Outdoor & Nature

Ampthill Great Park is a historic 160-acre park overlooking the town of Ampthill, with links to Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon and Capability Brown. Enjoy beautiful countryside views, woodland and wildlife, explore the remains of Ampthill Castle, and finish your visit with refreshments at the park café.

Animal Edge offers a private, pre-booked farm experience where visitors can enjoy close encounters with a variety of friendly animals in a relaxed setting. With hands-on experiences and small group visits, it provides a personalised day out for families, animal lovers and special occasions.

Bedford Park is Bedford's largest urban park, offering open green spaces, formal gardens, sports facilities and children's play areas. Popular for walking, running and community events, the Victorian park also features a café, ornamental ponds and seasonal floral displays.

Box End Park is an outdoor leisure destination near Bedford centred around a series of lakes. Visitors can enjoy watersports including cable wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and open water swimming, as well as a café, accommodation and activities for all ages throughout the year.

Canoe Trail is a family-run outdoor adventure business in Kempston, offering canoe, kayak and SUP hire, guided trips, courses and camping on the River Great Ouse. With climbing, high ropes, bushcraft and group activities also available, it’s a great choice for families, schools, corporate groups and outdoor adventurers.

Eagle Eye Archery is a friendly archery club in Bedford offering a fun and engaging way to discover the sport. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced archer, everyone is welcome to get involved. With a focus on developing skills, confidence and accuracy, it’s a great activity for individuals, families and groups. A perfect choice for anyone looking to try something different in Bedford.

Great Denham Country Park is a peaceful green space beside the River Great Ouse, offering scenic walking and cycling routes close to Bedford. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, enjoying nature, or getting some fresh air away from the town centre.

Hamerton Zoo Park is a family-friendly wildlife park near Huntingdon, home to hundreds of animals from around the world, including many rare and endangered species. The zoo also features indoor and outdoor play areas, making it a popular day out for families.

Harrold-Odell Country Park is a popular nature reserve on the banks of the River Great Ouse, offering lakes, woodland and riverside walks. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, a children's play area, picnic spots and a café, making it a great destination for a relaxing day outdoors.

Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre is a family attraction near Bedford combining a working farm with one of the UK's largest bird of prey collections. Visitors can enjoy flying displays, animal encounters, tractor rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, and seasonal events throughout t

Johnsons Zoo is a family-friendly zoo near Huntingdon, home to more than 100 animals including big cats, crocodiles, reptiles and farm animals. The site also features woodland walks, a play area, farm shop, tea room and opportunities to meet some of the animals.

Jubilee Park is a well-used local green space in Bedford, with play areas, sports facilities, open space and a particularly good skate park. It’s a genuine neighbourhood park that’s popular with local children, young people and residents looking for somewhere outdoors close to home.