From historic water mills to secret forest sculptures, Bedfordshire has more than its fair share of charms. Here are 10 unmissable attractions for all ages, to enhance any visit to Luton Hoo Hotel…
- The Chiltern Hills
If you are looking for a bracing hike rewarded by stunning views, then head to The Chilterns. There you will find plenty of walking trails, chalk grasslands and woodlands to ramble around in. Best of all, there are hikes suitable for all experience levels, including Watlington Hill, Coombe Hill and Pulpit Hill. Also make sure to drop by the Roald Dahl Museum and Café Twit.
45-minute drive - The Shuttleworth Collection
The Shuttleworth is a transport museum showcasing a host of fascinating vehicles. Based in Old Warden Aerodrome, it’s considered to be one of the best of its kind in the world. Drop by to see vintage aircraft, Edwardian cars, penny-farthing bikes and even a steam engine. The museum also has an eccentric 19th century Swiss Garden with grottos, follies and an Indian pavilion.
40-minute drive - Olde Watermill Shopping Village
Built around a heritage watermill at Barton-leClay, this charming arcade and visitor attraction has plenty to offer both shoppers and history lovers. As well as 20 unique shops, there is also a restaurant, tearoom and antique centre. If you want to keep the little ones occupied, there is also a 9-hole crazy golf course and soft play area.
25-minute drive - Jordans Mill and Gardens
Based on the banks of the River Ivel in Biggleswade, this attraction offers a chance to peek inside a genuine Victorian flour mill. Run by the cereal company Jordans, you can tour the original machinery and explore the wildflower gardens. There is also a café with river views, as well a meadow and woodland.
40-minute drive - Mead Open Farm
Spanning 30 acres, this fun children’s farm offers a chance to see and pet various rural animals, as well as a few exotic species like alpacas. If that wasn’t enough, other activities include indoor and outdoor play areas, go-karts, a high ropes course, tractor rides and crazy golf. Kids can also get messy with sand play too.
20-minute drive - Wrest Park
This sweeping 19th century country house and formal gardens is a Grade 1 listed heritage site. The landscape design actually spans three centuries, meaning that you can get a real feel of the evolution of the English country house garden. Visitors can explore 92 acres of ornamental flowerbeds and woodland walks, including a marble fountain, Chinese bridge with a temple, and the stunning Archer Pavilion. Wrest Park also has a children’s play area and café.
25-minute drive - The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park
Planted in the 1990s, The Forest of Marston Vale is an award-winning woodland. Visitors can explore 225 hectares of forestland, grasslands, meadows, lakes, hidden willow huts and even the Wetlands Nature Reserve. Children will love the Sensory Garden, which includes dinosaur egg hunting and a chance to sit on a wooden throne overlooking a pond.
25-minute drive - Woburn Safari Park
Lions, tigers, elephants, bear, seals and much more can all be found roaming the grounds at Woburn. In fact, there are over 1000 animals at the safari park, which you can explore by road and foot. Other attractions include the Go Ape Treetop Adventure with wobbly bridges and zip wires, plus a miniature railway and an aviary.
25-minute drive - Gullivers Dinosaur & Farm Park
This educational theme park gives kids a chance to learn a bit about prehistoric times while having fun too. They can explore 32 animatronic dinosaurs, plus dinosaur rides, play areas, the Farm Park petting zoo, and the Reptile and Bug Centre. The Observation Tower offers a sweeping view of the Lost World, or why not take a thrilling Jurassic River Ride?
35-minute drive - Rushmere Country Park
This ruggedly fun attraction includes 400 acres of ancient woodland, lakes, meadows and heathland, making it ideal for hiking, biking and picnicking. Visitors can explore the nature trails and fascinating Sculpture Park, plus there is also a café and children’s play areas.
25-minute drive
There is so much to see in beautiful Bedfordshire and Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is the ideal base for exploring it all.
To find more about the hotel, restaurant and leisure facilities, visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk