Bedfordshire is home to many attractive landmarks for all ages, ranging from the historic Elstow Abbey, to Whipsnade Zoo, to beautiful natural landscapes. With summer rapidly approaching, checking these places off your bucket list is a must for all travel enthusiasts. And what better way to do so than taking a camping trip to Bedfordshire? You can wake up to a luscious green view as you sip your morning coffee, before hitting the roads, all with staying at some of these 7 must-visit campsites in Bedfordshire.
1. Henlow Bridge Lakes
If you wish to disconnect from the bustle of daily life and reconnect once more with nature, this is certainly the campsite for you! Nestled in Henlow, Henlow Bridge Lakes is the ideal campsite in Bedfordshire for all ages. Your little ones can expel their pent up energy by running around the various play areas dotted across the site. If need be, the campsite has a nursery which is ideal for distracting your infant from the business of camping. If you're looking for a relaxing activity, the campsite offers fishing, providing you with a wide selection of 5 lakes! More outdoor activities are only a short drive away.
Price: £20.50 - £29.00 per night, price variation per season.
Location: 52°01'38.7"N 0°16'10.1"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
Horseback riding: Only a 15 minute drive away, Courtlands Riding Stables Far is a family owned stable that has been teaching horseback riding for decades. Here, you and your kids can have an unforgettable horseback riding experience!
Restaurants: Henlow Bridge Lakes is conveniently situated a short drive away from restaurants, should you wish to take a break from prepping your own meals. The Five Bells Henlow is a locally owned restaurant that provides traditional English meals in a cosy setting. If you're feeling a little more chic, then The Crown would be your restaurant, boasting an elegant setting and serving local foods.
2. Town Farm Camping and Caravanning:
This campsite in Bedfordshire offers you the true farm life experience. This family farm has been up and running since the 1930’s, and opened their first camping site in 2009. Since then, they have continued to expand and accommodate the needs of campers passing by, installing disability friendly showers and toilets, and electrical hookups. The site boasts large fields and play areas where your youngsters can run free. You can live the ultimate farm life by picking your own fruits and vegetables at Grove Farm, a 3 minute drive from the site, and should you wish to see more exotic animals than a grazing cow, Whipsnade Zoo is a short 10 minute drive! And of course, what’s a camping trip without wrapping up your day with campfire? You can snack on your freshly picked fruit and sing along to some classic tunes.
Price: £22.50 per night, with additional charges for a tent.
Location: 51°50'22.5"N 0°37'17.6"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
CuriosiTEA Tea Rooms and Cafe: Based in a Victorian school building, this cafe offers a dining experience in a unique setting. They offer a range of drinks and warm and cold foods for an affordable price. If you have children, this cafe would be an excellent place to grab a bite! The location offers a children’s play area, and an open lawn nearby the building.
3. Turnpike Farm Caravan Site:
If you’re looking for a tranquil campsite where you can watch beautiful sunsets and wake up to the musical chirps of birds flying past, then Turnpike Farm Caravan Site is the campsite for you! At 4 acres, this site is smaller than others, however clumps of trees around the site guarantee the ultimate privacy. Should you find yourself needing some knick knacks, a farm shop 200 meters left down the road can cater to your needs. Electric hookups are scattered around the site should you require so. However, you will be charged 20 pence per 1 kilowatt of electricity consumed. It is strongly worth noting that this site offers toilets and wash basins only (no showers), and does not host play areas for children.
Price: £15.00 per night
Location: 52°06'11.9"N 0°14'33.7"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
George’s Hall Bar and Grill: If you feel like stepping out of the quiet site for a little more noise, this is the place to go! Hosting comedy nights, or disco nights (with free entry), this restaurant offers it all. Aside from their weekly evening events, the restaurant also offers afternoon tea, should you wish to maintain a peaceful trip.
4. Top End Farm:
Nestled in the outskirts of Bedfordshire, this family owned farm campsite stretches across 11 acres. Providing a kids play area and a skateboard ramp, this site is ideal for letting your little ones run free. Wardens are scattered around the site, ensuring it is safe and protected! A village shop that collaborates with local farmers is situated on site, providing campers with all sorts of things, such as fresh farm vegetables, newspapers, free range eggs, and farm reared meat. There are two large sinks and a food prep area, so you can always cook a delicious meal using food bought at the village shop! This site is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable camping experience in Bedfordshire! Electrical hook-ups and battery charging stations are provided on site.
Price: £17.00 - £20.00 per night, depending on motorhome size.
Location: 52°14'22.9"N 0°22'44.2"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
The Crown Inn: At a mere 4 minute drive you'll find the Crown Inn! Although famous for their fresh fish and chips (available Thursdays -Saturday), this inn serves beer straight from their very own brewery! With many nighttime activities, such as quiz nights and petanque nights, this inn is perfect for those of you wishing to treat yourself. However it can get busy Thursday through Saturday, so be sure to make reservations!
5. Aldenham Country Park:
If you're hoping to step outside the Bedfordshire bubble, then this campsite near Bedfordshire might be the place for you. Offering many outdoor activities on site, such as bicycle hire, fishing, tennis, and a play area for children, this campsite has activities for all ages! Situated next to the Aldenham reservoir, there is an abundance of watersports, including kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Like the previous campsites, this site is also a working farm, meaning you and your family get to see farm animals! You can also end you day with a classical campfire, or a barbeque.
Price: from £25 per night
Location: 51°38'52.3"N 0°19'01.0"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
Waggon and Horses: A 5 minute drive from the campsite, you will find this 15th century inn. Although it was recently refurbished, the authentic touch of 15th century architecture is still observable. The pub prepares dishes using local ingredients whenever possible, and offers weekly specialty nights, such as steak night, and international cuisine night. Be sure to call to reserve a table and ask for more information about the week’s specialty night!
Radlett Park Golf Club: Paying a visit to the Radlett Park Golf Club should be on your itinerary for you avid golfers out there. Only a 6 minute drive away, you can experience the challenging test of golf in their 18-hole course. Prices vary according to the day of the week, reaching up to £30. However, keep an eye on their website for discount offers.
6. Willows Park and Marina:
This serene family run campsite is a short walk from the Great Ouse River. A lake lies 750m away from the campsite, giving visitors the opportunity to go fishing or sailing. At Willows Park and Marina, you will find a children’s play area, as well as a launderette. Described as "peaceful" and a "wildlife haven", this campsite near Bedfordshire is perfect for escaping the bustle of daily life. If you don’t want to part with you four-legged furry friend, then worry not! You can bring your dog to this campsite free of charge.
Price: £24 - £28 per night, depending on your vehicle. Includes 2 adults and 2 children.
Location: 52°19'18.9"N 0°12'19.4"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
Skatepark: If your little ones are interested in skateboarding, then this skatepark that’s a three minute drive from the site is the place for you! Previous visitors have said that the ramps are not too high, making it the perfect place if your child hasn’t been skating for too long. If your other children are not interested in skating, they can spend time in the playground next to the ramps, or run around the football pitch behind the ramps.
The Brampton Mill Pub & Restaurant: If you want to treat yourself and your family to a nice dinner, then you should consider going to this restaurant. Here, you can indulge in mediterranean influenced British Cuisine in a very chic setting. The restaurant offers a large dining room and outdoor seating, which is perfect for summer. The best part about this restaurant? It’s only a 4 minute walk from the campsite, so you won’t have to worry about driving your motorhome to have a meal!
7. Woodlands Park:
Camping in Bedfordshire doesn't mean you have to stay at big and busy sites. Woodlands Park is a small campsite perfect for a private retreat with your family. The spacious fields allow kids to run around freely without disturbing others. Cows and horses roam around the site, something children absolutely love. The site is secured, with entry possible only through a locked gate. Should you wish to grab a drink and a bite at a pub, Clapham is an easy walk away. However it is worth noting that this site is only available to members of the Camping and Caravanning Club. For an annual fee of £40, members get access to exclusive deals and private campsites, an excellent offer for the avid campers out there!
Price: £17.50 - £25.00 per night
Location: 52°09'31.3"N 0°29'09.4"W
Nearby Leisure Activities:
The Horse and Groom at Clapham Bedford: This family friendly pub is a renovated old coaching inn. Offering live music, quiz nights, a children’s play area, and outdoor seating, this pub is perfect for any occasion! If you take a 5 minute walk away from the site, you can always grab a bite or a cold beer at this cosy pub.
Bedford and Country Golf Club: The Bedford and Country Golf Club is based on important historical fields that played a role in both World Wars. However since then, the fields have been expanded to create this golf course. For the past 50 years, this course has aimed to challenge all those that wish to compete. In a short 3 minute drive from the camping site, you can find out if you are up to the challenge.
So what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and hit the road; these campsites are ready for you! No matter where you go, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Don’t have a motorhome? We can help- check out Goboony’s motorhome hire in the UK. Your ideal camping trip can start with just a few clicks.
