Things to Do in Bedfordshire
48 attractions and days out
Photo © Linda Lancaster, Google Maps
Bedfordshire packs a surprising variety of days out into a small county. Dunstable is best known for Whipsnade and the wide green spaces around it, while Biggleswade and Shefford make good bases for family attractions such as adventure golf and activity centres. Bedford itself offers riverside walks alongside more offbeat options, from escape rooms to treasure trails.
Further out, places like Old Warden are home to the Shuttleworth Collection, a favourite for anyone keen on vintage aircraft and gardens, while Leighton Buzzard and Toddington bring a mix of outdoor pursuits and indoor entertainment. Ampthill and Sharnbrook suit those after something more local and low-key, from treasure trails to canoe trips.
With such a spread across the county, it is worth deciding whether you want a full day out at one big site or a shorter, more active visit, as both are well catered for here.
⭐ 5.0
Live Events & Concerts
Buzzstock Music Festival
This lively music festival at The Old Car Boot Field welcomes families with full wheelchair and pushchair access throughout, plus baby changing facilities and dedicated breastfeeding rooms.
⭐ 5.0
Farm Parks
Woodside Animal Farm
Get hands-on with friendly farm animals, bounce on inflatable pillows and take a tractor tour at this fully accessible leisure park perfect for young families with pushchairs and babies.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure Golf
Bermuda Falls Adventure Golf
This accessible crazy golf course in Henlow welcomes families with pushchairs and wheelchairs throughout, plus baby changing facilities make it ideal for visitors with young children.
⭐ 4.9
Arts & Crafts Workshops
Ready Steady Roll
Gather your family for an afternoon of tabletop gaming fun at this cosy Bedford venue, where you can enjoy everything from traditional to contemporary board games alongside delicious homemade treats.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Baulk Wood
Explore winding trails through this natural woodland where children can discover wildlife including grey squirrels in an outdoor setting perfect for active families seeking fresh air and adventure.
⭐ 4.8
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Krafty Shed
Get creative at this welcoming ceramic café where families can paint pottery together in a fully accessible, dog-friendly space with dining available or bring your own picnic.
⭐ 4.8
Sightseeing & Attractions
Don't Get Locked In
Race against the clock at this thrilling Bedford escape room where teams must solve puzzles and crack codes within an hour to break free from their mysterious surroundings.
⭐ 4.8
Railways & Transport
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
Step aboard lovingly restored steam trains for a nostalgic journey through stunning Cotswolds countryside on this heritage railway. Family-friendly with full accessibility, dining options and dogs welcome.
⭐ 4.7
Historic Houses & Gardens
Ascott House and Gardens
Experience the elegance of this National Trust property featuring magnificent gardens and an exceptional art collection, though families should note limited accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs across certain areas.
⭐ 4.7
Adventure & Activity Centres
Skirmish Central
Action-packed paintball and laser combat games await at this rural Bedford venue, though families should note limited facilities for very young children and challenging terrain for pushchairs.
⭐ 4.7
Zoos & Animal Parks
Whipsnade Zoo
Explore Britain's biggest zoo near Dunstable, home to over 200 animal species across expansive conservation grounds. Pushchair-friendly paths welcome families, with wheelchair hire and accessible facilities available.
⭐ 4.6
Railways & Transport
Leighton Buzzard Railway
Step aboard a heritage steam train for a scenic 70-minute journey through Bedfordshire countryside, then discover vintage locomotives and machinery in the fascinating railway museum.
⭐ 4.6
National Parks & Reserves
Priory Country Park
Let kids run wild across 360 acres of Bedford parkland featuring woodland trails, peaceful meadows and scenic lakes – perfect for family picnics and outdoor adventures.
⭐ 4.6
Short Breaks & Holidays
Wild Canvas Camping
Escape to Coppey Moor for a family camping adventure with pushchair-friendly grounds, baby changing facilities, and accessible toilets, though some areas have limited wheelchair access.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
The Lodge
A well-equipped family playground offering accessible facilities for all ages, including wheelchair access, baby changing rooms and onsite refreshments. Convenient parking makes this an easy stop for families exploring the B1042 area.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure & Activity Centres
Perfect Playland
This fully accessible indoor activity centre welcomes families with babies and young children, offering wheelchair-friendly facilities throughout and dedicated baby changing areas for stress-free visits.
⭐ 4.5
Go Karting & Driving Experiences
TeamSport Indoor Karting Dunstable
Get your adrenaline pumping at this exciting indoor karting venue where racers aged 8+ can compete on a thrilling track perfect for family rivalry and high-speed fun.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Journey through time at this engaging museum showcasing local heritage through fascinating geology and archaeology collections, set within beautiful Stockwood Park with accessible facilities and dining.
⭐ 4.4
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Luton Sports Village
This modern leisure facility on Hitchin Road offers family-friendly swimming and fitness activities, complete with onsite parking, restaurant dining, and full wheelchair access for an active day out.
⭐ 4.4
Lidos & Outdoor Pools
Woburn Lido
Experience outdoor swimming bliss at this heated open-air pool on Crawley Road, where warm waters and sunny relaxation areas create the perfect summer escape for families with picnic-friendly grounds.
⭐ 4.1
Bowling Alleys
Airport Bowl
Strike up family fun at this accessible Harlington bowling venue featuring an onsite restaurant, ample parking, and facilities including baby changing rooms for visitors of all ages.
⭐ 4.1
Bowling Alleys
GO Bowling Dunstable
Strike up family fun across 32 lanes at this Dunstable bowling centre, complete with bar, arcade games and party facilities, plus wheelchair access and baby-changing rooms for visitors' convenience.
⭐ 4.1
Indoor Soft Play
Snakes and Ladders Dunstable
Young adventurers can zoom around on electric motorbikes, explore a towering three-storey play structure, and get creative in themed zones at this lively indoor play centre with onsite café.
⭐ 4.1
Trampoline & Bounce Parks
Orbital Trampoline Park
Bounce into action at Luton's massive trampoline venue spanning 41,000 square feet, packed with dodgeball zones, balance beams, climbing challenges and dining facilities for family fun.
Historic Houses & Gardens
Woburn Abbey and Gardens
Explore this magnificent stately home showcasing 22 rooms of fascinating treasures, then relax in the sprawling gardens—perfect for picnics with parking and dining options available onsite.
Watersports
Canoe Trail
Paddle through scenic waterways at this outdoor canoeing experience based at Kempston, offering aquatic adventure for families with baby changing facilities available on-site.
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Ampthill Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Solve clues and crack codes on this exciting spy-themed adventure trail through Ampthill's historic streets. Perfect for budding secret agents seeking outdoor fun with picnic stops along the way.
Indoor Soft Play
Cafe Kidz
Young children can burn off energy in this play centre at The Saxon Centre, which features an onsite restaurant serving food and drinks for families throughout their visit.
Railways & Transport
Shuttleworth Collection & Garden
Discover historic aircraft, vintage vehicles and engineering workshops at this fascinating Biggleswade attraction, complete with beautiful gardens and full wheelchair and pushchair access throughout.
Museums & Galleries
John Bunyan Museum
Discover the life and legacy of the renowned Pilgrim's Progress author at this compact museum, complete with an onsite restaurant for refreshments during your visit.
Museums & Galleries
The Roman Sandy
Step into local history at this compact museum housed in Sandy's Town Council Offices, where Roman artefacts and heritage displays bring the area's ancient past to life.
Watersports
Ride Leisure Events
Experience thrilling aquatic adventures at this Bedfordshire lakeside centre, where families can splash into action-packed water sports with onsite facilities and dining options to keep everyone fuelled up.
⭐ 4.5
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Woburn
Take on an exhilarating treetop adventure overlooking Britain's biggest safari park, perfect for families with children aged 10 and up seeking an active day out in Woburn's stunning woodland setting.
⭐ 4.4
Parks & Play Areas
Bedford Park
This accessible Bedford green space welcomes families with picnic areas, an onsite restaurant, parking and facilities including wheelchair-friendly toilets, though baby changing isn't available.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Bromham Mill
Step back in time at this historic watermill in Bridge End where visitors can explore traditional milling heritage and enjoy refreshments at the onsite restaurant.
⭐ 4.4
Laser Tag Arenas
Laser World
Battle it out in thrilling laser tag games at this action-packed venue on Kingsway, with an onsite restaurant to refuel after your mission—ideal for energetic kids and competitive families.
⭐ 4.4
Adventure Golf
Putt Putt Social
Experience mini-golf with a twist at this Bedford shopping centre venue, where families can enjoy fully accessible crazy golf courses suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, complete with baby changing facilities.
⭐ 4.4
Parks & Play Areas
The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park
Explore scenic walking trails and natural woodland at this award-winning country park, complete with onsite restaurant, accessible facilities and ample parking for memorable family adventures.
⭐ 4.3
Parks & Play Areas
Danish Camp
Set beside the Great Ouse, this charming log cabin offers riverside boat hire and woodland walks, with full facilities including accessible toilets, baby changing and snacks available on site.
⭐ 4.3
Indoor Soft Play
Kids World Bedford
Little ones up to age 12 can burn off energy across exciting play zones at this Kingsway venue, while grown-ups unwind in the café. Onsite parking, dining and baby facilities included.
⭐ 4.3
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Universal Studios UK
Opening in 2031, this blockbuster theme park promises movie-themed excitement with spectacular attractions, beloved film characters and action-packed entertainment for the whole family.
⭐ 4.3
Cinema & Theatre
Vue Bedford
Experience the latest blockbusters across seven modern screens at this accessible Bedford cinema, complete with family-friendly facilities and refreshments available throughout your visit.
⭐ 4.2
Swimming & Leisure Centres
The Bunyan Sports Centre
This Mile Road leisure facility offers sports and swimming activities for families, though visitors should note limited amenities including no food services or accessibility features.
⭐ 4.0
Indoor Soft Play
Futures Fun Factory
Little ones can climb, bounce and explore through an exciting maze of tunnels, climbing frames and play equipment at this Luton indoor centre, complete with cafe and excellent facilities for families.
⭐ 3.9
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Kempston Pool
This fully accessible leisure centre welcomes families with babies and pushchairs, offering wheelchair-friendly facilities including adapted toilets for comfortable swimming visits.
⭐ 3.8
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Robinson Pool
An outdoor swimming facility in Bedford Park offering a convenient on-site car park, though visitors should note the limited amenities with no toilet facilities, baby changing areas, or wheelchair access available.
⭐ 3.8
Cinema & Theatre
Cineworld Luton
Catch blockbuster releases at this Galaxy leisure centre cinema featuring accessible facilities, on-site parking and refreshment options for an entertaining family film experience.
⭐ 3.6
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Dunstable Leisure Centre
Get the whole family active at this Court Drive facility featuring twin swimming pools, sports halls for football and squash, plus dedicated areas for soft play and fitness activities.
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