Russell Park is situated on the Embankment and offers sports facilities, open space and gardens and an onsite café. The park was opened as a recreation ground at the end of the 19th century, about 10 years after the widening of the ricer and opening of the Suspension Bridge.
The park provides opportunities for locals and visitors to get active with a large play area, football pitches, tennis courts and much more. There is so much to do in Bedford, so why not take a stroll through Russell Park?
Whether you are visiting with friends or family, there is something for everyone to do. Why not explore Bedford on a scenic riverside walk and relax in the café with delicious food and drink!
There is plenty to keep children entertained, so if you plan to bring the family everyone will have a great time visiting Bedford.
Opening hours
1 April - 30 September: Mon - Sun 9am - 6pm
1 October - 31 March: Mon - Sun 9am - 5pm
Putting: Over 12’s £3.10 £1.30
Tennis: Over 16’s £4.55 / court - Racket and ball hire available
Ping Pong: Hire a table, up to 4 bats and a ball for an hour: £2.05
Address
The Embankment
Bedford
MK40 3RH
www.bedford.gov.uk
2. Embankment and Mill Meadows
The Embankment and Mill Meadows are well known as the jewel in Bedford’s Crown and is a popular place to visit with locals and visitors.
The river was widened by man in the Victorian era and spanned by the ornate Suspension Bridge, which first opened in 1888. There was also an inland promenade that was created, which visitors still love while experiencing the beautiful riverside views of Bedford and flower displays of the Embankment Gardens.
If you plan to visit Bedford with friends or family, make sure to visit Embankment and Mill Meadows. There are many beautiful views, full of floral gardens and grounds to visit.
Address
The Embankment
Bedford
Bedfordshire
England
MK40 3PE
Opening times
All year
Daily: Open dawn to dusk
Entrance free
Contact details
01234 718453
3. Bedford Park
Bedford Park has been awarded Green Flag status every year, since 2007. The award reflects parks with the highest standards. Bedford Park is one of three parks currently maintaining Green Flag status, as well as Priory Country Park and Harrold Odell Country Park.
The park is also the largest park within Bedford and is owned and maintained by the council. There are many facilities at the park, including tennis, football, rounders and many more sports. Robinson Pool is also located in the corner of Bedford Park and is the main public swimming pool of Bedford town.
Why not visit the park with friends or family and enjoy a picnic in the sun? Take a stroll through the park and see the many trees and flowers that blossom throughout the year. Before heading home, take a trip to the café and enjoy something delicious for lunch.
Opening hours
Open throughout the year
Pricing
Free
Address
Park Avenue
Bedford
MK40 2JZ
England
Contact details
01234 718453
4. The Forest of Marston Vale
Marston Vale is the largest regeneration project in Bedfordshire, which covers 61 square miles between Milton Keynes and Bedford. The forest offers beautiful woodland, farmland and open space and creates a vibrant atmosphere for locals and visitors.
Over 1 million trees were planted in the forest, creating many habitats for wildlife to discover and live in. Why not take a visit to Marston Vale Forest and see the wonderful woods for yourself? Take a stroll through the trees and admire the wildlife.
Bedford is a great place to visit with friends or family, with many attractions and activities to offer. Whether you fancy a walk in the park, an educational trip to the museum or a day of shopping – Bedford has many things to offer.
Address
The Forest Centre Stewartby Millennium Country Park
Station Road
Marston Moretaine
Bedford
MK43 0PR
England
Contact details
01234 767037
5. Panacea Museum
Panacea Museum which was built in the early 20th century, is situated in Castleside, which is a beautiful Victorian house full of history. The museum explains the Panacea Society story and other religious groups. Why not take a look in the museum and discover the story of the religious community that created its own Garden of Eden in the heart of Bedford.
Why not visit Bedford and explore its beautiful gardens? If you would love to know more about Bedford’s history, why not take a look in the Panacea Museum. There is so much to do and see around Bedford, especially for families and people who love outdoor activities.
Opening times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Prices
Admission is free and there is no need to pre-book
Address
9 Newnham Road
Bedford
MK40 3NX
England
Contact details
01234 35317
www.panaceamuseum.org
Top 5 kid’s activities
1. Bedford Treasure Trail
Bedford Treasure Trail is a great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and explore with friends and family.
The routes are easy to follow, where children will be searching everywhere for clues! It makes a perfect day out for kids, from all ages 6+. Bedford’s Treasure Trail usually takes around 2 hours and is a 3 mile route, offering an active day out with the kids. Why not stop off and visit attractions nearby? There are many sights to discover in Bedford.
Opening hours
Trails are self-guided and can be instantly downloaded from our website. Follow the Trail, solve the clues and see the sights on any day of your choosing. There is no need to phone us for opening details. All Trails are designed to be completed in daylight
Pricing
£6.99 per Trail (not per person). One Trail booklet recommended for a group of 4 to 5 people.
Address
Cardington Road
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 0BQ
England
Contact details
01872 263692
www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/hertfordshire/st-albans
2. Oasis Beach Pool
Oasis Beach Pool is a fun place to take the kids, especially if it’s a rainy day! The pool is just outside Bedford and offers an indoor tropical beach pool, with temperatures in the 80s – Sounds like a tropical beach somewhere warm in the sun!
Facilities at the pool include slides, flumes, wave machine, water cannons and much more to experience! Oasis Beach Pool also offers swimming lessons for all ages, so if your children aren’t too confident in the water, why not get them some swimming lessons?
Why not take the children to Oasis Beach Pool in the school holidays, or on the weekend? Kids will have such a great afternoon out at the pool.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:30
Pricing
Swim (Non Member)
Peak (Off Peak)
Adult: £7.50 (£5.40)
Junior: £5.85 (4.30)
Senior: £5.90 (£4.30)
Disabled: £3.85 (£3.30)
Under 3: Free
Family: from £21.20
Address
Cardington Road
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 OBZ
England
Contact details
01234 272100
www.oasisbeachpool.com
3. Kempston Outdoor Centre
Kempston Outdoor Centre offers an amazing range of outdoor activities – perfect for children and adults alike who love the great outdoors! It is perfect for children over the age of 6.
There are many family activities to take part in, including roped climbing, outdoor climbing, canoeing, kayaking and much more! If you haven’t experienced archery, why not try it at Kempston Outdoor Centre? There is so much to do at the centre, for everyone to enjoy.
Opening hours
Booking required for most activities.
Pricing
Large range of activities with varying prices, check website for details.
Address
Hillgrounds Road
Kempston
Bedfordshire
MK42 8QQ
England
www.kempstonoutdoorcentre.co.uk
4. Birds of Prey Centre
Birds of Prey Centre is one of England’s largest prey centre, with a variety of species including owls, falcons, vultures, hawks and kites.
Why not take the kids during the school holiday, where they can enjoy an educational day out seeing a range of different birds and their habitats. There are also different flying displays that are on each day, which last around half an hour.
There are a range of courses and activity days available, so why not take the family during the school holidays? Kids will have a great day out seeing animals and learning about their habitats.
Opening hours
Summer: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Winter: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Pricing
Adults (16+): £12.50
Seniors (60+): £11.50
Kids (3-15): £9.50
Family (2 adults, 2 kids): £34.50
Under 3's: Free
Address
Herrings Green Farm
Cotton End Road
Wilstead
Bedfordshire
MK45 3DT
England
Contact details
01767 627527
5. Summerfield's Miniature Railway
Children and adults alike will love Summerfield’s Miniature Railway – especially railway enthusiasts! The miniature railway is loved by all and opened to the public around 20 years ago.
Children will love experiencing a miniature railway trip, so why not take them during the holidays? – It will bring their toy trains to life! There are also real steam trains at the railway, so make sure to look out for them when they go past.
Whether you are a child or just somebody who loves trains, engineering skills and craftsmanship – There’s something for everyone to enjoy and do at the Summerfield’s Miniature Railway.
If you are feeling peckish, there is also a delicious station buffet, where families can enjoy food and refreshments with their family, while watching trains go by.
Opening hours
Opening hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
£2.00 return
£1.00 other rides
Under 2s: FREE
Last Entry
The last entry time in 20 minutes before closing time.
Address
Summerfield Barns
High Road
Haynes
Bedfordshire
MK45 3BH
England
Contact details
07498 869902
Top 5 restaurants in Bedfordshire
1. Capadocia
www.thecapadocia.co.uk
01908 612525
8 St John Street
Milton Keynes
MK16 8HN
England
2. St Helena
www.sthelenarestaurant.co.uk
01234 344848
High Street
Elstow
Bedford
MK42 9XP
England
3. Bellinis
www.bellinis-restaurant.com
01234 219888
High Street
Clapham
Bedford
MK41 6EG
England
4. Mama Rosa's
www.mamarosas.co.uk
01525 375149
3 North Street
Leighton Buzzard
LU7 1EF
England
5. Fratelli
www.fratelli-italian.co.uk
01525 290105
40 George Street
Woburn
MK17 9PY
England