - Old Dogs New Tricks | Rock, Pop, Soft Rock, 70's-now 7:00 PM - The Estrella’s | Rock, Pop, Indie, Party, 60's-present 8:00 PM - Danny Gracelands | Elvis
ℹ️ FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit the website via the event link.
😍 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
Wrest Park
