It may be one of England’s smallest counties, but Bedfordshire has more than enough attractions to fill a luxury escape in the country. Stroll around grand estates and historic manor houses. Seek out buzzing art galleries and arts centres. Plan a day out with the family, or set off and explore the countryside. Then, at the end of the day, retreat to your exclusive boutique hotel and relax.
CULTURE
Bedford, the region’s county town, has a thriving arts scene. Pay a visit to the Higgins Art Gallery and Museum for intriguing exhibitions and creative activities, or potter around local craft shops and galleries. For an evening of live entertainment, head to The Hat Factory in Luton. This community venue hosts established and emerging musicians, along with theatre and dance performances.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Take the whole family for a day out at Woburn Safari Park, where animals roam through huge enclosures set in over 3,000 acres of parkland. Plan your own expedition to see wolves, lions and tigers, or meet elephants and giraffes. There are plenty of events to choose from each day, from open-air shows where birds of prey soar above you, to watching the keepers feed the animals.
NATURE
Bedfordshire boasts a pretty patchwork of fields, meandering rivers and rolling chalk hills. Set aside an afternoon to explore the county’s waterways by canoe, spotting birds and wildlife as you go. Travel to Dunstable Downs to discover the gateway to the Chiltern Hills. The Downs are an area of Special Scientific Interest because of their array of rare plant life – but here you’ll also find the best views in the county.
Spend a peaceful day exploring the lakes and woodland trails of Stockgrove Country Park, keeping an eye out for the sculptures dotted around the landscape.