Bedfordshire Travel Guide

Bedfordshire divides neatly into two distinct sections; the industrial south, centred on Luton, and the agricultural north, where the Great River Ouse meanders through peaceful countryside and the quiet county town of Bedford.

John Bunyan's County

Bedford is known primarily for its association with John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, who was born near here in 1628. Several museums and town walks feature mementoes of Bunyan's life in the area.

Near Bedford is Woburn Abbey, one of the great stately homes of England, and seat of the powerful Russell family, Dukes of Bedford. Woburn has another association: it is home to the popular Woburn Safari Park.

If you want more wildlife, Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable houses over 2500 wild animals in 600 acres of parkland. You can drive your car through the park, or hop on one of the regular shuttle buses.

The Shuttleworth Collection near Biggleswade houses a wonderful collection of vintage aircraft, including many which are the sole surviving examples of their type anywhere in the world. Shuttleworth is also home to a fine museum of antique and vintage automobiles.

Stately Homes

Aviation Heritage
Bedfordshire has a rich history of aviation: There are aviation museums at Cardington, Shuttleworth, London Colney and Hendon, and you can see vintage aircraft in action at one of the flying days at the Old Warden Aerodrome.

Countryside
Bedfordshire is perfectly situated for outdoor pursuits. The Chiltern Hills provide excellent walking and cycling in the south of the county. The Icknield Way long distance path runs through Luton on its way from Warden & Gallery Hills to Dunstable. More countryside ...

TOP HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Woburn Abbey (Historic House) Heritage Rating:

Bedford, St. Paul Church (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

St. Peter de Merton (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

Dunstable Priory (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

Flitton, St. John the Baptist Church (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

All Saints, Leighton Buzzard (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

Luton, St Mary's Church (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

All Saints, Turvey (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

De Grey Mausoleum (Historic Building) Heritage Rating:

Farndish, St Michael's Church (Historic Church) Heritage Rating:

More Information
Bedfordshire and Luton Tourism
Telephone: 01234 276 063
E-mail: helen.shore@bedscc.gov.uk Website: www.visitbeds-luton.com

Bedford Borough Council
Website: www.bedford.gov.uk/

HISTORY CORNER

Name the Historic attraction

See larger image

British Heritage Awards

Celebrate the best of British Heritage in our annual
British Heritage awards.

View this year's winners.

British History Quiz

This leader of the Liberal party served as Prime Minister from 1908-1916

Clue

This Day in British History

12 February, 1554

Lady Jane Grey executed

Grey became famous as the 'Nine Days Queen', a pawn in the ambitions of the Earl of Northumberland

Monarch Mayhem

Defeated Robert, Duke of Normandy, at the Battle of Avranches

Clue

Accommodation

Luton (Hotel)

Chiltern Hotel and 15 days parking

If you are looking for a pre-flight stopover on the way to Luton Airport then the Chiltern Hotel and 15 days parking offer from Superbreak is just what you need. The hotel is perfectly placed just 5 miles from the airport, offers excellent accommodation and ample on-site parking where you … more >>

More hotels in Bedfordshire >>

Luton (Hotel)

Express by Holiday Inn Luton Airport

The Express by Holiday Inn Luton Airport hotel is a 147 bedroom modern hotel near the airport. The hotel is easily accessible by air, road and rail, making it an excellent choice. Facilities include well equipped bedrooms with desk area and telephone, modem link, tea & coffee making facilities, and … more >>

More hotels in Bedfordshire >>

	Bedfordshire Travel Guide A profile of the county of Bedfordshire, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.