5 great places to caravan in Bedfordshire

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Bedfordshire has a rich history, diverse landscape, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a popular place to live as well as visit. With a population of 675,000 and covering an area of 1,236 sq km, the county is located in eastern England and borders Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

The landscape is diverse, ranging from fertile farmland in the Bedfordshire Plains to the rolling Chiltern Hills - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - in the south. The River Great Ouse flows through the county, providing scenic beauty and a range of opportunities for recreational activities including walking, kayaking and birdwatching.

Bedfordshire has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was settled by the Anglo-Saxons and has seen influences from various cultures throughout its history. The county played a role in the English Civil War and has numerous historic sites and landmarks including Woburn Abbey, Dunstable Priory and Stotfold Watermill.

Traditionally, Bedfordshire's economy has been rooted in agriculture, particularly arable farming. However, in recent years, the county has diversified its economy, with sectors such as technology, aerospace, logistics, and research playing an increasingly important role.

Bedfordshire’s traditional dish is the Bedfordshire Clanger, a sort of sausage roll type snack made of suet pastry with meat at one end and jam at the other. There’s only one bakery left in the county that produces the clanger in a variety of flavours, so be sure to swing by and try one! The Luton Hoo - a rich fruitcake often made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices - and the Luton hot cross bun, are both famous in the county too.

Fun Bedfordshire facts

• Bedfordshire has been used as a humorous way of talking about going to bed since the 1600s!

• Hat making was Luton’s biggest industry in the 1700s; it’s why Luton Town FC has the nickname, the Hatters.

• Half of Bedfordshire’s population live in either Bedford or Luton, which means there will be many quiet(ish) places to visit during your trip!

• 28th November is Bedfordshire Day which has been celebrated since 2015. The date was chosen because it is the birth date of John Bunyan, a local preacher and author most famed for his book The Pilgrim’s Progress.

• Britain’s longest town is in Bedfordshire - Arlesey’s main street is three miles long!

• The world’s first tractor was invented in Bedfordshire. They were created in Biggleswade by a man called Daniel Albone.

If you’re considering a trip here, Google ‘Campsites in Bedfordshire’ to find available campsites in the areas you’re most interested in, or utilise caravan site finders such as pitchup.com or caravansitefinder.co.uk for a more focused search that will enable you to select the key features you’d like the site to have.

5 great places to visit in Bedfordshire

Bedford

County town of Bedfordshire, Bedford played a role in the English Civil War, with notable events such as the Battle of Bedford in 1643. The town has a long history of engineering and industrial innovation, with several multinational companies’ UK headquarters located here. Situated on the River Great Ouse, Bedford is surrounded by picturesque countryside, including parks, nature reserves and walking trails along the river. 

Bedford offers a variety of cultural and leisure attractions. Highlights include The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum, which features collections of art, archaeology, and local history; the Bedford Corn Exchange, a performing arts venue hosting concerts, theatre productions, and comedy shows, and Bedford Park, a Victorian park with gardens, sports facilities, and a pavilion. 

Luton

Luton has a rich history; its hat-making industry, which began in the 17th century, played a significant role in its economy and prosperity. The town also has connections to the aviation industry, with Luton Airport being established in 1938. Today, there’s a bustling town centre with a wide range of shops, department stores and independent boutiques. The town also has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, as well as traditional British food.

Luton offers a variety of cultural and leisure attractions. Highlights include the Stockwood Discovery Centre, which features exhibitions on local history, archaeology, and rural crafts; Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, housed in a Victorian mansion with displays on the town's history and heritage; and the Hat Factory Arts Centre, which hosts performances, exhibitions and workshops.

Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard is situated on the River Ouzel, on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. The town offers easy access to scenic countryside and outdoor recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling and boating along the Grand Union Canal. Historically, Leighton Buzzard was known for industries such as brewing, lace-making and brick-making. Today, the town's economy is diverse, with sectors including manufacturing, retail and services.

Great places to visit include Rushmere Country Park - a beautiful woodland and heathland area offering walking trails, picnic areas and stunning views - and the Leighton Buzzard Railway, a narrow-gauge heritage railway that runs for around five miles between Leighton Buzzard and Stonehenge Works. It allows visitors to enjoy a scenic ride on vintage steam or diesel locomotives through the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. The Leighton-Linslade Carnival is an event to look out for if you’re visiting in July.

Dunstable

Dunstable became a significant market town during the mediaeval period and was known for its wool and straw hat industries. The town played a role in the English Civil War and has several historic buildings and landmarks dating from different periods of its history. These include Dunstable Priory, a former Augustinian priory founded in the 12th century; the Grove Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year; and Whipsnade Zoo, one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in Europe.

Dunstable is situated on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town offers easy access to scenic countryside, including Dunstable Downs, which is popular for walking, kite flying and enjoying panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.

Ampthill

Ampthill is a charming market town located in the centre of the county. The town grew around Ampthill Castle, a royal residence built in the 15th century. It was a significant royal residence during the Tudor period and was later visited by Queen Elizabeth I. Although it is now mostly ruins, it remains an important landmark in the town. Other notable sites include Houghton House, a 17th-century mansion built in the Jacobean style, and St. Andrew's Church, a beautiful parish church with a distinctive spire.

Ampthill is situated on the Greensand Ridge, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The town is surrounded by picturesque parks and green spaces, including Ampthill Park, which covers over 200 acres and features woodlands, meadows and a lake. It’s the ideal location for activities such as walking, cycling, picnicking and dog walking, and there are tennis courts and a cricket pitch too.

Accessorise!

Make sure you’re fully equipped before embarking on your next trip - browse our online shop or pop into our onsite shop for a wander - we stock over 5,000 items in-store! We also offer a range of awnings for caravans, motorhomes and campers, so give us a call on 01962 714 844 if you’d like more info.

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