20 Attractions to Explore Near Priory Country Park

The Wildlife Trust BCN mission is to create a wilder future by protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire, for the benefit of both wildlife and people. It aims to conserve wildlife, inspire people to take action for wildlife, offer advice and share knowledge.

The Shuttleworth is an aeronautical and automotive museum located at the Old Warden Aerodrome, Old Warden in Bedfordshire. It is one of the most prestigious in the world due to the variety of old and well-preserved aircraft. The Shuttleworth Collection puts an emphasis on restoring as many aircraft as possible to flying conditions, in line with the founder's original intention.

The Panacea Museum is a beautiful Victorian house that was part of the community’s headquarters. It tells the story of the Panacea Society and other similar religious groups. The museum also incorporates several other buildings, set within the gardens, that formed the original community'scampus’. The museum is open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between February half term and the end of October.

A majestic castle which was was first built as a motte in the 11th century, and later a shell keep was added, to be followed by a round tower with curtain walls. It was built by Henry I in a position overlooking the River Great Ouse. The castle remained a ruin until the urban expansion in Bedford during the 19th century when houses were built across much of the property. Today only part of the motte still stands, forming part of an archaeological park built on the site between 2007 and 2009.

A beautiful museum that tells the story of the Bedford man who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the greatest novels in the English language. It includes a mixture of sets and scenes highlighting key aspects if his life, and a wide selection of objects and examples of his works. The John Bunyan Library contains 3,000 books and is open by appointment to researchers.

The Higgins Bedford is a majestic art gallery and museum in Bedford. The museum is home to the Cecil Higgins Collection of fine and decorative arts, which features work by the designers William Burges and Edward Bawden.

A majestic church has a long and rich history, and stands on the site where there has been a religious building for over 1000 years. It is an admired and much visited attraction in the town centre and welcomes thousands of visitors and worshippers each year. The church is situated centrally in the town, just north of the river and on the current A6 running through Bedford.

Bedford Park is a Grade Two listed English Heritage Victorian park in the north of Bedford. Created in 1888 it is the largest urban park in Bedford and contains a lake, multiple play areas, and sports facilities. The park has many mature trees and shrubs, as well as herbaceous borders and naturalized bulb borders. One of the beautiful locations where you can spend some good times.

The Moot Hall was originally built to serve Elstow Abbey as a market house but is now a museum. Built around 1550, this timber framed brick building is now home to the Aldeburgh Museum, as well as still being used for local council meetings. Sarah and her son recently visited Aldeburgh and just had to take a look inside this incredible building.

Willington Dovecote is the most famous thing in Willington. It was listed by the former Department of Environment in July 1964 as Grade I, of exceptional interest. The cote and adjoining stable block are thought to have been built with stone from Newnham Priory. A signature on the stone above the fireplace in the stables reads "John Bunyan", but its authenticity has not been proven. They have a fascinating history and are well worth a visit.

Mowsbury Hill is a 2.8 hectare Local Nature Reserve and Scheduled Monument in north Bedford. It is owned and managed by Bedford Borough Council with the assistance of the Friends of Putnoe Wood and Mowsbury Hillfort.

The Lea Valley Walk is a 50-mile long-distance footpath located between Leagrave, the source of the River Lea near Luton. From its source much of the walk is rural. At Hertford, the path follows the towpath of the River Lee Navigation, and it becomes increasingly urbanized as it approaches London. The walk was opened in 1993 and is waymarked throughout using a swan logo.

Summerfields Miniature Railways has been a hidden gem in Bedfordshire ever since it was opened to the public around 20 years ago. It was operated by the members of Bedford Model Engineering Society and is located on the A600 to the North West of Haynes – approximately half-way between Shefford and Bedford. The railways will be in operation for three days during the Greensand Country Festival.

a perfect day out for the family! It brings up to 30% tree cover, transforming the landscape and making it a thriving place to live, work and play. The Forest of Marston Vale is one of twelve of community forest projects in the United Kingdom. The total area covered is 61 square miles, but most of this land is in private ownership. There are incentives for landowners to plant trees, and the target for community forests, in general, is to reach 30% tree cover.

Houghton House is a ruined mansion house in the parish of Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire. It was built in the early 17th century by Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, as an elaborate hunting lodge. The house is reputed to have been the model for the ‘Palace Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, published in 1678.

RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens is one of the best places in the county to visit wildlife friendly gardens in attractive natural landscapes. Gardeners will enjoy the beautiful gardens around The Lodge, which are the UK headquarters of the Royal Society for the Protections of Birds. The reserve sits on the Greensand Ridge, overlooking the River Ivel valley and includes areas of broadleaved and coniferous woodland.

Cainhoe Castle remains as a prominent earthwork on the north side of the road from Clophill to Shefford. The castle was of the motte and bailey type. The motte was the mound, on which would have stood a wooden tower. The bailey was the open area enclosed by a bank, ditch, and wooden wall. The castle was of the motte and bailey type. The motte was the mound, on which would have stood a wooden tower. The bailey was the open area enclosed by a bank, ditch, and wooden wall.

Jordan's Mill is FREE to wander around. It is owed by the people who make the cereal and the cereal bars and still has a working water mill. You can wander around the mill, they also do guided tours and have a spot of lunch. The restaurant is a bit pricey and they don't allow picnics.

The De Grey Mausoleum is attached to the mid-15th-century parish church of St John at Flitton, Bedfordshire. It was first built in the early 17th century, before being expanded in 1704.The mausoleum contains a remarkable collection of funerary monuments spanning three centuries. The mausoleum is possibly the largest and most magnificent sepulchral chapel attached to an English church.

Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Explore the 92 acres of award-winning gardens, gold winner of Anglia in Bloom Awards 2017. The park ranges from From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks. There is also an ornate marble fountain, the 18th century Bowling Green House and a striking Chinese Bridge and Temple.