Summer Holidays
Please see the Summer Holiday round up. We included a range of free and paid activities you can access in Bedford Borough and surrounding areas.
Days Out - Activities
Days Out - Farms/Safari Parks/Zoo
Days out - Museum
Day Out - Outdoor Pools and Water Activities
Days Out - Outdoor spaces
Cycle/Walk following Route 51 from Priory Marina to the Danish Camp
There is a walking/Cycling following Route 51 that follows the old railway line from the Marina to the Danish camp and there is free parking at Aspects or the Priory Marina.
Follow signs from the entrance to the marina turn first left by the recycling facilities and follow that road and you pick up the path as you walk/ride over the bridge. Don't forget a bike lock for when you on site.
For more info click here the map is at the bottom of the page
Blue badges holders are required to pay for parking
Jordans Mill Historic Mill and Gardens
Millennium Country Park and forest of Marston Vale
The park is free, however there is a charge for parking blue badges holders are required to pay.
Parking Charges apply
Parking Charges apply
Some of the walks have passing views of Woburn Abbey and pass through the deer park. The walk start from the FREE car park in Park Street.
It is FREE to access the large wide open spaces, toilets and the adventure playground which is located opposite the cafe. You just pay to view the house and the gardens.
FREE Online resources using your library card
Online FREE services
Are you aware of the range of FREE online services giving you access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers - all you need is your library card number and PIN. Don't have a PIN? Request one here you just need your library card number and postcode.
- FREE Ebooks and Audiobooks - downloadable e-books, audiobooks and magazines all in one place
- Emagazines - Choose from over 2,000 free e-magazines - download them or read online via the web or Libby app on your tablet or phone - anytime and anywhere!
- Pressreader - Thousands of national and international newspapers and magazines to be read online or downloaded
- Freegal - Millions of tracks to be streamed for up to 5 hours a day or download 5 tracks a day to keep
Please visit the Virtual Library to find out more.
FREE SEND holiday activities
We are providing a range of FUN SEND holiday activities please click here for more information
Summer Holiday Activities at The Higgins Bedford
Enjoy the summer holidays at The Higgins Bedford for creative and STEM activities for children and teens.
- Places are limited and must be booked in advance.
- Book online or call the Box Office on 01234 718044
- Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Accompanying adults go free and do not need to book a place.
- Please email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk if you need to cancel your place.
- We are sorry, but cancelled tickets cannot be refunded.
Kevin’s Creation Station
Explore The Higgins Bedford with Kevin the Platypus and get creative in our arty crafty workshops.
Recommended for ages 7+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Modelling Clay with Victoria Houghton
Tuesday 2 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Have a go at different modelling techniques and create a spectacular Bawden peacock.
Batik with Creative Days
Friday 12 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the wonderful world of Batik and create a unique piece of artwork to keep forever.
Repeat Pattern Prints with Katie Allen
Tuesday 23 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Create pattern prints inspired by the gorgeous plates in the Design gallery.
Lacemaking with Aragon Lacemakers
Fridays: 5 & 26 August
Workshops at 11:15am & 2:15pm - (lasts for about two hours)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Learn lace-making techniques and create your own pillow lace bookmark to take home.
Personalised Pencil Cases
Tuesday 30 August
Workshops at 11:15am & 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Decorate your own bug themed pencil case.
Creation Station for Teens
Join local artist and illustrator Katie Allen and have a go at something new.
Recommended for ages 12+. Children 12 and over do not need to be accompanied.
Drypoint Etching with Katie Allen
Tuesday 9 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
Make your own miniature intaglio etching inspired by the Body and Soul exhibition.
Modern Brush Calligraphy with Katie Allen
Tuesday 16 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
Get creative with text and learn the basics of brush calligraphy.
Summer STEAM
Join Little Science Lab and others for STEM inspired activities with an arty twist.
Recommended for ages 7+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Take Flight with Little Science Lab
Thursday 4 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the science of flight and design your own magnificent flying rocket.
Discovering Nature with the Wildlife Trust
Thursday 11 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the extraordinary life of birds of prey, challenge yourself to recognise unusual natural history objects and enjoy a nature themed craft.
Sun Prints with Little Science Lab
Thursday 18 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the science of using light to print images before cameras were invented and create stunning prints inspired by nature.
Star Gazing
Thursday 25 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the patterns we find in the stars and make a constellation projector.
Optical Illusions
Thursday 1 September
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Discover how the eye can be tricked and make Victorian style optical illusion toys.
The Place Bedford
The Place Theatre Bedford has a wide range of events on over the Summer Holidays to see the full list please visit their What's On page here