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Bedfordshire - Tourist Attractions, Amusements,
Theme Parks, Walks, Viewpoints, Zoos, etc
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This page covers
general Tourist Attractions, including Amusement Parks,
Boat Trips,
Theme Parks, Specialist Shops, factory shops and outlet
villages, Guided Walks, Country Parks,
Viewpoints, Zoos and wildlife parks, etc.
We know that not all the
attractions in Bedfordshire are listed.
Please help us
make this guide comprehensive by giving details of
missing attractions
here.
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Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Trustees c/o Chapel Farm, Whipsnade, Dunstable,
Bedfordshire, LU6 2LL
Trustees: 01582 872406 Estate
office: 01582 873569 Fax: 01582
872936
E-mail:
whipsnadetc@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Trees and hedges planted
in the form of a medieval cathedral.
Created following the First World War in
‘Faith, hope and reconciliation’, the Tree
Cathedral covers a tranquil 3.82ha (9˝ acres)
and contains many tree species.
Grass avenues form chancel, nave, transepts,
chapels and cloisters, and there is also a dew
pond. |
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Tree Cathedral -
Photo:
Shelia Russell
CCL |
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Willington Dovecote &
Stables
Willington, nr Bedford
Tel: 01234 838278 (Voluntary Custodian)
01480 301494 (Property Manager)
Fax: 01480 469641
E-mail:
willingtondovecote@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Willington Dovecote & Stables -
Photo:
Oliver White
CCL |
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Distinctive 16th-century stable and stone
dovecote.
The dovecote is lined internally with nesting
boxes for over 1500 pigeons.
The buildings are the remains of a historic
manorial complex, and include stones probably
taken from local priories during the
Dissolution of the Monasteries. |
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Leighton Buzzard Railway
Pages Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton
Buzzard, LU7 4TN
Tel: 01525 373888
E-mail:
info@buzzrail.co.uk
Web:
www.buzzrail.co.uk
A 70 minute journey into the vanished world of
the English Light Railway, with its sharp
curves, steep gradients, and unique roadside
running. Genuine 1919 industrial Narrow Gauge
Railway with steam & diesel-hauled passenger
trains plus feature events and displays during
operating season - March to October plus
December.
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Watergate Farm Lambing
Farm Open Days
Watergate Farm, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard,
Bedfordshire, LU7 9LN
Tel: 01525 211241 / 01525 210708 / 01525
211240
E-mail:
davidhunt@watergatefarm.co.uk
Web:
www.watergatefarm.co.uk
With over 2000 sheep to give birth, this is a
unique chance to see lambs actually being born,
taking those first few steps and suckling their
mothers for the first time. With our sheep
shearing sessions you can see wool ready for
knitting. You will be able to walk around the
sheep and lambs in the fields and you can take a
tractor and trailer ride around the fields
(weather permitting). See our traditionally
reared turkeys, visit the craft barn, try our
turkey burgers on the Bar-B-Q or just bring your
own picnic. We feel sure you will enjoy your day
out on the farm. Please consult the website for
dates, and times of opening.
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Dunstable Downs
Countryside Centre & Whipsnade Estate
Whipsnade Road, Kensworth, Dunstable,
Bedfordshire, LU6 2TA
Tel: 01582 608489 Fax:
01582 671826
E-mail:
dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Extensive area of chalk
grassland and farmland.
Commanding outstanding views over the Vale of
Aylesbury and along the Chiltern Ridge,
Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs comprise 206ha
(510 acres) of grassland and farmland, where
the steep slopes are rich in flora and
associated fauna.
This open space offers an opportunity to enjoy
many forms of recreation, including walking,
kite-flying and watching paragliders and
gliders. |
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Dunstable Downs Gliding Club -
Photo:
Martin Addison
CCL |
The countryside
centre is
adjacent to the
car parks on the
B4541.
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DEFRA – Rural Affairs
Tel: 08459 335577
E-mail:
helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Web:
countrywalks.defra.gov.uk
More than 1800 walks etc in the United Kingdom.
Simply select your destination and you will be
rewarded with mini guides and map references to
help you explore the countryside at your
leisure.
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PRIORY COUNTRY PARK
Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SH
Tel: 01234 211182
E-mail:
prioryrangers@bedford.gov.uk
Web:
www.priorycountrypark.co.uk
Priory Country Park
offers an excellent opportunity to explore and
enjoy the countryside in a large variety of
ways. Whether walking or cycling there are paths
suitable for all. Find out where to spot the
wildlife at the visitor centre, take part in a
special event or discover more about nature
conservation. Or, look out for migratory birds
at this nationally important site. Fishing is
available, with wardens keen to advise (by prior
arrangement).
A wide range of watersports
can be sampled including sailing and board
sailing, courtesy of Priory Sailing Club (by
prior arrangement). Canoeists will enjoy the
exciting slalom and high level of facilities.
Also enjoy the new oak explorative labyrinth.
And at the end your visit? relax with a drink or
meal at the Beefeater restaurant nearby.
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FOREST CENTRE - MARSTON
VALE MILLENNIUM COUNTRY PARK
Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43
0PR
Tel: 01234 767037
E-mail:
info@marstonvale.org
Web:
www.marstonvale.org
This forest centre and country park have the
best facilities for a day out in the countryside
- trails, play area, cafe bar, gift shop & cycle
hire. Stretching over 250 hectares, the park has
a mosaic of habitats, from wetlands to
woodlands, meadows to lakes. There are two bird
hides, willow sculptures, walking and cycling
trails, and viewing points.
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WILD BRITAIN
Renhold Road, Wilden, Bedford, MK44 2PX
Tel: 01234 772770
E-mail:
enquiries@wild-britain.co.uk
Web:
www.wild-britain.co.uk
A global Conservation
Park with Tropical Butterfly House, Bugs Room,
Nature Trails, Adventure Playground, Tea Room,
Gift Shop and much more. Wander amongst
beautiful butterflies and exotic blooms in our
tropical house. See weird and wonderful
creepy-crawlies in the bugs house.
Outside, stop to feed the
pygmy goats and rabbits before exploring our
nature reserve. Other attractions include a tea
room, gift shop, adventure playground and
children's activity barn. Art and Craft
Activities, public shows and presentations take
place daily.
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Ampthill Park
Woburn Street, Ampthill, Bedford
Tel: 01525 404355
E-mail:
council@ampthilltowncouncil.org.uk
Web:
www.ampthill.org.uk
Henry VIII's favourite hunting seat, this former
deer park, set on the Greensand Ridge, was
landscaped by Capability Brown. Spectacular
views & walks. The setting of this park is
steeped in history. It was landscaped by
Capability Brown around 1770 but in the 15th
century, stood the castle where Catherine of
Aragon stayed pending her divorce.
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HARROLD-ODELL COUNTRY PARK
Carlton Road, Harrold, Beds, MK43 7DS
Tel: 01234 720016
E-mail:
hocp@bedscc.gov.uk
Web:
www.hocp.net
A fascinating array of
wildlife including insects and plants may be
found. This site is also popular with wintering
wildfowl and summer migratory birds. Of the many
walks in the park, around Grebe Lake there is an
area suitable for wheelchairs.
A bird watching hide also
provides access for wheel chairs. A variety of
events take place throughout the year please
telephone 01234 720016 for details. During the
school holidays there are also children's
activities. The Cafe in the Park is open 7 days
a week from 9.30am and offers light
refreshments, lunches and teas as well as
providing an evening function venue.
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The Bird of Prey Centre
Old Warden Park, Old Warden, Biggleswade, SG18
9EA
Tel: 01767 627527
E-mail:
falconry.centre@virgin.net
Web:
www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
The English School of Falconry, Bird of Prey and
Conservation Centre are a family run business
located in Old Warden Park, also home to the
Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss Garden.
Dedicated to conservation and education, staff
are always happy to answer any questions you may
have during your visit. Flying displays up to
four times a day include: Falconry Pageant; Out
of Africa with vultures, secretary birds,
eagles, owls and falcons; Falconers Fun
Demonstration with all sorts of birds!
Informative workshops are also available to
schools, suitable for students of all ages.
Falconry courses, activity and Hawking Days
available throughout the year. 300 birds of prey
from a wide variety of species await you, along
with flying displays and daily talks. Picnic
area and garden restaurant.
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Thurleigh Farm Centre
Cross End, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2EE
Tel: 01234 771597
E-mail:
info@thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk
Web:
www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk
A working farm and children's activity centre.
See, feed and handle the farm animals. Also on
site: indoor and outdoor play areas, mini quad
bikes, pedal carts. Pony and tractor rides at
peak times. Woodland walk with tree houses for
children to play in. Tea room and Scarecrow
Snack Shack.
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Whipsnade Wild Animal Park
Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF
Tel: 01582 872171
E-mail:
wwapmembership@zsl.org
Web:
www.zsl.org
One of the largest wildlife conservation centres
in Europe, Whipsnade is home to 2500 of the
world's most incredible creatures. The park has
the family favourite - tigers, elephants,
penguins, giraffe, bears, chimps, hippo & rhino.
Get a taste of animal action at our Californian
sea lion demonstration, birds of the world or
penguin feeding. Cafe & gift shop open all year
round.
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Woburn Safari Park
Woburn Park, Bedfordshire, MK17 1QN
Tel: 01525 290407 Fax:
01525 290489
E-mail:
info@woburnsafari.co.uk
Web:
www.woburnsafari.co.uk
At Woburn Safari Park Visitors drive their cars
through the animal enclosures which gives
visitors the opportunity to view the animals at
close quarters and come face to face with the
Rhino, Eland, Scimitar Horned Oryx (Antelope),
Giraffe, Ankole, Zebra, Elephant, Camel, Bison,
Ostrich, Bongo (Antelope), Lion, Tiger, Wolves
and Black Bear. There are five adventure
playgrounds for children with opportunities for
hands on experiences. Animal talks and
demonstrations take place throughout the day.
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Woodside Animal Farm &
Leisure Park
Woodside Road, Slip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG
Tel: 01582 841044
E-mail:
enquiries@woodsidefarm.co.uk
Web:
www.woodsidefarm.co.uk
You can get touchy feely with the animals down
on the farm with goats, rabbits, pigs, monkeys,
iguanas, wallabies, flamingos and more. Children
can enjoy our indoor and outdoor adventure play
areas, bouncy castles, trampolines. 18 Hole
crazy golf course. With a farm shop, pet store,
coffee shop and poultry centre. There's
something for the whole family. Full events
programme.
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To join or recommend an establishment to
us, please
contact Tourist Net UK
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