Go Explore

Studying at The University of Bedfordshire isn't just about an education, it's getting to experience all that Bedfordshire (and beyond) has to offer too. Below are just a few of the exciting attractions local to our campuses.


Wardown Park

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 1.9 miles, Bedford: 19.4 miles

Transport: Walk (from Luton), Car/Taxi, Bus, Train (from Bedford)

Website: Wardown Park

Wardown Park is situated on the River Lea in Luton. The park has various sporting facilities, is home to the Wardown Park Museum and contains formal gardens.


Dunstable Downs

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 7.6 miles, Bedford: 29.2 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi

Website: Dunstable Downs

Soar above a breath-taking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations. Stand on top of Dunstable Downs for a view that will simply take your breath away. These Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated for the quality of their chalk grasslands. As well as two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Five Knolls and Medieval Rabbit Warrens) there are many other historical features and the site has much to offer you. The chalk grasslands of the Downs have miles of footpaths and several circular walks, a fascinating history and an abundance of plants and wildlife.


Whipsnade Zoo

Cost: Students from £21.60, Adults from £24.00

Distance: Luton: 8.7 miles, Bedford: 31.1 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi

Website: Whipsnade Zoo

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest Zoo and is one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in Europe! Set in 600 acres of beautiful scenery with over 3,300 unique animals and 205 different species ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is a group adventure you will never forget!


St Albans Cathedral

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 11.5 miles, Bedford: 39.6 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Train

Website: St Albans Cathedral

Christians have worshipped in this place for over 1700 years and it’s the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in the country. Today people come from far and wide to visit us, and we look forward to welcoming you. Whether you are a pilgrim or a tourist, whether you are interested in history, beautiful buildings or just want to come and have a cup of tea in the Abbot’s Kitchen. Whoever you are, we hope that you enjoy your visit and trust that you will go home with a renewed sense of peace in your heart.


St Albans Market

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 11.5 miles, Bedford: 36.5 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Train

Website: St Albans Traditional Street Market

The market is steeped in History with a special Royal Charter granted in 1553. However, the market is well documented as far back as the 9th century. The current day market is firmly established in the city centre and runs the length of St Peters Street and Market Place offering an excellent shopping experience to compliment the established retail stores. There is a food section of the market between Caffé Nero and Reiss in Market Place. There are stalls selling hot and cold food, sweet and savoury bakeries and other items of street food. Browse over 160 stalls on the market whilst enjoying tasty treats!


Verulamium Museum

Cost: Adults £6.00, Students £4.00

Distance: Luton: 11.5 miles, Bedford: 36.6 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Train, Bus

Website: Verulamium Museum

Built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, Verulamium Museum is filled with ancient treasures and some of the finest mosaics outside of the Mediterranean. Bring the entire family and explore the wonders of Roman life, immerse yourself in recreated Roman rooms and admire the craftsmanship of the intricate large-scale mosaics on display. You can also see recent discoveries such as the Sandridge Hoard, a collection of 159 Roman gold coins. After your visit to Verulamium Museum you can explore remains of the Roman town in Verulamium Park. Directly outside the museum you can visit the Roman Hypocaust, and if you venture a little further, you can see visit the Roman Theatre and see the Roman city walls too.


The Embankment

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 28 miles, Bedford: 1.2 miles

Transport: Walk, Car/Taxi, Bus, Train (from Luton)

Website: The Embankment

The Embankment, which runs alongside the River Great Ouse is one of Bedford’s most picturesque settings, due to the riverside views and dazzling floral bedding displays. The beautiful tree-lined promenade, ornate bridges and Victorian bandstand provide the perfect space to sit, relax and enjoy the great outdoors. The area hosts a range of popular events throughout the summer months, including long-standing regattas, festivals and big band concerts.


Riverside Bedford

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 26 miles, Bedford: 1.6 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Bus, Train (from Luton), Walk (from Bedford)

Website: Riverside Bedford

Riverside Bedford is a buzzing leisure destination with a choice of great restaurants, bars, a cinema and a hotel in a stunning riverside location. Bedford’s new restaurant and cinema quarter is vibrant and exciting. With a fantastic choice of restaurants overlooking the majestic Great River Ouse. Perfect for casual dining, romantic meals and celebrating with family and friends.Riverside Bedford is conveniently located in the town centre and includes Vue, Albero Lounge, wagamama, Zizzi, Treat Street Anytime Gym and a Premier Inn.


Oasis Beach Pool

Cost: Students, £6.90 Adults £8

Distance: Luton: 17.8 miles, Bedford: 16.1 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi

Website: Oasis Beach Pool

Oasis Beach Pool - your first choice to make a splash, enjoy family fun and stay fit and active in the heart of Bedford. There are fantastic facilities on offer including our fun swimming pool featuring wave machine, 2 flumes, bubbles, water mushroom and bubble burst, water-based group exercise classes, a small gym and a café.


Priory Marina & Country Park

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 28 miles, Bedford: 0.8 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Bus, Train (from Luton), Walk (from Bedford)

Website: Priory Marina

Priory Country Park is a 360 acre green space made up of lakes, meadows and woodland which is in part enclosed within a bend in the River Great Ouse. There are habitats from meadows to reed beds, quiet walks for all, fishing, boating, play areas and bird hides. Café and restaurant.


Marston Vale Forest Centre

Cost: Free

Distance: Luton: 21.8 miles,Bedford: 8.3 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi

Website: Marston Vale Forest Centre

A visitors Centre in the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale, with Lakeside Cafe Bar (serving a range of hot meals, cakes and snacks), gift shop, bike hire (and adapted bike hire), 8km of surfaced, level tracks and beautiful views. With picnic areas, and suitable outdoor seating areas for dog walkers in the Cafe.


Bletchley Park

Cost: Students £18.50 Adults £21.00

Distance: Luton: 23 miles, Bedford: 21 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Bus, Train (Bedford only)

Website: Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers is now a vibrant heritage attraction. Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers is now a vibrant heritage attraction.


Willen Lake

Cost: Free to walk around, activities cost

Distance: Luton: 20.7 miles, Bedford: 18.8 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Train, Bus

Website: Willen Lake

Primarily focused on water sports, Willen Lake provides a great day out for the more adventurous. From aqua parks and boats, to open water swimming, wakeboarding and sailing, there is something for everyone. Off the water, there are Treetop adventures, archery and fishing.


Midsummer Place Shopping Centre

Cost: Free to walk around

Distance: Luton: 24.5 miles, Bedford: 17.8 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi, Bus

Website: Midsummer Place Shopping Centre

Located in the heart of Milton Keynes, Midsummer Place is home to big name fashion & beauty brands, independent retailers, unique street food eateries, tomorrow’s technology and everyday services.Anchored by Next Beauty & Home, and with a focus on fashion-forward brands that can’t be found anywhere else in the region, such as Apple, Hollister, Hugo Boss, LEGO, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Superdry and Zara, Midsummer Place attracts shoppers from a large and growing catchment of well-heeled Buckinghamshire residents.


Woburn Lido

Cost: Adults £7.00

Distance: Luton: 17.8 miles, Bedford: 16.1 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi

Website: Woburn Lido

Whether you're looking to swim yourself fit or simply escape the summer heat, nothing beats a refreshing dip in the open air. Luckily, Woburn has an option for front-crawlers and pool-poser alike, in the form of our very own Lido, located on Crawley Road. Our Swimming Pool is a good size, approx. 22m x 8m, 1.6m deep, in a lovely setting adjoining the Woburn Abbey Estate. We also have plenty of space for picnics and sunbathing on the pool's large grassed area. As one of the UK's few remaining outdoor pools, and the largest in Bedfordshire, Woburn Lido is a cherished part of village life and truly a landmark that the local community are proud of.


Woburn Safari Park

Cost: Adults £26.00

Distance: Luton: 17.2 miles, Bedford: 14.7 miles

Transport: Car/Taxi

Website: Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park is a drive through wildlife park nestled in over 300 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire parkland. Admission to the park includes the Road Safari drive through expansive parkland reserves to see some of the world's most endangered animals, including rhinos, tigers, lions and giraffe. You will continue your journey in the Foot Safari where you'll discover animal enclosures and habitats. Explore the Leisure Area and enjoy fun activities like Swan Boats, the Great Woburn Railway, and outdoor play areas all included in your ticket price.

Contact us

+44 (0)1582 489319
+44 (0)1582 489326
international@beds.ac.uk

International contacts

Opening hours

Mon-Thur: 09:00 to 16:30 (UK time)
Fri: 09:00 to 16:00 (UK time)