Family Days Out in Bedfordshire

This article forms part of Things To Do in Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard is perfectly placed for a range of family days out in Bedfordshire that suit every budget. Whether you enjoy walks in the countryside, encounters with animals, or anything else, there’s something for everyone all year round. Here are a few places to take your family on a fun day out.

Cheap and Cheerful

Rushmere Country Park
Linslade Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0EB
https://www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
Rushmere Country Park has 400 acres of stunning woodland, heathland and meadows for all ages to enjoy. It has walking, cycling and horse trails for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, including a heathland trail and two sculpture trails. The Tree Tops Café is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks. The only fee to pay is for parking.

Stockwood Discovery Centre
London Road, Luton LU1 4LX
https://www.culturetrust.com/venues/stockwood-discovery-centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre is in the grounds of historic Stockwood Park, which has beautiful gardens, engaging interactive exhibitions, and Europe’s largest carriage collection. It includes Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, a Grade II listed building which takes visitors on an immersive journey through time. There is also a scenic outdoor play area for children, a café, and a gift shop. Admission to the park is free with donations to the charity gratefully received.

Priory Country Park
Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-bedford-borough/priory-country-park
Priory Country Park has 360 acres of lakes, meadows and woodland just outside Bedford. It’s a County Wildlife Site, so certain areas of the park are left undisturbed for the benefit of the wildlife that lives there. There are walking trails with guided walks around the different habitats, from meadows to reed beds, as well as fishing, boating, play areas, and bird hides. Entrance to the park is free. Check signs for parking costs.

Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate
Dunstable Downs offers spectacular views over The Aylesbury Vale and across to Leighton Buzzard. The downs and visitor centre are free to attend, parking fees apply. There are plenty of low cost activity events for children particularly during the school holidays. Watch kite flying and the gliders take off and land from this popular destination and discover local history from the neolithic burial mounds to medieval times and Henry I.

Mid-Range and Marvellous

Mead Open Farm
Stanbridge Road, Billington, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH
https://www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/
At Mead Open Farm you can meet the animals and get stuck in with hands-on daily activities, from egg collecting to pony grooming. It also has acres of outdoor adventure spaces including rock climbing, obstacle courses, go karting and more, plus a huge indoor play area, making it a great place to visit whatever the weather.

Snakes and Ladders
Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5BQ
https://www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk/our-locations/dunstable/
Ideal for children aged 12 and under, Snakes and Ladders playcentre has lots of activities to keep them entertained for hours! There’s a huge three-tiered play frame, an under 5’s zone, a brand new sensory zone, a role play village, and even a space escape experience for children aged 6+. SEND play sessions and parties in themed rooms are also available, and there’s a café with a range of refreshments to keep both adults and children going.

Leighton Buzzard Railway
Pages Park Station, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TG
https://www.buzzrail.uk/
Leighton Buzzard Railway is a heritage railway attraction which runs steam trains along a three-mile line from March to October, look out special events such as Mother’s Day afternoon teas and Santa Specials in December and many other special events throughout the open season. There are also souvenir shops at both ends of the line and the CuriosiTea Rooms café at Page’s Park Station is open all year round for refreshments.

Ascott House and Gardens
Ascott Visitor Entrance, Ascott Estate, Wing, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0PT
https://ascottestate.co.uk/
Open March to September
Visiting Ascott House and Gardens combines art, history and nature. The main house is home to an outstanding collection of art, fine furniture and Chinese ceramics, whilst the 30 acres of landscaped gardens provide an escape into nature. Talks, workshops, and holiday activities are just a few of the events hosted here, providing something for everyone during the warmer months. Complete your visit with afternoon tea in the Pavilion Tea Room.

Pricey and Perfect

Woburn Safari Park
Crawley Rd, Woburn MK43 0TU
https://www.woburnsafari.co.uk/
Woburn Safari Park has more than 75 species of exotic and endangered species from around the world. Drive through the Road Safari as many times as you like, then walk through habitats and enclosures on the Foot Safari. They also have keeper talks, demonstrations, restaurants, and plenty of free indoor and outdoor play areas. Keep costs down by bringing a picnic instead of buying food there.

Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LF
https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/
Whipsnade is the UK’s biggest zoo. It’s set in 600 acres of beautiful parkland on the Chiltern Hills and is home to more than 11,000 animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. There are talks about the animals every day, play areas, food and drink options, and even a steam-powered miniature railway that takes you past some of the animals. Bring a buggy or scooter for little legs as there’s a lot of walking.