Have fun outside during the school holidays!
We're really fortunate to live in an area where there is lots of outdoor space to make the most of – we have over 1,000 hectares of countryside here in Central Bedfordshire!
Rushmere Country Park
There are various trails so visitors can enjoy the park, including The Sculpture Trail, Oak Wood Trail, a Nature Rubbing Trail and The Heathland Trail. Cyclists are also welcome at the Park, and there are play spots available and a cafe. Find out more about the walks and trails at the park.
Find out more about what’s on at Rushmere Country Park.
Houghton Hall Park
Located in the heart of Houghton Regis, Houghton Hall Park is a hidden gem – with 42 acres of parkland and woodland. Enjoy the dog friendly café, a walk around the woodland and the various play features available.
Forest of Marston Vale
The Forest of Marston Vale is 61 square miles and has 13 of its own woodlands which are ready for exploring! You can download activity sheets for children to take out and about into the park, keeping little ones busy and helping them learn about the animals and plants in the park.
Circular Walks around Central Bedfordshire
If you’ve got a car, a circular walk could be a great way to spend some time outdoors and see the best of Central Bedfordshire. There are a number of beautiful circular walks in the area including Katherine’s Walk which covers Ampthill, Flitwick and Steppingley, the Everton Circular Walk in Sandy and the Dunstable Downs Circular Walk.
Find out more about circular walks in Central Bedfordshire.
Greensand Ridge Walk
And if you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, you could take on the Greensand Ridge Walk! It’s a 40 mile (64km) long-distance walk that crosses Bedfordshire, with brief sections in Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire. We’ve split the route into 5 sections.
Find out more about the Greensand Ridge Walk.
Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is the highest point in Bedfordshire.
There are miles of footpaths across the chalk grasslands of the Downs including several circular walks. The Chiltern Gateway Centre and the Downs' View Cafe offer spectacular view over the Vale of Aylesbury. The National Trust has activities set up during the school holidays including a kite festival, sports village and Big Camp, which is the perfect family adventure, offering you the rare opportunity to pitch your tent and camp overnight. Spend the weekend exploring the Downs in a new light and admiring our vast night-time skies.