Family Friendly

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.

Arcadia Sweet Shop is a traditional family-run sweet shop offering nostalgic favourites, chocolates and confectionery from around the world. Great for a quick visit with the kids!

Archer’s Rest Café & Bistro is a relaxed, family-friendly café beside Great Denham Country Park, serving a range of café and bistro-style food and drinks. With indoor and outdoor seating, dog water bowls and a playground right next door, it’s a great stop for families, walkers and dog owners.

Brewpoint Taproom & Brewery is Wells & Co.'s state-of-the-art brewery, taproom and restaurant in Bedford, combining a working brewery with a vibrant social space serving freshly brewed beers, artisan food and locally roasted coffee.

Cafe Dhaba in Great Denham serves authentic Indian cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Enjoy flavour-packed curries, tandoori favourites and freshly prepared dishes, perfect for a casual meal with family or friends.

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.

Dive With Jimmy offers scuba diving experiences and training for divers of different abilities, providing opportunities to explore the underwater world with experienced guidance. Whether you’re new to diving or looking to develop your skills, it’s a great option for discovering local and overseas dive sites in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Frosts Garden Centre in Willington is much more than a garden centre, offering beautiful plants, home and garden products, gifts, seasonal displays and a popular restaurant serving freshly prepared meals and cakes. With a well-stocked food market, family-friendly events throughout the year and plenty of inspiration for your home and garden, it's a great destination for shopping, relaxing or enjoying a day out.

Italian Touch by Ivano is an Italian restaurant in Bedford specialising in Neapolitan-style pizza alongside fresh pasta, panuozzo, antipasti, Italian desserts and coffee. The menu combines traditional Italian recipes with quality Italian ingredients, offering both classic favourites and more distinctive dishes. With locations in Bedford town centre, it is a popular choice for a casual Italian meal, takeaway or a coffee and pastry.

The King William IV is a historic Grade II-listed pub on Kempston High Street, housed in a timber-framed building dating from around 1600. Today it combines traditional British pub food and local Brewpoint beers with a welcoming garden, family-friendly dining, live sport and a relaxed community atmosphere.

Marcio's Italian Restaurant is a family-run restaurant on Castle Road, offering Italian cuisine with Brazilian influences and a strong focus on fresh, cooked-to-order food. The menu includes pasta, risotto, seafood, steaks, Italian classics and desserts, alongside vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Mowsbury Park is a pleasant and spacious local park in Bedford, with plenty of open grassland, walking routes, play areas and sports facilities. It’s a quieter, greener spot that’s great for families, walking the dog, getting some fresh air or enjoying a relaxed afternoon outdoors.