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Parks and gardens

Country Parks

Country Parks

Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane.
206 acres of open country. Lake and river walks, angling, wildlife conservation areas. Visitor centre, including ‘Wildlife Shop’.
Open Mondays to Fridays, 9.00 am to 4.000 pm,
Sundays 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm.
Ample parking.
Information from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust. (01234) 364213.

Stevington Country Walk
Follows 2 miles of former Bedford-Northampton Railway. Access to footpaths, circular route walk taking in Oakley Bridge and Weir.
Ample parking.
Contact (01234) 720016.

Stewartby Lake
In the heart of the Marston Vale Community Forest, this former clay pit is now managed as a Country Park. The lake attracts a rich variety of birds, particularly in winter. Water sports also take place on the lake. 318 acre site including 287 acre lake with 31 acres of lake.
Tel : (01234) 767751 for further details.
Directions : off the A421 between Bedford and Junction 13 of the M1.

Harrold and Odell Country Park
144 acres on the banks of the Ouse; open country, lake, way-marked walks, ample parking. The park’s two tranquil lakes, picturesque riverbanks, woodland and water meadows are excellent for walking, and watching the thousands of birds that visit it every year.
Tea room and visitor centre open seasonal.
Contact (01234) 720016.
Directions : on the Carlton road between Harrold and Odell. Contact the Visitor Centre for a list of opening times, or look on the notice board at the site.

Butterfly Park, Wilden
A global conservation park set in 10 acres of wildflower meadows. Find butterflies in a tropical landscape, also trails, tea-room, gift shop and a creepy crawlies room.
Open March to October, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm,
November 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.0
Tel: 01234 772773.

Dunstable Downs
Set within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dunstable Downs commands some of the best views over the Vale of Aylesbury. Managed in partnership with the National Trust, the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Ancient Monument has much to offer its visitors.

The Countryside Centre has interpretative displays and sells a wide range of kites, souvenirs and publications. There are several circular walks, a picnic area and you can watch gliders, hand-gliders, paragliders and kite flyers, when conditions permit. The refreshment kiosk is available all year except Christmas Day.

Directions : On the B4541 Dunstable to Whipsnade road. For additional information Tel/Fax : (01582) 608489. Countryside Centre Opening times displayed on site. Educational Services available on request. Booking essential for school or community group visits.

Bushmead Priory
Small house built by Augustinian canons in 1195. A rare example of crown-post construction with timber-framed roof. Stained glass, wall paintings. Bedford 01234 376614.

Aspley Woods
One of the largest areas of woodland in Bedfordshire, offering peace and tranquillity. Miles upon miles of tracks for walking and horse riding (permit scheme operating). Great views of the New City of Milton Keynes and Woburn Abbey. Set in between the picturesque villages of Woburn and Woburn Sands. Public access is allowed in these private woods by an agreement between Bedfordshire County Council, Milton Keynes Council and the Bedford Estates.

Tel : (01582) 237760 for information.

Directions : Car park off Longslade lane, a road between the A5130 Woburn - Woburn Sands and Bow Brickhill road. Also accessible on foot/horse Access Wood signs.

Brogborough Hill
The picnic site at Brogborough Hill on the edge of the Marston Vale Community Forest, has beautiful views over Marston Vale and gives access to woodland walks through Reynold and Hulcote Woods. A permanent orienteering course is set up throughout these woods. Contact the Forest Office for further details (01234) 767037.
Directions : off the A421 close to Junction 13 of the M1.

Daisy Bank Picnic Site
An attractive picnic site overlooking the Ouse Valley.
Directions : north side of the Carlton - Felmersham road.

Henlow Common and Langford Meadows
This nature reserve lies close to the River Ivel in the village of Langford. It is made up of a variety of habitats including grassland, scrub, ditch and pond and is an ideal location for walking and wildlife watching.
Directions : 3 miles south of Biggleswade on the A6001. There is no car park, but the site can be reached on foot from the A6001 south of Langford, via the footbridge from Langford High Street, from the end of Mill Lane, Langford.

Sundon Hills Country Park
One of the highest points in Bedfordshire, with views of Sharpenhoe Clappers, this Country Park is a picturesque mixture of beech and ash woodland and steeply wooded coombes. Managed in partnership with the National Trust, it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it comes within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the John Bunyan Trail passing through it. There is a car park, a small picnic area and some interesting walks.
Directions : 5 miles north of Luton between Upper Sundon and Harlington. For more information Tel/Fax : (01582) 608489.

Stockgrove Country Park
So much is crammed into such a small area, from the lake hidden in a wooded valley to the open meadows, offering views across the oldest woodland in Bedfordshire. People come here to relax or watch the wildlife whatever the time of year. The main walk around the lake is suitable for wheelchairs (one available for the centre). Come for a summer’s evening walk and marvel at the bats and the sounds of the park.
Tel/Fax : (01525) 237760.
Directions : north-west of Heath Reach on the Great Brickhill road. A parking charge or £1 is payable between 10am - 6pm. A café is open between 9am - 8pm.

Totternhoe Knolls
A Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument incorporating the remains of a Normal motte and bailey castle. Managed in partnership with the National Trust, the Knolls are famous for their chalk grassland plants and butterflies and the surrounding area is criss-crossed by a network of bridleways.The picnic area and car park are signposted from the main road through Totternhoe village.
For more information Tel/Fax : (0152) 608489.

Whipsnade Heath
A small but unusual area of woodland containing some unusual plants and fungi. There is a small car park and picnic glade. It is managed in partnership with the National Trust.
For more information Tel/Fax : (01582) 608489.
Directions : south of Dunstable Downs at the junction of the B4541 Dunstable - Whipsnade road and the B4540 Whipsnade - Kensworth road.

Wrest Park and Gardens

Bedford Parks and Sports Leaflet. ( 221 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

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