🧒 Free Stay & Play for toddlers at Eastcots Children Centre in Shortstown.
ℹ️ ABOUT These sessions are for mobile toddlers, giving them the opportunity to stretch their imagination and develop the skills they will need as they leave the toddler age and become pre-schoolers.
There is an area for younger siblings at these sessions.
✨️ Christmas at centre:mk 2025 Step into Starlight Square and discover the magic of Christmas in Middleton Hall.
🗓 2025 DATES 15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026 Please note Starlight Square will be closed 25th & 26th December and 1st January 2026. Time will vary day to day, click on the event link to take you to the website.
🚂 WHAT TO EXPECT From our Very Merry Christmas Market featuring unique and local businesses, to enchanting rides for all the family to enjoy together. Don't miss the Victorian Double Decker Carousel and Helter Skelter, Test Drive Santa's Sleigh with our VR experience, jump aboard our Train ride and admire the twinkling lights.
Don't forget to stop off at Santa's Postbox and send your wish lists to the big man himself!
🎁 CHRISTMAS MARKET Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, picking out a festive outfit, or enjoying a festive day out with the family making special memories, there’s something for everyone to make the season feel truly special.
Very Merry Christmas Market will vary in opening times, click the event link to find out more.
🎟 RIDE PRICES: ▪️Train: £2.50 per person ▪️VR Sleigh Ride: £6 per person (Book via the event link) ▪️Carousel: £3 per person, per ride ▪️Helter Skelter: £2 for 1 slide, per person, or £3 for 2 slides, per person
✨️ Biggleswade Baptist Church: Early Years Tuesdays. All sessions are free and no booking is needed.
ℹ️ ABOUT Looking for a welcoming space to connect, play, and grow with your little ones? Join us every Tuesday during term time for a trio of free, friendly sessions designed for parents, carers, and children in their early years.
☕ Early Years Play Café ▪️Time: 9:30am – 11:00am Who’s it for? All pre-school children Details: A relaxed, playful environment where little ones can explore and make friends while grown-ups enjoy a cuppa and conversation. Note: No booking required, but space is limited.
🤝 Pals – Life & Faith Group ▪️Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm Who’s it for? Parents and carers Details: A thoughtful space to share life, faith, and friendship. Come as you are—whether you're curious, questioning, or just need a moment of connection.
👶 Baby Group ▪️Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm Who’s it for? Pre-walkers only Details: Gentle, nurturing time for babies and their grown-ups. A chance to bond, chat, and support each other through the early days.
🧒 Free Stay & Play for toddlers at Eastcots Children Centre in Shortstown.
ℹ️ ABOUT These sessions are for mobile toddlers, giving them the opportunity to stretch their imagination and develop the skills they will need as they leave the toddler age and become pre-schoolers.
There is an area for younger siblings at these sessions.
🎳 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 ▪️9.30am - 2pm ▪️STAY as long as you like
💳 COST - NO BOOKING REQUIRED ▪️£4 - One price per family, not per child.
🅿️ PARKING For parking, you can park in Asda but restrictions apply so please make sure you check. There is also Rose Lane which is just behind us, this is free only on weekends. We also have 2 disabled spots outside the front, but please only people with a disabled badge to use!
🤸♂️ 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! Various sessions available.
🤸♂️ Watch toddlers face light up with joy as your little one learns to bounce on trampolines for this 60 minute whole park session at Gravity in Milton Keynes. Toddlers are most welcome at Gravity, and there are lots of ways for mini bouncers to have fun safely.
🧒 AGE INFORMATION All children must be over 18 months and under 5 years old, accompanied by a paying adult. One adult to two toddlers
🧦 GRAVITY SAFETY SOCKS - £2.50 GRAVITY safety socks are an important part of our safety procedures - everyone participating MUST wear them at all times.
🕣 ARRIVE 30 MINS EARLY Please arrive at reception at least 30 mins before your start time to check in, sort out any equipment, use lockers and watch our safety brief.
📝 FAST TRACK Fast track your experience by filling out the safety agreement online.
🎟 TICKETS - £4.25 PER PERSON Add the total number of participants to your cart (toddlers plus parent, plus additional paying parent if required). Under 5s need to be accompanied on the activity area by a paying adult. Tickets can be booked via the event link.
🧸 Free flow play at Marston Stay and Play Group for babies and toddlers at Marston Moretaine Village Hall.
🫧 With different themes every week. Singing and bubbles at the end of each session.
🗓 WHEN ARE WE OPEN? We are open all through the holidays too. Keep an eye on the FB via the event link for any changes. ▪️Monday's: 10:00 - 11:30 ▪️Tuesday's: 10:00 - 11:30 ▪️Friday's: 10:00 - 11:30
COST - PAY AS YOU GO: 🔸️Child & 1 adult: £5.00 🔸️Extra child: £1 🔸️Extra adult: £1
REFRESHMENTS ☕️ Tea & coffee available 🍪 Juice & a biscuit (for little ones) 🥓 Bacon Rolls - £1.50
ℹ️ KEEP UPDATED Keep an eye on the Facebook page via the event link incase of any changes, cancellations or extra event news that may incur extra charges or ticket only days.
⛸️ Woburn Sands Garden Centre will have the annual real ice rink available for you and your family to enjoy. Ice skating sessions are available during the day, with extra evening sessions on certain days. Fully under cover so no need to worry about what the weather's doing outside!
🎟 WHAT YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
Tickets include skate hire and 40 minutes on the ice, everything you need for a fun ice skating experience! Discounted family tickets available. Whether you’re an experienced ice skater or it’s your first time on the ice, everyone is welcome.
🗓 2025/2026 DATES Friday 17th November 2025 - Friday 2nd January 2026 (excluding 25th December 2025)
⛸️ Ice Skating: From £5.50 per person Its back! Join us for our annual ice skating rink - with real ice! Skates included in the price. Skating aids available to hire on the day. Discounted family tickets also available! *Minimum 1 adult per booking
👨👩👧👧 Family Tickets: From £18 per family Its back! Join us for our annual ice skating rink - with real ice! Skates included in the price. Skating aids available to hire on the day. ✨️ SEN Sessions: From £5.50 per person Join the fun and come along to a SEN ice skate. Everyone can enjoy the ice and can either use traditional skates or twin bladed ice skates for added stability. Carers or accompanying adults can use traditional ice skates or over shoe grippers. ♿️ Wheel chairs will be allowed on the ice for our SEN sessions. The music and lights are switched off for these sessions and the capacity is limited. *Minimum 1 adult per booking
👨👩👧👧 SEN Sessions - Family Tickets: From £18 per family Join the fun and come along to a SEN ice skate. Everyone can enjoy the ice and can either use traditional skates or twin bladed ice skates for added stability. Carers or accompanying adults can use traditional ice skates or over shoe grippers. ♿️ Wheel chairs will be allowed on the ice for our SEN sessions. The music and lights are switched off for these sessions and the capacity is limited.
🧒 Toddler Session: From £5.50 per person Bring your little ones for an exclusive Parent and Toddler Ice Skating session. Under 4’s go free! You and your young children under 4 can enjoy the skating rink and can use the double bladed skates or over-shoe grippers. Pushchairs are allowed on the ice too! *Minimum 1 adult per booking
⛸️ SKATING AIDS Skating aids are available to purchase at the beginning of your ice skating session for the price of £5. They are available on a first come-first serve basis. The payment method is card only using a card reader.
😍 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.
🏡 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.
🌳 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
👀 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.
🪁 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.
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 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
