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Welcome to WhatsUpBeds.com. Your weekly guide to events, places and deals in and around Bedfordshire — curated so you never miss what matters.

🚣‍♂️ Dragon Boat Hire 2026 - Longholme Lake, Bedford


Time: 10:00 - 15:00

🚣‍♂️ Row a dragon boating at Longholme Lake in Bedford this 2026.

ℹ️ DETAILS
▪️Open every Saturday, Sunday & Bank holiday
▪️Book between 10am - 3pm
▪️Weather permitting

AGE:
All riders need to be 12 months or older to board. Children under 12 years only must wear a life vest, provided. To hire a boat on your own, you need to be over the age of 16.
Riders under the age of 16 must have consent given by a guardian who is with them. Said guardian will need to sign the hire agreement.

▪️HOW MANY PEOPLE PER BOAT?
4 people per boat, this number includes infants & smaller children.

🐶 ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Yes. Please clean up any hair and other dog related 'mess' before you get back to the jetty. Be sure you keep your dog on a lead for the duration of your hire. Wildlife such as swans have priority and should not be distressed by dogs. Life jackets for dogs are not available.

💳 DEPOSIT
A £10 deposit is required in addition on all tariffs. Dont be late back, damage or dirty the boat. Management reserve the right to decline boat hire without reason.

🎟 WALK IN PRICES
▪️30 minute hire: £20
▪️45 minute hire: £25
▪️60 minute hire: £30

🎫 PRE-BOOK PRICES - SAVE 25%
For the best rates, book direct and save 25% off walk in rates by booking on the website via the event link.

☕️ CAFÉ ONSITE - Click here for information about the Lakeside Kitchen. Dogs welcome.

🅿️ FIND US
Park for free on The Embankment for up-to 2 hours, The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 3QF. Alternative parking is available at Mill Meadows car park south of us, accessible via Longholme Way / Cardington Road roundabout. Access to the cafe is on foot / bike only. The route is step free and considered accessible by many.

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
📧 Email: hello@thelongholme.com

17 other events on this day

🚣‍♂️ Junior Learn to Row Course 2026 - Bedford


Time: 10:00 - 16:00 Price: £125.00

🚣‍♂️ Our Junior Holiday Learn to Row courses are a brilliant way for young people to try something new, get active, and gain confidence on the water.

🗓 2026 DATES
▪️
14th - 16th April
▪️25th - 28th May

Whether they’re brand new to rowing or looking to improve, our experienced coaches create a fun, supportive environment where juniors can learn the basics, develop skills, and enjoy being part of a team.

Why choose rowing this holiday?
✔ Learn a new sport
✔ Boost confidence & resilience
✔ Improve fitness outdoors
✔ Make new friends
✔ All equipment provided

Who can join?
• Secondary school age (11-18)
• Able to swim 50m in clothes
• Confident around water

📍 LOCATION
Based at Star Club Rowing, Poynters Boathouse, Bedford, MK40 1QS

🎟 BOOKING:
Places are limited during the holidays and tend to fill fast. Secure your place here.
Please get in touch if the costs are prohibitive. Free and subsidised places are available.

Give them a holiday that’s active, empowering and fun 🚣✨

ℹ️ BOOKING ENQUIRIES/CONTACT DETAILS
📧 Email:
captain@starclubrowing.co.uk
☎️ Phone: 01234 212070

🚂 Day Out With Thomas 2026 - Buckinghamshire Railway Centre


Time: 10:30 - 17:00

🚂 Thomas & Friends™ are back at The Buckingshire Railway Centre this 2026 with the Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour! All Aboard for a Rockin’ Good Time!

🗓 2026 DATES
▪️
Friday 3 April
▪️Saturday 4 April
▪️Sunday 24 May
▪️Monday 25 May
▪️Saturday 15 August
▪️Sunday 16 August
▪️Saturday 17 October
▪️Sunday 18 October

🕥 TIMES:

We are open from 10.30am until 5pm and Thomas runs short train rides all day long, approx. every 20 minutes from 11am-4.30pm (with a break for lunch).

🚂💨 EVENT DETAILS
Hop onboard a train ride with Thomas, a REAL steam engine, also ride with either Percy or Mavis and say hi to Trevor the Traction Engine! Meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy storytime and singalongs with him and Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty that’ll have the whole family dancing.

Enjoy a traction engine trailer ride, watch the exciting live shows, join in the Thomas & Friends character hunt, have fun with the garden games and keep the beat going in the Music Corner packed with music-inspired fun, plus so much more!

You can also ride our miniature railway, watch the model trains, wander the site and enjoy the tea cup rides – there so much to see and do ALL AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!

ℹ️ ACCESSIBILITY & DOG INFORMATION:
Click here

🎟 TICKET COST:
▪️
Family of 3 (1 adult & 2 children): £43.20
▪️Family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children: £63.72.l
▪️Adult: £20.90
▪️Child 2-17: £16.50
▪️Child Under 2: £0.00

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone: 01296 655720
📧 Email:
office@bucksrailcentre.org
Whats
Hot

🦆Bromham Mill Duck Race 2026


Time: 12:00 - 16:00

🦆 Bromham Mill Duck Race returns on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2026 for a fun family day by the river!

🌞 ABOUT...
Set in the lovely surroundings of Bromham Mill, this popular local event is always a great one for the community calendar, with exciting races, children’s fun and the chance to win some brilliant prizes.

Whether you’re entering a decorated duck, cheering on the business race or hoping to scoop a prize in the main event, this is a lovely way to spend the Bank Holiday in Bedfordshire.

🦆 DUCK RACES
There will be 3 races taking place during the event:
1️⃣ Race 1: Business Race – 1pm
(£50 pre purchased from PC office)
2️⃣ Race 2: Kid’s Decorate a Duck – 2pm
(£5 pre purchased from PC office)
3️⃣ Race 3: General Race – 3pm
(£1 per ticket, pre purchase or buy on the day, subject to availability)

😋 MARKET, FOOD & DRINK
Between races enjoy the lively artisan market and delicious street food vendors.

🎟 TICKETS FOR THE DUCK RACE
Duck race tickets are £1 each.
Buy in advance from the Parish Council Office or purchase at the event on the day.

🅿️ PARKING
Free limited parking

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS/ENQUIRIES
☎️ Phone:
07745 522 610

🚘 Car Show Bank Holiday Monday - The Red Lion, Upper Sundon


Time: 11:00

🚘 Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2026 there will be a Car Show at The Red Lion, Upper Sundon from 11am.

👍 DETAILS
All cars welcome and free entry!
Bar Open an Food Available!

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone:
01525 872792

🌳 Film: The Magic Faraway Tree (U) - Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre


Time: 14:00

📽 The Magic Faraway Tree follows a modern family—parents Polly (Claire Foy) and Tim (Andrew Garfield)—relocating to the remote English countryside.

The children discover an enchanted forest and a magical tree, leading to adventures in fantastical lands with characters like Moonface, Silky, and Saucepan Man.

🗓 2026 DATES
▪️Friday 16th May: 8pm
▪️Monday 25th May: 2pm

🎟 TICKET COST:
▪️Full Price: £8.95
For wheelchair and companion tickets, please contact the box office on:
0300 300 8125, 10am-12pm Tue, Thu or Fri or 45 mins before any show..
▪️U16: £7.70
Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for children under the age of 3, providing they sit on an adult's lap.
▪️Concessions: £7.70
Concession rates apply to senior citizens (over 60) registered unemployed and students in full time education. If you are unable to click on the menu for concession prices, please update or try another browser, or call the box office on:
0300 300 8125.
Row A: £7.55
Row A is nearest the screen and could cause you to look up for an extended time. The view of the screen is not obstructed in any way.

🚂 Summerfield Miniature Railway 2026 - Haynes


Time: 10:30 - 16:00

🚂 Summerfields’ Miniature Railways system, is located in the open countryside near Haynes. The railways (there are three track systems at the Summerfields’ site) are a popular visitor destination for children and parents alike.

🕥 TIMES
Trains depart Haynes End between 10:30 and 15:45 (approx.), trains leaving Haynes End after 15:45 will not stop at Hammer Hill. We close at 16:00.

🛤 JOURNEY INFORMATION
The Summerfield Line will take you between Haynes End Station and Hammer Hill Station.

At Hammer Hill you will have the option of taking a ride on two more of our railways - The Springfield Line from platform 2 and The Winterfield Line from platform 3 - tickets for both are sold at Hammer Hill.

🥪 FOOD & DRINK
The picnic area at Hammer Hill will also be open for you to use, from where you will be able to watch the Garden Line in operation.
                     
ℹ️ 🌧  IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Except where indicated you do not need to book in advance, merely "turn-up and go". The operation of all railways is subject to the availability of volunteers to run them and the prevailing weather conditions. We do try to run even when the weather is not at its best, but will have to cease operations should conditions dictate.

🎟 TICKET COST:
▪️Summerfields Railway (return ticket from Haynes End to Hammer Hill): £3.00
▪️Springfield Line: £2.00
▪️Winterfield Line (the raised track): £2.00

Card payment is preferred but we do still accept real money!

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone:
07498 869902
📧 Email:
Click here
📘 Facebook:
Summer Fields Miniature Railways

🎉 Huntingdon Racecourse Family Fest 2026


Time: 12:00

🎉 Join Huntingdon Racecourse on May Bank Holiday Monday 23rd May 2026 for our Family Fest as we celebrate the Season Finale!

🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT
Enjoy a fun-filled day with a kids’ festival theme and plenty of excitement for all the family.

✨️Shetland Pony Racing
✨️Face Painting
✨️Bouncy Castles
✨️Inflatable Assault Course
✨️Pony Hopper
✨️Fairground Stalls
✨️Bubbleologist
✨️Live Music from Sweet and Sour

🗓 SCHEDULE 
▪️Gates Open at 12pm
▪️Shetland Pony Race 1pm
▪️First Race at 2pm
▪️Last Race at 4.52pm
▪️Sweet and Sour 5.30pm
 
FAQ's
ACCESSIBILITY

🎟 SAVE MONEY WITH ONLINE TICKETS:

▪️Family Package: £28.00
2 Adult Tickets and up to 4 Children. Activity Package for Children Included.

▪️Adult: £15.00


▪️Under 18s go free! Bring the children along for a day packed with free activities and after-racing entertainment.

🎶 Bank Holiday Garden Party at The Jolly, Coopers - May 2026


Time: 13:00 - 17:00

🍻 The weather is looking GREAT for Bank Holiday Monday 25 May 2026 so join us in the garden at The Jolly Coopers for an afternoon of sunshine, music and good vibes.

🎶 EVENT DETAILS
DJ Carly C - a Jolly Coopers favourite from 1PM – 5PM

Cold drinks, great music and the perfect excuse for a bank holiday get together. Bring your friends, grab a drink and make the most of the sunshine with us!

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone: 01525 862777
📧 Email: jollycoopers@outlook.com

🌳 Rushmere Nature Rubbing Trail - May 2026


Time: 09:00 - 16:00 Price: £3.00

🌳 Making plans for May half term 2026? Why not come to Rushmere for some good old fashioned fun!

🗓 2026 DATES & TIMES
▪️
23rd May - 31st May 2026

🕘 OPENING TIMES:
▪️
Cafe: 8am - 4pm
▪️Visitor Centre: 9am - 5pm
▪️Rubbing Trail: 9am - 4pm
▪️Site: 8am - 8pm

ℹ️ EVENT DETAILS
Our nature rubbing trail features native animals, fun facts and encourages young ones to walk in nature whilst getting creative with crayons.

Come to the visitor centre for your trail and crayons, and then show a visitor services team member your completed trail to get a sticker. Please note that this trail does extend beyond our most accessible paths. If you have any concerns please do ask when picking up your trail.

Not only does this offer a fun time for the family, it also raises vital funds for the environmental charity who run Rushmere, namely The Greensand Trust.

💳 COST: £3.00

🅿️ PARKING
Parking charges apply.

🎤 Live Music on the Jetty - The Kingfisher, Bedford


Time: 14:00 - 16:30

🌞 As the days get longer and the river does its thing, we’re bringing live music to The Jetty at The Kingfisher every bank holiday weekend in 2026

🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT
Pull up a chair, order something cold, and let the music drift over the water as the evening rolls in. Whether you’re settling in for a long lazy afternoon or catching the sunset after dinner, there’s no better spot to soak it all in.

🗓 2026 DATES
▪️Sunday 24th May
: 2-4:30pm –
Laura Menozzi
▪️Monday 25th May: 2-4:30pm –
Benny Guitar
▪️Saturday 29th August: 1-3:30pm –
Blake Baker
▪️Sunday 30th August: 2-4:30pm –
Amy Gray & Steve Jones
▪️Monday 31st August: 2-4:30pm –
Laura Menozzi

🍽 WANT TO EAT?
Why not make a night of it and book a table for lunch/dinner? Book a Table

🌧 WHAT IF THE WEATHER ISN'T GREAT?
Of course, we’re in England — so if the weather has other ideas, we’ll bring the party inside and keep the good times going whatever the skies decide.

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone: 01234 270044

🛥 🎶 Boxmoor Canal Weekend and Floating Market 2026


Time: 10:00 - 19:00

🚣‍♂️ Boxmoor's canal weekend is held over the last bank holiday weekend in May 2026. Fishery Wharf Café will a weekend of live music alongside the colourful Herts Roving Canal Traders three-day floating boat market, situated between Fishery Lock and Old Fishery Lane Bridge. FREE ENTRY!

🗓 2026 DATES & TIMES
▪️
Saturday 23rd - Monday 25th May
▪️Floating Market: 10am - 5pm
▪️Live music from: 12pm - 7pm

🎶 WHAT TO EXPECT

Come along to listen to the music, sample the delicious café food and freshly made to order pizza, enjoy a drink from our licensed bar and stroll along the canal, soaking up the colour' and atmosphere of the 3 day floating market as you peruse and purchase some beautiful gifts and handmade items.

Three days of Blues, Folk & Roots music performed on the canal-side open-air stage at Fishery Wharf Café Canal Lock, This is an ideal event for families and an excellent chance for children to see some first-class music. The full 3-day music line up below.

ℹ️ FISHERY WHARF CAFE
🗓 Saturday 23rd May
▪️12.00 – Bluejam Acoustic – Indie Folk Originals
▪️13.00 – Rain Of Animals – Bluegrass, Oldtime, Swing
▪️14.00 – Around About Dusk – New Orleans Jazz, Folk, Roots And Blues
▪️15.00 – Blue Fingers – Classic Blues
▪️16.00 – The ZML Band – Classic Acoustic Covers
▪️17.00 – Callum Granger – Acoustic Folk Blues
▪️18.00 – Shane Lamont & Friends – Classic Covers

🗓 Sunday 24th May - Live Music
▪️12.00 – Lauren May
▪️12.20 – Ed Coan – Acoustic Originals
▪️13.00 – Brixton Hicks – Rootsy Americana
▪️14.00 – The Rosellys – Americana Country Blues
▪️15.00 – Billy Watman – Classical Guitar & Loop Box
▪️16.00 – The Thumping Tommy’s – Americana Bluegrass
▪️17.00 – The Rosellys – Americana Country Blues
▪️18.00 – Sweet Cornbread – Americana, Dub Folk Rootsy Blues

🗓 Monday 25th May - Live Music
▪️12.00 – Pete Calow All Stars
▪️13.00 – The Blue Hokum Boys – Early Blues
▪️14.00 – Ed Hicks And His Hot Cow Licks – Western Swing
▪️15.00 – Marky Dawson – Piano Man Classics
▪️16.00 – Dino Baptiste – Boogie Woogie Blues Piano & Drums Duo
▪️17.00 – Kaspar & The Swamp Dogs – Hell-Billy Blues
▪️18.00 – 11.00 Open Mic Hosted By Shane Lamont (Indoors)

🅿️ PARKING
Parking - Please park responsibly, parking in side streets outside our neighbours driveways doesn't help anybody!! Please walk to the event where possible. You can park at the Station Car Park, charges apply.

🌸 Peony Flower Picking 2026- Secret Farm, Moggerhanger


Time: 10:00 - 16:00

🌸 Step into a sea of colour this weekend and enjoy our beautiful Pick Your Own Peony Experience at The Secret Farm, Moggerhanger.

💐 EVENT DETAILS
Wander through the fields, choose your favourite blooms, and create your own perfect bunch to take home (extra charge to entry)

Make a full day of it with fun for the whole family:
🚜 Go-karts, mini tractors & balance bikes (included)
🏖️ Sand pit & play areas (included)
🚂 Barrel train rides (£3pp)
🏰 Bouncy castles (£3pp

🍟FOOD & DRINK
Tasty treats from our Dutch kitchen and our farm kitchen serving your favourites.

🎟 ENTRY TICKET COST:
▪️Age 3 and above: £5.00
▪️Under 3: Free
▪️Book your tickets via the event link.

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
📧 Email: hello@thesecret.farm

🏊‍♂️ Hitchin Outdoor Swimming Pool 2026


Time: 08:00 - 18:00

🏊‍♂️ At Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre is the fabulous 50m heated lido. What better way to enjoy those sun-filled summer days than with a dip in an outdoor pool?

🗓 OUTDOOR OPENING TIMES
▪️Lane swimming: From 8am
▪️Public swimming: 9am - 1pm
▪️Public swimming: 2pm - 6pm

(Check the app for updated times & availability)

💦 ABOUT
There’s both a smaller, shallower pool for kids to enjoy, while the larger pool is ideal for both leisure and lane swimming. You don’t have to wait until the sun’s out, either. A bracing outdoor swim will do you the world of good – whatever the weather!

✅️ Cafe
✅️ Outdoor play area

🎟 TICKET COST:
▪️
Adult: £8.00
▪️Junior: £4.00
▪️Senior: £4.00
▪️Consession: £4.00

ℹ️ BOOKING INFO
Download the Everyone Active App if you haven't already and book in advance to guarantee a space.

🅿️ PARKING
Free parking on Sundays and bank holidays.
Parking charges apply at other times. You can view them here.

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone:
01492 441646

🐮 May Half Term Fun 2026 at Ardeley Farm, Hertfordshire (camping options)


Time: 09:00 - 17:00

🐑 May Half Term 2026 fun at Church Farm Ardeley! Dogs welcome & free parking. Make a day of it  or stay for the weekend!

🐷 WHAT TO EXPECT
Looking for something fun to do this half term? Come and enjoy a full day of family activities at Church Farm, Ardeley from 23rd–31st May 2026.

Included in your Farm Day Pass:
• New Rabbit Walkway
• Woodland Play
• Teddy Bear Hunt
• Meet cows, sheep, pigs, goats & more!

Extra Experiences:
• Egg Collecting*
• Goat Walking Experience*
(*Pre-book online)

Farm Café & Shop Open Daily Breakfasts, lunches & teas served all day.

⛺️ STAY THE NIGHT (OPTIONAL)
Camping, glamping cabins & bell tents available. Click here for more info.

🎟 TICKET COST: FROM £5.95
▪️Under 2s go FREE
▪️Book tickets in advance via thr event link.

ℹ️ CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Phone: 01438 861 447
📧 Email: info@churchfarmardeley.co.uk

🔥 The Hellfire Caves - West Wycombe


Time: 10:00 - 16:00

🔥The Hellfire Caves are totally unique and spectacular! Built in the 18th century, journey deep underground into the heart of the Chiltern Hills.

♿️ WHEELCHAIR & PUSHCAHIRS
Please note due to the nature of the caves and the width of the tunnels, the Hellfire Caves are unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs We do however provide pushchair parking and baby slings for your convenience.

🅿️ PARKING
There is very limited parking at the caves but we have a 200 space car park located a short 5 minute walk away at:
📍Chorley Road, West Wycombe, HP14 3AP

🎟 TICKET COST:

▪️Adult: £9.50
▪️Child under 16: £8.00
▪️Child under 2: Free
▪️3 Person family: £21.00
▪️4 Person family: £30.00
▪️OAP: £8.00
▪️National Trust Member: £8.00

ℹ️ ENQUIRIES
☎️ Phone: 01494 533739
📧 Email: caves@westwycombeestate.co.uk

🐛 Nature Trail at Jordans Mill - May 2026


Time: 09:30 - 15:30 Price: £4.00

🐛 Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for 10 hidden animals and insects along the way at Jordans Mill. Can you match each one to the home where it belongs?

▪️Dates:
23rd May – 31st May 2026
▪️Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

🔎 EVENT DETAILS
Wildlife is all around us, but did you know insects and birds needs homes just like we do? From cosy birds nests to wooden homes, animals and insects need safe places to stay warm and raise their families.  And now it's your turn to become a wildlife explorer. 
 
✨️Follow the clues
✨️Answer fun questions
✨️Discover amazing wildlife habitats
 
Complete your trail sheet and return it at the end to earn a prize!

☕️ THE CAFE
If you are feeling hungry there is also a cafe onsite at a scenic location overlooking the river. Check the menu out here:
 
🎟 NO NEED TO BOOK - £4
£4 per child (includes a prize!)
No need to book— just pop into the Mill Shop, grab your trail sheet and let the adventure begin!  

🎠 Smiths Funfair, May/June 2026 - Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead


Time: 12:00 - 21:00

🎡 The excitement is back! Smiths Funfair returns to Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead this Spring Bank Holiday 2026. The park will be transformed into a hub of thrills, laughter, and classic fairground entertainment.

🗓 2026 DATES
▪️Saturday 23rd May - Sunday 7th June

🕛 OPENING TIMES
▪️Mon – Sat: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
▪️Sun: 12:00pm – 7:00pm

Note: Between 1st–4th June, we open at the special time of 4:00pm – 9:00pm.

💥 UNLIMITED WRIST BAND DATES
🗓 Wednesday 27th May 2026
🗓 Saturday 6th June 2026
🎟 £10 for those under 1m tall
🎟 £15 for those over 1m
▪️Sessions: 12pm–3pm, 3pm–6pm, or 6pm–8pm.

💳 TOKEN COST
Tailor your visit to your budget with individual ride tokens starting at just £1.00. Frequent riders can take advantage of our bulk deals:
🪙 Pay £20 and get 25 tokens
🪙 Pay £40 and get 50 tokens

ℹ️ KEEP UPDATED
Incase of any unexpected closures, please check on the Facebook page via the event link.