Bountiful Bedfordshire
Located in the East of England, Bedfordshire or Beds, is home to lush countryside as well as a host of historical and cultural attractions. Featuring the Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Hills, Greensand Ridge and Forest of Marston Vale, there are an abundance of areas to explore.
The town of Bedford dates back to Saxon times, but its links to 17th century author John Bunyan, have helped its firm position on the map. His most famous work, The Pilgrim’s Progress is considered the second most widely read book of all times, after the bible. To learn more about Bunyan and his ties with the town, the John Bunyan Museum is a great place to start and offers special packages for groups.
After this, take a walk along the delightful River Great Ouse, where Bedford River Festival takes place every other year in July and includes raft races, parades, fireworks and more. The next event will be 2020.
Did you know?
Bedfordshire is home to an unusual food delight called the Bedfordshire Clanger, a dumpling esque food which is savoury at one end and sweet at the other.
Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Woburn Abbey & Gardens will close for a renovation project this September set to last around 18 months, but there’s still time for groups to plan for this year and be immersed in nearly 500 years of history, 28 acres of gardens and the extensive deer park. If you’re after a full day itinerary, why not tie a visit in with Woburn Safari Park, for close encounters with lions, giraffes and elephants. If your group is into wildlife you may also be interested in visiting the UK’s biggest zoo, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, located near Dunstable and home to thousands of creatures, great and small.
Biggleswade, another Bedfordshire town, is home to the Shuttleworth Collection, a selection of vintage aircrafts including World War Two vehicles. If you’re in Biggleswade for the day and need a bite to eat, head to Jordans Mill, a food heritage centre you’ll find next to the River Ivel, which has been in the Jordan family for 150 years. While you’re there, take a guided tour of the Victorian Mill, explore the vegetable gardens, and tuck into freshly prepared food.
Hearty Hertfordshire
Just a 20-minute train ride from London, Hertfordshire is perfect for a day trip and a longer break for groups.
Let’s start with the historic St Albans, which last year saw the opening of a new St Albans Museum & Gallery in the Grade II listed Town Hall. With 2,000 years of heritage, you’re sure to learn a thing or two. And the 11th century St Albans Cathedral is said to be the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in the whole of England and boasts wonderful architecture, inside and out.
Travelling over to Tring, and housing the collections of zoologist, Walter Rothschild, the Natural History Museum Tring invites all to discover animal artefacts from around the globe, view galleries and enjoy a calendar of events and exhibitions. If you’re more into fiction than fact, you may want to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter in Watford. The eight film franchise based on the books by J.K. Rowling were and still are much loved amongst many. Enticing all generations, a visit can immerse you in the wizarding world, from the Forbidden Forest, to hopping onboard the Hogwarts Express.
Opening for the season in April, Hatfield House in the town of Hatfield is home to the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and has been in the Cecil family for around 400 years. Pre booked groups can enjoy guided tours which last roughly an hour and on Wednesdays the Private Garden is open for visitors to explore.
Art loving groups will want Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Much Hadham on their list. Open during the summer, tours are available for groups of ten or more including the chance to step foot inside the artist’s former family home. During your visit, expect to see Moore’s art works and sculptures displayed across the studios and gardens.
Brilliant Buckinghamshire
Incorporating the Chiltern Hills as well as attractive towns such as Henley on Thames, Slough and larger towns like Milton Keynes and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire has plenty to appeal to group travellers.
Bletchley Park, just outside Milton Keynes, was home to the code breakers during World War Two. During a visit step back in time to experience the stories of the extraordinary achievements of the men and women who worked here. Plus, visit the exhibition D Day Interception, Intelligence, Invasion which opens 11th April 2019. Located on site is the National Museum of Computing where your group will discover more about the code breaking machines and developments in technology.
Known for a ghostly tale, Hellfire Caves in High Wycombe takes you a quarter of a mile underground through twisting tunnels. Brave groups can experience paranormal investigations or for a leisurely visit, head to the Tea Rooms. Founded in the 1970s, Chiltern Open Air Museum, features 30 rescued historic buildings including an Iron Age roundhouse. Pre booked groups can enjoy special rates and demonstrations.
If you’re after a stately home visit, Stonor Park, close to Henley on Thames and home to the Stonor family for 850 years, offers rich history and art as well as horticulture and wildlife. Meanwhile Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury, built in the 1870s welcomes groups to explore the house and gardens as well as numerous events and packages. Groups can also visit the private Rothschild walled garden at Eythrope within the Waddesdon estate, which will intrigue, inform and inspire.