Places to visit in Bedfordshire

Begin the break with a visit to the castle grounds of what was once Bedford Castle – a 12th-century fortress, which fell in the Great Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224. Explore the area, or take a guided tour and hear about its fascinating history.

Another popular thing to do in Bedford is to visit The Higgins, which is a popular art gallery and museum complex in the boundary of Bedford Castle, with a treasure-trove of artefacts.

Explore the country town, famous for its many markets, and indulge in one of the classic things to do in Bedford – eat a Bedfordshire Clanger. Pop into Gunns Bakery for a taste of the traditional suet pudding with meat filling, originally made for farm labourers.

Check into Luton Hoo Hotel – a magnificent country house hotel with a huge spa, set in 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of grounds, on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Treat yourself to a facial or massage, or swim in the pool and spend some time enjoying one of the most relaxing things to do in the county.

Then finish with some fine dining in Luton Hoo’s Wernher Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Bedford. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, try its brasserie.

Start day two at Wrest Park – a magnificent English Heritage 18th-century house in 36 hectares (90 acres) of beautiful gardens, which Bridgerton fans will recognise as the family’s country retreat. One of the best things to do there is to take a tailored tour – from a garden tour, showing the hidden highlights, to a wallpaper tour, showcasing the sumptuous interiors.

Stop off in lovely Ampthill, the pretty, nearby market town, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Look around the town and stop for something to eat in one of its cafes, such as The Hide Café Bar. Taking a walk on the Greensand Ridge is another popular thing to do.

Heading a short distance west, make a second stop to explore one of Bedford’s prettiest villages, Woburn. This gorgeous Georgian village even has its own outdoor swimming pool, which is a popular thing to do in the summer, for locals and visitors.

The mane – pun intended – attraction in the area, however, is Woburn Safari Park, top of the list of things to do in Bedfordshire. You can go on a road or foot safari through animal enclosures. Nearby is also Woburn Abbey, home to the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, but it is closed to the public until 2026.

For a memorable dinner in a stunning location, book a tasting menu at another one of the best restaurants in Bedford – Michelin-recommended Paris House,  which is set in the middle of Woburn Estate’s deer park.

Start day three at Knebworth House, which is technically in Hertfordshire, but we won’t mention it if you won’t. This stately house and its grounds are a top thing to do in the region and famous for hosting live music, as well as appearing on-screen in everything from The Crown to (you’ve guessed it) Bridgerton. Don’t miss the On Location exhibition inside.

Pick up some sandwiches from the tea room or kiosk and leave time to explore the formal gardens and maze, as well as the wider Knebworth deer park. Covering 100 hectares (250 acres), it’s great for picnics – one of the most memorable outdoor ‘restaurants’ in the region, if you use your imagination.

Heading back into Bedfordshire – past the National Trust’s Shaw’s Corner, the country home of playwright George Bernard Shaw; another great thing to do, if you have time – stop off at Dunstable Downs, a National Trust Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the all-important cafe.

Leave plenty of time to enjoy Whipsnade Zoo, which has been one of the best things to do in Bedford for decades. You can see everything from aardvarks to wolverines. It’s part of the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) conservation charity. 

Don’t leave without a trip on The Great Whipsnade Railway – the most popular thing to do in Whipsnade. The steam train weaves its way around the park for an unforgettable safari adventure.