Rethinking family vacations: how to have the best days out during your Bedfordshire staycation

Have you started thinking about your next family holiday or maybe you are looking for a last minute getaway? Why not consider visiting Bedfordshire with the kids? They will love the blooming countryside, its many wildlife parks, and stately homes. And let’s not forget the adventures that lie ahead!

Why choose Bedfordshire? Buckle up, because this country packs a punch

Skip the hassle of booking flights, packing suitcases, and enduring airport queues. Instead opt for a staycation that both saves you money and is better for the environment. Plus, it’s a win-win for local economies. And guess what? The kiddos will get to know all the nooks and crannies of their own country and start nurturing a very special kind of love for this unique habitat they call home.

Less than two hours from London, less than one hour and a half from Oxford and Birmingham, and finally, only an hour away from Cambridge, Bedfordshire might go under the radar as a holiday destination, but it is a mighty gem that merits discovering at least once in one’s lifetime.

🏕️ A glamping retreat – time to pop your feet up

Aren’t you tired of the constant pinging of your phone and of the metropolitan frenzy? We are thinking of the feverish rush hours, the screeching noise of the approaching tube which sounds like nails scratching against a blackboard. Not to mention the honking, the sirens, the never ending voices. Now close your eyes and imagine all that kerfuffle replaced with the gentle rustling of leaves, a sweet summer breeze, and the musical sounds of little birds. What is this? It is almost like we can hear ourselves think again!

Only a stone’s throw away from these urban hubs of activity (and yet they feel like a world away), there is New Barn Farm that is the personification of what we like to call “natural luxury.” Here, you get to experience all the wonders of nature, unfiltered, without sacrificing any of the homely comforts – that is feathery beds, fully equipped kitchens, running hot water. But here’s the pièce de la résistance, there is no electricity! And you will be surprised at how little you will miss it when you are under a sky studded with sparkling stars or under the flickering candlelight with a delicious meal stewing on top of the log burning stove, accompanied by the relaxing sounds of a crackling fire.

To add an extra dose of pampering, you can order the yummiest homemade meals delivered straight to the door of your tented cottage! For the kids, there is a cuddle barn, an animal menagerie, and go-karts where they can go nuts. Our passion for nature starts right here, right now.

🚵 Leaving the road and taking the trails in Bedfordshire

Now this might sound obvious but we can’t stress it enough: while planning your vacation, make sure to create time for yourselves. It is often the case that we can slip right back into the fast-paced rhythms of the city. Yes, even in the countryside. We pack our to-do lists to the brim with the most important sights to see (and rightly so), but we often overlook the simple pleasures: a leisurely walk through the country, gazing at the sky and finding the animals hiding in the clouds.

In this marvellous rural landscape, the kids can embark on scavenger hunts for an intimate exploration of the natural world. They’ll spot wildlife, create natural art, then run and laugh before settling down for a picnic under the shade of great hazel or oak trees – Harrold-Odell Country Park is one of the many beautiful spots that will help you adopt the pace of nature.

If you are up for a challenge, there is moreover the Greensand Ridge Walk (a whooping 40 miles!), primarily taking place in Bedfordshire but with quick overlaps in the counties of Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire. However, we appreciate this distance is no laughing matter for adults at the best of times, so why not pick and choose a section to explore and make the walk much more manageable?

Time for some culture 🏰

Few things epitomise British heritage quite like a stately home. There are at least 3,704 of these grand residences, standing as iconic symbols of our history. While in Bedfordshire make sure to leave room for magnificent places like Turvey House (only 10 minutes from New Barn Farm), Wrest Park, and Shuttleworth House. Each house comes with their own unique legacy, extensive grounds ideal for exploring, and a wealth of cultural treasures to discover.

But if you’re aiming to feed two birds with one scone, then look no further than the Woburn Abbey. Not only does it satisfy your thirst for history and culture, but it also offers an exciting opportunity to encounter amur tigers, African lions, bongos, southern white rhinos, and those adorable (yet mischievous!) lemurs at the Woburn Safari Park.

🏊‍♀️ Adventure is out there… in Bedfordshire!

What is that you say? Your little bundles of energy are hungry for more daring quests? Fear not, for Bedfordshire caters even to the most worldly adventurers. Box End Park is ideal for the thrill seekers who love their fair share of water sports – think of wakeboarding, paddleboarding, boat water skiing and more! Looking for a more laid-back activity? Swing by the disc and football golf course; the perfect blend of fun and leisure.

On the other hand, if your little ones are more of the self-sufficient, naturalistic type, then Kempston Outdoor Centre is for you. Climbing, bushcraft, high ropes, canoeing throughs scenic river meadows, this is perfect for the dreamers who love getting hands on in a natural setting and want to master various survival skills such as shelter building, fire making, foraging for food, and navigating the wilderness with confidence.

🌄The Sun Also Rises in Bedfordshire 🌞

Here you have it—an escape from the hustle and bustle, straight into the arms of nature. Fun-filled days, sunshine, sparkling waters, and lots of laughter are ahead — your next staycation in Bedfordshire promises to be the best one yet.