Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire is a small, densely populated county that lies in the heart of the East of England. Often overlooked because of the nearby well-known counties of Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire has many things to offer and places to see for tourists and visitors alike. With a focus on art and heritage, as well as wildlife in the countryside, Bedfordshire is a hub of interest. Read More

Bedfordshire as a holiday destination

Home to many culturally significant buildings, Bedfordshire is great for the culture vultures out there. The Castle Lane Quarter is home to many of these, including the Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, which hosts a variety of artworks and exhibitions to visit. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and set in the beautiful Victorian house of Castleside, is the Panacea Museum. A unique place that is guaranteed to intrigue visitors, it focuses on the beliefs of a religious group called the Panacea Society. A trip to Bedfordshire would not be complete without visiting the John Bunyam Museum, author of The Pilgrim's Progress. Charting the life and times of Bunyam, it exhibits many of his personal belongings and unseen works. 

The River Ouse and surrounding area provide a scenic backdrop to those who want to experience the outdoors of Bedfordshire. The Stotfold Water Mill and Nature Reserve are a great stop off for a bit of culture outside of the city. Boat trips are available down the river, as well as walking and cycling trails. Discover the woodlands and explore down by the riverbanks to find all sorts of natural treasures. For those interested in the sky rather than the ground, the Bird of Prey Centre is ideal. Based on the Shuttleworth Estate, it offers the opportunity to see over 200 birds of prey including eagles, falcons and hawks. The theme of animals and nature carries on with Whipsnade Zoo and Woburn Safari Park. Home to many rare and exotic animals including lions, rhinos, cheetahs and giraffes, the sights are unmissable. Whipsnade is the UK's largest wildlife park and the scenic views of Bedfordshire provide an amazing background to the adventures you can find yourself experiencing within the park. 

For something a little less wild, the countryside of Bedfordshire is also home to many stately residences. Woburn Abbey offers the chance to learn about Bedfordshire over afternoon tea in an amazing setting. The Abbey holds a range of interesting trinkets and artefacts from the county. Another option is Turvey House, which has a collection of 18^th and 19^th century furniture, art and books. The beautiful gardens that enclose this stately home are open for visitors to meander around. 

Bedfordshire is a perfect place for lovers of the arts. Whether you opt for a day in the museums, galleries or affluent countryside homes, there are opportunities to see art, history and literature everywhere. For those who want to be more free, the natural parks and wildlife reserves of Bedfordshire provide great entertainment and exciting days out for the whole family.