Bedfordshire Holiday Guide

Thinking of taking a self-catering break in Bedfordshire?  Find ideas and inspiration on what Bedfordshire in South East England offers for cottage breaks with Country Cottages Online’s guide.
 

What does Bedfordshire in South East England offer for cottage breaks?

From the scenic countryside of the Chiltern Hills and Dunstable Downs, to charming towns and villages like Ampthill and Woburn, to fine historical attractions like Bletchley Park and Woburn Abbey, plus family attractions such as Woburn Safari Park and Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire in South East England has lots to offer for cottage breaks.  Let’s consider each in turn.

 

 

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Bedfordshire’s Top Attractions

Let's consider Bedfordshire's top attractions in turn:

•    Bedfordshire’s Countryside and the Chiltern Hills

•    Charming Towns and Villages in Bedfordshire

•    Historical Attractions in Bedfordshire

•    Family Attractions in Bedfordshire

 

 

Bedfordshire’s Countryside and the Chiltern Hills 

•    If you love greenery and fields, then you should enjoy a stay in Bedfordshire.  Book a rural retreat break and enjoy discovering some of the best of Bedfordshire’s countryside on days out.  Enjoy walking and hiking in the Chiltern Hills.  Be sure to visit the Dunstable Downs for some of the finest views of the surrounding areas.  Marvel at the Whipsnade White Lion, set on a hillside in the Dunstable Downs, and for something truly adventurous, book to enjoy some gliding in the area!  Or if you prefer more sedate activities, try your hand at kite flying, as the area around the Chilterns Gateway Centre is a hotspot for this activity.

•    Also a joy to explore in Bedfordshire, is Greensand Country, a scenic area that centres around the Greensand Ridge.  The Greensand ridge with its nearby heaths is an attractive area for walks, and the picturesque towns of Woburn and Ampthill, are located near this area.

Enjoy walking, hiking, wildlife watching and amazing views in this beautiful area.

Charming Towns and Villages in Bedfordshire 

Bedfordshire is known for its countryside and country life, but is also home to a number of picturesque towns and villages to visit on a cottage break.  The county town of Bedford too with its riverside setting has a certain appeal in places also.
 
•    Some of Bedfordshire’s prettiest towns and villages include Ampthill, Pavenham and Woburn.

•    Ampthill, has to be one of the most picturesque market towns in Bedfordshire.  The town is very charming with a number of impressive Georgian buildings, listed buildings and antique shops.  The town itself dates back to the 1200s.  On the outskirts of Ampthill, there is Katherine's Cross, which was erected in memory of Katherine of Aragon (one of Henry the VIII's wives) who lived in Ampthill for a year. Not far from charming Ampthill there are the ruins of Houghton House which can be visited too. 

•    Pavenham, is a small village with plenty of historic charm.  Pretty thatched cottages are a feature of this idyllic spot.

•    Although small, the historic town of Woburn is perfectly formed and home to a pub, a number of good cafes, gift shops and antique shops.  Nearby, is Woburn abbey and gardens which can be visited (charges apply).  The countryside surrounding Woburn is particularly beautiful.  It's no wonder that the decision was made long ago to build the Woburn estate in this picturesque spot. 

 

Historical Attractions in Bedfordshire 

Bletchley Park

History lovers may want to visit Bletchley Park, a park with a difference.  This is an extensive site where the codebreakers broke the code during the second world war.  Bletchley Park is full with interesting historical military pieces and can keep you occupied for hours on end.

 

Woburn Abbey
 
Woburn Abbey is a magnficient historical country house in Bedfordshire which is well worth a visit.  Marvel at the house's collection of crockery and beautiful objects, wander through the beautiful gardens and marvel at the amazing shell grotto!

Family Attractions in Bedfordshire 

The best known family attractions in Bedfordshire have to be Whipsnade Zoo and Woburn Safari Park, which can be excellent days out whilst on a family holiday.   Also worth a visit, particularly for families with younger children in Mead Open Farm.
 

Whipsnade

Located very close to the beautiful Dunstable Downs, you will find Whipsnade zoo.  An animal shape on a hill in the landscape (also known as the Whipsnade White Lion) lets you know that you are almost there. There are tigers, giraffes and more at Whispnade zoo.  Do take time to explore the Dunstable Downs too when visiting this area.
 

Woburn Safari Park

Here, you can drive around and see the animals from your own vehicle.  There are lions, monkeys  and even giraffes.  Take note though, monkeys can get fascinated by car aerials and often decide to take these as souvenirs...For younger visitors there is a toddlers play area and a small train that goes around to see some of the animals.  If you are really feeling daring then take note, Go Ape now has a site at Woburn so you can experience some monkeying around high up in the trees if you are feeling brave enough.
 

Mead Open Farm

If you are planning a family self-catering break, then you may like to visit ‘Mead Open Farm’, where children can feed the animals.  There is lots on site to keep children entertained, including an indoor playbarn, tractor and trailer rides.
 

 

A Choice of Holiday Accommodation in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire is home to a great choice of self-catering holiday accommodation, including dog-friendly cottages, romantic retreats in Bedfordshire, log cabins and luxury cottages in Bedfordshire.  Choose the type of holiday home in Bedfordshire that best suits you.

Whether you want to spend time in the countryside of the Dunstable Downs, explore one of Bedfordshire’s charming towns, discover historical attractions or enjoy family attractions, we hope we’ve inspired you some of the best that Bedfordshire has to offer for self-catering breaks.