Out & about

Stotfold Watermill is a great day out for all the family and is open to the public on various dates throughout the year. The Nature Reserve which adjoins the Mill is open all year round.

Stop at Randall's tea room for refreshments

See website for what's on

Run by volunteers (who are all members of Bedford Model Engineering Society), the Summerfields' Miniature Railways are located on the A600 a little over half-way between Hitchin and Bedford, and just to the North of Haynes village. You can find us on Google maps.

The railways are a popular visitor destination for children, parents and grandparents alike. There are four separate railways... Read more

Discover the magic of the deep dark wood with this self-led trail searching for the amazing hand crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters.

If you are based or wish to start from Harpenden, Redbourn or Hemel Hempstead, the Nickey Line gives you 7 miles of rural paths to run, cycle or walk the dog and children. It is great for beginner or nervous cyclists to avoid the roads although there are two crossings by Redbourn that require care.
At Harpenden you can join at the (large) end steps by the rail bridge on Holly Bush Lane, at... Read more

At Weald Country Park, enjoy over 500 acres of woodland, lakes, hay and wildflower meadows, deer park, open grassland and spectacular views. The park is famous for its wildlife, including fallow deer, cattle, herons, mallard ducks and other water birds. Our famous Stick Man play trail starts here. The new Stick Man play trail is designed by leading natural play specialists and brings to life the popular Julia Donaldson story Stick Man. The trail has been designed to maintain the integrity of the historic parkland and its stunning views throughout. We hope that the trail will help children and their families enjoy challenging and imaginative play. It's free to use during park opening hours throughout the year.

Splash Park during the summer months? With a brilliant atmosphere throughout the whole of summer our splash park is the place to be when it gets warm! It's a fantastic local attraction and being surrounded by the beauty of the park is a lovely experience. We also offer a crazy golf course just a short walk from the Splash Park making it a fun day out for all the family. Check the website for opening... Read more

Independent Family Run
Garden Centre
Vanstone Park Garden Centre has been helping and advising gardeners for over 45 years! We pride ourselves on offering the very best quality plants for garden and home, along with a range of furniture, clothing, gifts and garden accessories. We have a range of other great businesses on site too, along with the Greenhouse Café, a wildlife lake, children's... Read more

Explore this beautiful National Trust French Renaissance style chateau and grounds. There are Victorian style gardens, rare & exotic birds in the Aviary, a woodland playground, a Trail to follow around the gardens, a woodland walk and children's activities on during school holidays. There are also restaurants, cafes and shops to enjoy once you've finished exploring!

Wicksteed Park - the home of children's play - is a unique combination of 147 acres of beautiful Grade II listed parkland plus nature sites, 30 exciting rides for youngsters, extensive playgrounds, a large campsite and the UK's most popular narrow gauge railway, plus plenty of places to eat and relax.

Willen Lake is Milton Keynes' most popular park. Over one million visitors a year take part in watersports activities, go cycling, enjoy the playground and splash park, play mini-golf, try the high ropes course or simply picnic along Willen's shores. The park is open year round and there is no admission fee. (Note that car parking charges apply.) Facilities: Play area, public toilets, trim trail, cycle hire, boat hire, Pedalos, fishing mini golf, picnic tables, seating, BBQ area, cafe, watersports, high ropes.