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.
For more information on Priory Country Park,
click here.
Information from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust,
who are based in Priory Country Park Visitor Centre (01234)
364213 or go to their website by
clicking here.
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: (01525) 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
(01525) 860152. East of Silsoe, A6. Gardens
illustrate various styles from 1700 - 1850.
Bedford Parks
and Sports Leaflet.