⚽️ Football is back in Dunstable with a brand new Thursday night 6-a-side league at Houstone School, run by Leisure Leagues — the world’s largest provider of small-sided football.
This is a fun, friendly, and competitive league for adults of all abilities. Whether you have a full squad ready to go or you’re an individual looking to join a team, we’ll get you playing straight away.
🤭 Phil has been getting better at comedy since March 1987. One of these days he may just get it right. Until then Phil just keeps trying. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try your best. This is a tour of Phil, trying his best!
🎤 When you think Reggae, there is only one name that comes to your mind. The legend that was Bob Marley. Legend, the music of Bob Marley is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show extravaganza. Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, and a supremely talented cast.
ℹ️ ABOUT Together they recreate the timeless hits Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Satisfy My Soul, Iron Lion Zion, I Shot the Sheriff and many more reggae classics.
This two-hour rasta spectacular, showcasing the magic of Marley, will leave audiences on a natural high. Legend – The Music of Bob Marley captures the charisma and culture of an icon gone too soon. This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
🎟 TICKETS & PRICES: £34.00 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.
🗓 2025/2026 DATES Sunday 28th December 2025 until the 31st January 2026 kids go for just a quid with every paying adult or senior at Mead Open Farm! Closing early New Years Eve with last entry at 3pm, closing at 4pm. Closed New Years Day (1st Jan 2026)
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT Meet animals including our newborn goat kids, take part in animal activities, run wild in our huge indoor play area and explore acres of outdoor play!
ℹ️ BOOKING DETAILS One free child ticket with per paying adult or senior. Must pre-book online to redeem offer. Not applicable on the door. Not applicable for memberships Book Tickets. Find out more and book your tickets 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+) - £9.35/ £8.50 ▪️CHILD (3-15 YEARS) - £4.95 / £4.50 ▪️UNDER 3 - Free
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💡 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/
🌳 Outdoor nature play has many proven benefits for pre-schoolers. It supports their development, stimulates their senses, improves creativity, and boosts immunity.
👶 AGE: Under 5's
🗓 DAY & TIME ▪️Thursday's ▪️10:00am - 10:50am
That’s why our Outdoor Learning Team runs Tree Tots, a weekly 50-minute nature play session that enables you and your little ones to join in all kinds of outdoor fun alongside other children, parents and carers.
👩🍳 WHAT TO EXPECT Tree Tots offers a range of seasonal activities designed just for under-5s. You’ll get to join in all kinds of fun things that connect you and your little one with nature – from ‘cooking’ in mud kitchens, balancing on ropes and swinging in hammocks to playing with water, exploring the woods and collecting natural treasure.
📍WHERE/WHEN IT TAKES PLACE Taking place in a dedicated area of Howe Park Wood every Thursday at 10am (Winter) or 10am and 11am (Summer).
🌧 WEATHER INFORMATION Tree Tots takes place in all weathers (unless it’s very extreme) because we believe that children should have the opportunity to experience the wild outdoors – whether that’s rain, wind, sun or snow. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather.
🎟 TICKETS: Sessions cost £3 for the first child and £1 for additional children.Maximum 3 children per adult. No booking is required for accompanying adults. You can book via the event link.
💥 Enjoy THREE COURSES + A DRINK for £20.26 (set menu) at The Woburn Hotel this January 2026!
Start the new year with great food and even better value. Whether it’s a relaxed lunch or an evening treat, our January 2026 offer is the perfect excuse to dine with us.
🗓 WHEN IS THE OFFER VALID? ▪️Monday to Friday ▪️5th–23rd January 2026 ▪️Available from 12–9pm
📖 MENU Take a look at the set menu on the website here. See the website for full T&C's via the event link.
▪️PLEASE NOTE: A discretionary 10% service charge will be added to your bill. 100% of this will be fairly distributed amongst the team who prepared & served your food today. The gratuity is discretionary – please ask us if you would like us to remove it from the bill.
✅️ BOOK A TABLE Book your table now to avoid missing out: ☎️ Phone: 01525 290441
🤩 Get ready for non-stop laughs with your favourite Friends! FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, the hit New York and Las Vegas sensation, is a sidesplitting musical comedy packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series.
▪️AGES: 13+
🗓 2026 DATES & TIMES ▪️Tuesday 13th January: 19:30 ▪️Wednesday 14th January: 19:30 ▪️Thursday 15th January: 19:30 ▪️Friday 16th January: 17:30 & 20:30 ▪️Saturday 17th January: 14:30 & 19:30 ℹ️ ABOUT Featuring an entirely original musical score, the show follows the escapades of the world's most famous group of twenty-somethings.
From the Producers of Hairspray and the Director of The Full Monty, this humorous take on the beloved TV show blends iconic moments with laugh out loud comedy. Join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate love, friendship, and life's ups and downs in 1990's New York City.
Whether you're in a love triangle, trying to make it as an actor, or just can't quit your day job, you'll be laughing, crying, and quoting your favourite lines all night long!
🎟 TICKET COST: From £35.00 ▪️NOTE: A booking fee of £3.95 is applied to each order.
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT & BOOKING Call our Accessibility Assistance line on: ☎️ Phone: 03330 095 399 Please note you will need to register for the Access Membership Scheme to book tickets.
💥 Get ready for unlimited flavour, unlimited portions and unlimited happiness because our carvery is now... UN-LI-MI-TED! Ready for another round of roasties?
🗓 WHEN IS THIS OFFER VALID? ▪️5th January - 30th January 2026 ▪️Monday - Friday ▪️3pm - 8pm
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT At Farmhouse Inns, we've got the Roast with the Most. And now? You don't have to fit the most on your plate. Just come back up for more! With our unlimited carvery offer, you can come up again... And again... And again!
Whether it's a second helping of juicy meat, more gravy or an extra portion of stuffing, you can have it all and more with our unlimited carvery. For only £9.99, you'll get to enjoy unlimited carvery and a soft drink, and for £2 extra, you can upgrade to an alcoholic drink, too!* Perfection! (*T&Cs apply)
✅️ HOW TO GET THIS DEAL Simply order via the app or request ‘Unlimited carvery & soft drink’ deal upon ordering at the bar.
💥 Waresley Park Garden Centre is offereing buy one get one free main meals from Monday 12th January untill Thursday 12th February 2026.
ℹ️ ABOUT THIS OFFER ▪️Monday - Friday ▪️For Loyaly Club holders only (sign up below) ▪️Offer is only for main meals ▪️Get the cheapest main for free ▪️Main meals are served 12pm - 3pm
🕘 CAFE SERVING TIMES ▪️Monday - Friday: 9am - 4.15pm ▪️(Last orders for hot foot is 3pm)
✍️ WARESLEY PARK GARDEN CENTRE LOYALTY CLUB - SIGN UP Join for FREE and unlock the benefits designed to improve your shopping experience. Start saving today and make every visit more rewarding.
It's free and easy. Just Download the app from the Google Play or App Stores and follow the on screen instructions to create an account. Scan your app with every purchase in the shop and café to earn points that will be turned into rewards!!
Remember to check your app regularly for new special offer & loyalty vouchers. Special offer vouchers are issued on the first of each month. Join here.
🚨 4 piece deal at Rumbles in Wootton for only £10.99 in untill 31st January 2026.
💥 THE DEAL FOR £10.99... 1️⃣ Enjoy 4 sausages any type & large chips OR 2️⃣ 4 fishcakes & large chips Plus mushy peas or curry sauce!
ℹ️ ABOUT THIS DEAL This offer is valid until 31st January 2026 and excludes Fridays! The deal includes these items only and can’t be swapped.. Collection only!
😎 Since opening, we've already had thousands of visitors come to see our nostalgic exhibition 'I Grew Up 80s' and they have left us some wonderful comments about their visit. FREE ADMISSION.
🗓 2026 OPENING DAYS & TIMES ▪️Mondays and Bank Holidays: closed ▪️Tuesdays – Saturdays: 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. ▪️Sundays: 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
🎮 ABOUT Pop in and judge for yourself. From toys and film posters to beta max and game consoles, there’s something in here for everyone of a certain age (or even those that were a twinkle in their mother’s eye but still think it’s cool stuff).
We even have an actual arcade machine which you can try out. Yes, you heard us right, bring your 50 pences and play a 1980s game with a joystick. No touchscreens here.
So come down to the museum and be transported back to the 1980s, it’s free! The exhibition runs until 15 March 2026.
🐶 DOGS We are dog-friendly! You are welcome to bring your dogs provided they are well behaved and on a lead.
☕️ THE CAFE If you need refreshment, our café serves a variety of drinks, savoury and sweet snacks, and light meals.
🐐 Feed our friendly goats, pigs, alpacas, ducks, chicken and smaller animals in a safe enviroment. Additional activities put on in busy times please see our website for 'whats on'. Chat to our caring staff. Enjoy refreshments in our onsite cafe. The centre also hosts offer small business like art galleries, Crystal shops, cricket shop, Pilate studio and more.
🤑 ABOUT THIS DEAL This is a great deal through Groupon where you get up to 35% off of the price. Once you have brought this offer, you can just turn up at The Goats Bucks Centre within the opening hours with your voucher with no booking required.
🤩 WHATSUPBEDFORDSHIREREVIEW We visited The Bucks Goat Centre and had a great time, we couldn't believe how tame the ducks were, they were following us everywhere. Highly recommended for a cheap day out.
They have ducks, goats, rabbits, chickens, sheep, cows, pigs and more! Animal food costs £1.00.
We loved how calm it felt there with a small play area indoor and outdoor seating with a cafe onsite. Get this dealhere
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY The BGC has a mixture of pathways, hard standing and grass. When weather is fine and grass is dry wheelchairs and buggies can access all areas. When the weather is wet some parts of the farm cannot be accessed in wheelchairs and buggies, please call for an update 01296 612893
👩👧👧 ARE YOU A CHILD MINDER? If you are a child minder, children go for free on Wednesday's (term time only)
🎟 COST WITH FOR THIS DEAL ▪️Adult: £4.55 instead of £7.00 ▪️Child: £3.90 instead of £6.00 ▪️Family: £15.40 instead of £22.00 ▪️Under 2: Free
🔥 Click here for this deal, including details of T&C's! If there are no more Groupon tickets left for this offer you can book directly with The Bucks Goat Centre. (This will cost you the full ticket price)
✨️ We’re opening a new dedicated Willen Hospice Clearance Outlet, Milton Keynes — giving unsold items from our shops one last chance to sell before being recycled. Opening Thursday 15 January 2026 — come along on the day and grab a bargain.
ℹ️ ABOUT It’s affordable, fast-paced, and better for the planet. Most importantly, every purchase helps fund vital care at Willen Hospice. Big impact. Small prices.
Discover ladieswear, menswear, homewares and clearance music by Off the Record MK
✨️ Regular stock drops New stock arrives multiple times a week, so there’s always something new to discover.
✨️ One big weekly drop Weekly delivery from our Warehouse and Distribution Centre — reopening each week with a fresh selection. You'll want to visit again and again.
💷 COST Everything is priced at £1, £3 or £5 no individual price tags, just brilliant value.
🌳 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
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
😍 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.
💕 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
👀 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.
🏡 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.
