🎶 Join Down for the Count All-Stars, the UK's hardest swinging band, for "one hellova celebration of vintage music" (TimeOut London) – it's time to Swing That Music!
ℹ️ ABOUT Described as "a breath of fresh air on the swing scene" (Twinwood Festival), Down for the Count are regularly found in legendary clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott's London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals such as London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio.
Now, they’re bringing the sounds and vibes of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show packed full of energy, top-notch musicianship, and bags of their signature wit and charm.
🎤 WHAT TO EXPECT In this new show for 2025, you'll hear instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, vocal classics from singers such as Nat 'King' Cole, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and original arrangements of jazz standards penned by the band’s own musicians.
Down for the Count recreate classic tunes from the Swing Era, but this is no mere nostalgia trip – the band perform each song in their own unmistakable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music. Combine that with the top-tier instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible warmth and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you in the highest spirits, wanting more.
♿️ ACCESSIBILITYINFORMATION The Quarry Theatre aims to make all its facilities accessible to all members of the community. Both the main auditorium and studio theatre have step-free/wheelchair access and we have an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities in the bar. The main auditorium is also installed with an induction loop. The theatre forecourt has provision for two 'Blue Badge' parking spaces but we advise you call to book a space. Four seats on the front row of the stalls are reserved for those not able to use steps. These are not put on sale online, so please call if you would like to book these on 01234 362337 or by e-mail to boxoffice@quarrytheatre.org.uk.
🅿️ PARKING INFORMATION We have space for two 'Blue Badge' vehicles on the theatre forecourt. Please let us know if you would like to reserve a space in advance, as often the forecourt area is used by visiting company vehicles. We recommend using the St Peter's Street Car Park. This is only 2 - 3 mins walk from the venue and free after 6pm weekdays and Sundays. On Saturdays the council are currently offering up to 2 hours free parking in their car parks (updated 05/12/23).
🌳 Outdoor nature play has many proven benefits for pre-schoolers. It supports their development, stimulates their senses, improves creativity, and boosts immunity.
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.
🗓 2025 DATES ▪️Thu 18 Sept 2025 ▪️Thu 25 Sept 2025 ▪️Thu 02 Oct 2025 ▪️Thu 09 Oct 2025 ▪️Thu 16 Oct 2025 ▪️Thu 23 Oct 2025 ▪️Thu 30 Oct 2025
👩🍳 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.
👶 AGE: Under 5's
🕙 A CHOICE OF TIMES ▪️10:00am - 10:50am ▪️11:00am - 11:50am
🎟 TICKETS: (Book via the event link) Sessions cost £3 for the first child and £1 for additional children. Maximum 3 children per adult. No booking is required for accompanying adults.
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+) - £7.00 / £6.00 ▪️CHILD (3-15 YEARS) - £4.00 / £3.00 ▪️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/
🔥 Forbidden Nights is here, celebrating 10 years of muscles, mayhem and over 11,000 shirt rips at Grove Theatre in Dunstable.
▪️AGE: 18+
Were you excited by the show-stopping performance on Britain’s Got Talent? If you were left craving more, then get ready to experience their live stage show where YOU can be the ultimate judge! Get ready because Forbidden Nights is coming!
This show is not only hot, it’s hilarious. This is your sign from the universe urging you to create unforgettable memories and finally have that incredible night out you’ve been putting off for too long. This isn’t just a typical show; get ready to dive right in and interact like never before. Sing along from your seat or go all out and book a stage pass for the ultimate experience. Each ticket includes a free meet and greet cast photo opportunity.
🎟 TICKETS COST - FROM £24.50 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.
⭐A fun group for children with SEND and their Parents and Carers. Explore our wonderful Children’s Centre in Flitwick while spending time with other parents/carers and young children who have additional needs.
✅️ NO BOOKING JUST TURN UP. ▪️Weekly on Thursday's ▪️1:30pm - 2.30pm ▪️AGES: 12 & Under
😌 WHAT TO EXPECT Our, 'Stay and Play in Our Own Way' sessions are open for all families/carers with children aged up to 12. Even if your children are at school, please do still come along to build friendships and gain advice and support from professionals. A member of staff from the SEND Team attends every session, so they are on hand for specific support.
🧸 Explore our lovely Children’s Centre 🤝 Connect with other families 💬 Enjoy a relaxed space to play, chat, and share experiences
🎳 Strike up some midweek fun at GObowling in Dunstable.
🎉 ABOUT THE OFFER Enjoy 3 games of bowling for only £10 from Tuesday to Thursday from midday till close – that’s less than £3.50 a game!
Whether you’re looking to practice your game or just get together with friends. Take a break from the daily grind and join us at GObowling to unwind and reconnect with friends.
✨ STAY & PLAY Let the kids run wild and leave the mess to us at Ignite Studios in Biggleswade. Our café is open till 6pm too! Come join the fun at Ignite - it’s the perfect playtime escape!
🗓 WHEN? ▪️Tuesday's, Thursday's & Friday's ▪️9am - 2pm ▪️STAY as long as you like
💳 COST - NO BOOKING REQUIRED ▪️£4 - One price per family, not per child.
👻 Boo-tiful News… Our Pumpkin Patch is Back for 2025 at Standalone Farm in Letchworth!
🗓 2025 DATES ▪️Saturday 11 – Friday 31 October
🎃 WHAT TO EXPECT It’s bigger, spookier, and more magical than ever! Wander through our pumpkin wonderland and discover pumpkins of every shape and size, perfect for picking, posing, and snapping your fang-tastic photos (don’t forget to tag us so we can see your gourd-geous smiles!).
🎟 WHAT YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
🐷 Farm entry: Tickets to the patch include day entry to Standalone Farm from 10am-5pm on the day of your pumpkin patch slot —come meet our friendly alpacas, pigs, rabbits, horses, and all the other farmyard friends. 🌾 Halloween Hay Maze – dare you take a twisty, turny trip through our straw-filled labyrinth? 👣 Free games & a Halloween trail with prizes to be won! 💰 Hunt the Golden Pumpkin - A daily hunt for the Golden Pumpkin—find it and you’ll win a pumpkin to take home (for free!)
📍 WHERE IS THE PUMPKIN PATCH? The pumpkin patch will be in the field next to the car park. Facepainting will take place in our polytunnel and the other activities will be throughout the farm.
For our pumpkin patch head towards the usual farm entrance; our staff will be on hand to check your tickets and guide you to the event entrance.
▪️AGES: Suitable for ages 14+, Staff and Volunteers are Enhanced DBS checked. Please let us know if you require a carer or guardian with you, who will not be participating, as we will reserve them a chair free of charge.
ℹ️ ABOUT US More Than Board Games is a new Social Enterprise, created to unite and support people using the power of board games. We are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, money we make from ticket sales is used to fund community projects hosted by More Than Board Games.
This event is run by More Than Board Games, in partnership and shared space with Sew What Have I Found For You.
More Than Board Games Community Interest Company is a proud member of the Safe Space Alliance.
✅️ NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED Perfect for D&D, TTRPG and Warhammer fans or those looking for an accessible way into a new hobby. Step-by-step assistance, friendly hosts, free refreshments all evening.
✅️ WHAT'S INCLUDED? No experience or materials needed, we provide everything. (Yes, even a primed miniature figurine!). If you would like to bring your own miniatures, then you are welcome do so. We ask that you still purchase a ticket to reserve a space.
📍HOW TO FIND US ▪️Location: 48 Sandringham Dr, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5UP ▪️By Car: The Hub is close to both Houghton Regis and Dunstable town centre. It can be reached via Junction 11 (Luton) of the M1 motorway and is within easy reach of the A5 in Dunstable. ▪️Bus Stops: Milton Way and Windsor Drive serviced by Arriva: A & Z Busses ▪️Train Stations: The nearest stations are Leagrave and Luton
🅿️ PARKING INFORMATION Free, unreserved, on street parking: Sandringham Drive and Tudor Drive
♿️ ACCESS INFORMATION Stepfree access throughout the entire building. Main entrance door: 74cm - 154cm. Meeting room door:90cm. Table height: 72cm & 78cm. Wheelchair access toilet onsite.
📧 ENQUIRIES If you require anymore information for this event please contact our friendly team at events@morethanboardgames.co.uk
🕵♀️ ABOUT As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot, untangle the web of lies and solve another crime?
▪️AGE: Over 12's
🎟 TICKET COST - From £15.00 NOTE: A booking fee of £3.95 is applied to each order
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT & BOOKING Call our Accessibility Assistance line on 03330 095 399. Please note you will need to register for our Access Membership Scheme to book tickets.
🤸♂️ Mid-week just got a whole lot better at Jumpin, Hemel Hempstead. Hey families, ready for an after-school adventure or mid-week pick-me-up?
🍕 ABOUT THE OFFER: Get the kids bouncing with our unbeatable weekday deal: 2 hours of fun for ONLY £9. Or treat them to pizza, chips & squash included for just £12!
🗓 WHEN IS EAT & PLAY AVAILABLE? Tuesday to Friday during school term - let's make memories together! Book now and join the inflatable madness!
▪️Tuesday: 10am - 6pm, Eat & Play ▪️Wednesday: 12pm - 6pm, Eat & Play ▪️Thursday: 10am - 6pm, Eat & Play ▪️Friday: 12pm - 6pm, Eat & Play
🤸♂️ Mid-week just got a whole lot better at Jumpin, Hemel Hempstead. Hey families, ready for an after-school adventure or mid-week pick-me-up?
🍕 ABOUT THE OFFER: Get the kids bouncing with our unbeatable weekday deal: 2 hours of fun for ONLY £9. Or treat them to pizza, chips & squash included for just £12!
🗓 WHEN IS EAT & PLAY AVAILABLE? Tuesday to Friday during school term - let's make memories together! Book now and join the inflatable madness!
▪️Tuesday: 10am - 6pm, Eat & Play ▪️Wednesday: 12pm - 6pm, Eat & Play ▪️Thursday: 10am - 6pm, Eat & Play ▪️Friday: 12pm - 6pm, Eat & Play
John Lawson's Circus has been enchanting audiences with its mesmerizing performances for over 50 years. Originating in Kent, this family run circus has grown to feature a diverse array of performers from all around the globe!
🤩 HIGHLIGHTS
✨️ Daring Acrobatics: Watch in awe as acrobats perform breath-taking stunts high above the ground.
✨️ Mesmerizing Clowns: Enjoy the antics of clowns who bring laughter and joy to audiences of all ages.
✨️ Graceful Aerialists: Be captivated by aerialists who perform elegant routines on silks and trapeze.
✨️ Animal-Free Acts: Experience a modern circus that focuses on human talent and creativity, without the use of animals.
✨️ Interactive Performances: Engage with performers who often involve the audience in their acts, making each show unique.
✨️ Family-Friendly Entertainment: Perfect for all ages, the circus offers a wholesome and exciting experience for families.
✨️ Historical Legacy: Celebrate the rich history of John Lawson's Circus, which has been entertaining audiences for years.
🎟 TICKET COST: From £9.50 on the lovetovisit website or alternatively you can book via the event link which will take you direct to the John Lawsons website although this may work out a little more expensive. You can also sign up on the John Lawsons website to get discount.
🕷 Stand beneath the spider stairwell, draped with cobwebs and clinging creatures, look on at the frightful feast laid out in the dining room, and follow the woodcutter trail along the Long Gallery this spooky season. Those brave enough to venture into the basement will find flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls.
🗓 2025 DATES: ▪️15th October - 2nd November 2025
🕘 2025 OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER TIMES: ▪️Halloween in the House: 12pm - 3.30pm ▪️Vistors Welcome: 9:30am - 4pm ▪️Hall: 12pm - 3.30pm ▪️Garden: 9:30am - 5pm ▪️Home Farm & Play area: 10:30am - 3:30pm ▪️Cafe: 10:30am - 4pm ▪️Car park times: 9am - 6pm
🐷 PIG FEEDING: Watch our farm team distribute food amongst the pens and see the pigs use their snouts to root through the fresh straw and soil to find their meals. This method discourages food hogging and ensures every pig gets their fair share as well as encouraging their natural eating behaviours: ▪️11:15am - 11:30pm ▪️14:15pm - 14:30pm
ℹ️ PAY ON THE DAY Free entry for National Trust members. There is no pre-booking system in place for daytime admission, just show your membership card or pay for your entry on arrival.
*The Whole Estate ticket includes access to the Hall, Gardens, Park and Farm.
🎨 Messy Play at Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground, Dunstable.
🗓 2025 DAYS & TIMES ▪️Every Thursday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ▪️Term time only
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT Join us for safe, sensory-rich activities designed especially for children aged 0–5. Let your little ones explore, create, and play in a welcoming outdoor space.
☕ FOOD & DRINK Hosted by: Bennett’s Café & Community Hub Food and refreshments available to purchase on-site.
🧩 Accessibility Note: The event is held in an open recreation ground with café facilities nearby. If you’d like help checking accessibility details, feel free to reach out or visit the café beforehand. ☎️ Phone: 01582 513000
🪙 COST: £2 No booking required—just drop in and join the fun!
🧡 Supported by: Dunstable Town Council & Bennett’s Café
🍂 Embrace the Magic of Autumn and enjoy a walk through the woods to the gardens, but who will you choose to help: badger, hedgehog or maybe both?
🗓 2025 DATES ▪️15th October - 2nd November ▪️Excluding 26th & 28th October
ℹ️ DETAILS Pick up a mini-map book from the Welcome Hut or Shop (£2) and set off to follow the signs and choose which way to go. It comes with a certificate!
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.
👀 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.
💦 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.
🌳 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
💕 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
🏡 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.
