Situated in the eastern region of England and easily accessible from London, Bedfordshire is a county that often escapes the attention of tourists.
However, this does not imply a lack of attractions.
This county features numerous grand country estates, several of which, such as Woburn Abbey and Whipsnade, have evolved into highly regarded wildlife attractions.
When it comes to picturesque country towns, Ampthill, Bedford, Woburn, and Leighton Buzzard showcase charming 18th-century architecture and traditional pubs, embodying the quintessential English countryside experience.
Let us delve into the top destinations in Bedfordshire:
1. Woburn
The village of Woburn exudes sophistication, showcasing the beauty of Georgian architecture.
The well-maintained townhouses, many with historical significance, house upscale dining establishments, antique shops, and tailors, emphasizing the affluent nature of the area.
Woburn Abbey, originally a monastery, became the residence of the Duke of Bedford following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, and it remains in the family.
The extensive art collection here is remarkable, featuring 24 paintings by Canaletto, 10 van Dycks, and numerous other invaluable works.
Additionally, Woburn Safari Park is situated within these grounds, providing an enjoyable experience for children.
2. Bedford
As the county town of Bedfordshire, Bedford boasts notable diversity despite its modest size.
A significant portion of the population has Italian heritage, alongside a large Punjabi community.
The town attracts numerous visitors, particularly to the central Castle Quarter, which historically served as the imprisonment site of John Bunyan, a 17th-century preacher and author, for 12 years during which he penned the influential “Pilgrim’s Progress.”
The Bunyan Museum, open during the summer, provides comprehensive insights into this historical figure.
Additionally, the Higgins Bedford Museum features Saxon and Roman artifacts, along with watercolours by renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner.
Given its cultural diversity, the culinary scene is exemplary; Tavistock Street is renowned for its array of international restaurants.
3. Leighton Buzzard
Leighton Buzzard is an intriguing market town located along the Grand Union Canal, originally connecting Birmingham and London in the 1920s.
By following the canal southward, you will be introduced to some of Bedfordshire’s most picturesque countryside, characterized by hedgerows and green fields dotted with sheep.
Furthermore, Ascott House, enveloped by 13 square kilometers of grounds, was developed in the Arts and Crafts style by Leopold de Rothschild in the early 1900s.
If you wish to engage children with rural experiences, Mead Open Farm offers various activities such as pony grooming and lamb feeding.
4. Dunstable
Located in the southern part of the county, Dunstable offers a distinct character compared to typical market towns.
The highlight is Dunstable Priory, a remarkable Norman structure dating back to 1132, notable for being the site where Henry VIII initiated his divorce from Catherine of Aragon in 1533, a landmark event with significant consequences.
The more contemporary Grove Theatre is an essential venue as it hosts a variety of touring comedians and musicians.
The surrounding countryside is worth exploring, set against the eastern foothills of the Chiltern Range.
Moreover, Whipsnade Zoo, managed by the Zoological Society of London, ranks among the largest wildlife conservation parks in London.
5. Luton
As a manufacturing center and transport hub, Luton may not present the traditional ambiance of quaint streets, pubs, and tea rooms.
Nevertheless, the town features two distinguished free museums that cater to families.
The Stockwood Discovery Centre houses an eclectic array of exhibits centered around the Bagshawe Gallery, inspired by Scandinavian folk museums, illustrating the local trades, attire, and lifestyles of the early 20th century.
The Wardown Park Museum, located within an attractive “Jacobethan” mansion, delves into Luton’s history as one of England’s lace-making capitals during the 1600s.
6. Ampthill
In envisioning an ideal English market town, Ampthill would emerge as a quintessential representation.
Characterized by affluence, beautiful Georgian brick architecture, and an array of charming independent shops, it provides an enjoyable atmosphere to pass the time.
Thursdays are particularly lively, being the designated market day since its establishment by Henry III in 1242. The remnants of Houghton House, a Jacobean mansion from the 1600s, stand on a ridge offering stunning vistas.
The house was left abandoned in the 1700s after its roof collapsed, yet much of its structure remains intact up to the second floor, including window frames, columns, and striking white quoins at the corners.
7. Biggleswade
A likable market town with a more grounded atmosphere than some of its upscale counterparts, Biggleswade merits a visit due to its notable historical figures.
Among them was Herbert Jordan, founder of the well-known Jordans Cereals, whose Victorian flour mill now serves as both a historical attraction and community hub, complete with gardens, a café, and workshops.
Another significant figure includes Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a pioneering racing driver and aviator. His collection of early aircraft is among the finest globally, featuring rare Edwardian flying machines alongside vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 20th century.
8. Silsoe
Silsoe is a charming village adorned with pleasant cottages, offering an inviting pub, intriguing curiosities, and a landmark of remarkable grandeur.
Strolling through the village will reveal the 18th-century lock-up, a round chamber historically used for detaining inebriated individuals until sobering up.
The Church of St James, rebuilt in the 1820s, showcases a romantic medieval style that preceded its popularity.
The primary attraction is Wrest Park, an elegantly designed Grade I country house with neo-renaissance architecture and exquisite French-style gardens.
9. Elstow
If you are interested in John Bunyan’s history, a short journey south to Elstow, his birthplace in 1628, is warranted. The notable site here is Elstow Abbey, established in the 11th century, which was later converted to a parish church after the suppression of the nunnery in 1539. It was within these walls that Bunyan was baptized and worshipped during his childhood.
Also, visit the Moot Hall situated in the village green; this charming timber-framed structure was constructed in the late 15th century for use as a courtroom and community hall.
10. Shefford
Set amid the lush, tranquil countryside of central Bedfordshire, Shefford is a quaint town exemplifying rural England.
The stand-out feature is Shefford Porch, a half-timbered residence that has endured since the 1200s.
However, the true appeal of this locale lies in its abundant restaurants, pubs, and scenic walking paths accessible from the town’s edges.
Artfully surrounded by the Flit and Hit Rivers, the area also offers three golf courses within close proximity.
