East of England Visitor Guide 2020 Spring/Summer

AMPTHILL
Take a trip to Ampthill; a small town and
civil parish located between Bedford and
Luton. It’s best known for its regular market,
which has taken place every Thursday for
centuries. The town has several lively pubs, a
wide variety of restaurants, and a selection
of small independent specialist stores and
businesses.
THINGS TO DO
Wrest Park
The English Heritage property features
over 90-acres of historic landscapes
and a French-style mansion. Stroll in the
gardens and enjoy miles of reinstated
historic pathways as you discover
the garden buildings. Zip along to the
children's play area, take tea in the café
and explore the hidden treasures in the
archaeological stores. www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park
WHAT’S ON
Ampthill Festival, 3-5 July
A 3-day event featuring AmpRocks, Ampthill
Park Proms and Gala Day.
www.ampthillfestival.com
WHERE TO EAT
The White Hart
www.thewhitehartampthill.co.uk
Fratelli Italian Restaurant
www.fratelli-italian.co.uk
BEDFORD
A tree lined embankment, shops galore,
museums and great outdoor spaces;
Bedford ticks all the boxes for a day out or
overnight getaway.
THINGS TO DO
John Bunyan Boat Tours
Hop aboard a John Bunyan Boat. Public
cruises start from April. You can start
your journey on the water at Priory
Marina, Sovereign’s Quay and Newnham
Steps. www.johnbunyanboat.org
Russell Park
The park features a children’s outdoor
play area and sporting facilities. Enjoy a
picnic or stop by the Kiosk at the Park,
for a cup of tea and bite to eat.
Bedford Tour Guides
From April to October, every Sunday,
you can enjoy a guided tour of the
town centre. Each week the walk
has a different theme, from WWII to
Bedford Castle. Whether you’ve lived in
Bedford all your life or are just visiting
for the day, we guarantee you’ll learn
something new. Booking required.
www.bedfordtourguides.org
SHOPPING
Bedford is home to lots of lovely
independent retailers. Shop at The Harpur
Centre, The Arcade and trendy Castle
Quarter. Visit Riverside Bedford for dining
and cinema entertainment.
MARKETS
The charter market takes place on
Wednesdays and Saturdays at Harpur
Square, St Paul’s Square, while a Farmers’
Market is held every second and fourth
Thursday of the month. The ‘Handmade in
Bedford’ market takes place the second
Saturday of the month, March to December.
A regular vegan market takes place at John
Bunyan Museum.
Useful info: www.ampthill.info
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