What's on this summer in Central Bedfordshire?

The latest news from Central Bedfordshire Council

Lots of things for families to enjoy during the summer holidays

There's lots for children and families to do across Central Bedfordshire during the summer holidays. Read on to find out:

• what's on at our our libraries, leisure centres and children's centres

• about activities taking place at outdoor spaces across Central Bedfordshire 

• what's on for children with SEND

• how you can make the most of Central Bedfordshire's public transport

Visit our website to see what's coming up over the next few weeks

Getting around by bus

Young Person's Bus Card 

Discover the Young Person's Bus Card to get around for £1. Pay no more than £1 for local travel and to nearby towns. Find out more about the Young Person's Bus Card.

Days out by bus

There are so many great places to visit around Bedfordshire – but did you know that you can get to many of them by bus?

Our Days Out By Bus guide tells you about the many brilliant places to visit around the area, from zoos and farms to historic houses and museums, with details of how to get to them by bus. We’ve even been able to negotiate special discounts at some of the attractions for visitors arriving by bus! Find out more about days out by bus.

These activities are happening throughout the summer!

Bug Lab

Enter the wonderful world of minibeasts, take a closer look to discover tiny creatures and be inspired to look at home on your doorstep.

The Bug Lab is running in various locations across Central Bedfordshire this summer.

Findout where the Bug Lab is running this summer

Summer of Play at Dunstable Downs

Running between Monday 20 July and Monday 31 August, from 10:30am and 4:30pm.

Free outdoor sports and activities including football, cricket, tennis, athletics, soft archery and frisbee golf (excluding 1 and 2 August).

Find out more about the Summer of Play

What's on at our libraries this summer?

Join the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat!

Our libraries are inviting children to take part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, running from 17 July to 5 September 2026. 

This music-themed challenge encourages children to read six books over the summer, choosing from library books, e-books, magazines and audiobooks.

Children who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal and be entered into a lucky dip for the chance to win a £40 The Works voucher. 

Libraries will also host free summer activities, and completers can take part in a treasure hunt at their local library. Library membership is free, and families can sign up at any Central Bedfordshire library throughout the summer. 

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge. You can sign up online or at your local library.

What's on next week at...

Ampthill Library 

All activities are free and no booking is required, unless otherwise stated. Join us at Ampthill Library for lots of fun including:

• Daily: LEGO, board games and puzzles available to enjoy in the library, including chess, Snakes and Ladders, Scrabble, Dobble and a communal children's jigsaw puzzle.

• Daily: Visit the Hello Summer Gallery Creation Station and add your own picture or creation to the display board. Every child who contributes to the gallery will receive a special summer foam sticker.

Find out more about Ampthill Library opening times.

Barton Library 

Drop in for the following sessions, while stocks last.

• Tuesday 21 July, Summer Reading Challenge Celebrations with Krisgar, 10am to 11am

•  Tuesday 21 July, craft session from 9:30am to 12:30pm

• Wednesday 22 July, jingle bracelet crafts from 2pm to 5:30pm

• Thursday 23 July, pet goldfish jar craft session from 9:30am to 12:30pm

• Friday 24 July, make a paper plate tortoise from 9:30am to 5:30pm

• Saturday 25 July, craft mash up session from 9:30am to 3:30pm

Find out more about Barton Library opening times.

Biggleswade Library 

You don't need to book to join in with any of these fun sessions at Biggleswade Library – just drop in!

• Tuesday 21 July, cat bookmark craft session from 10am to 4pm

• Tuesday 21 July, Once Upon a Sound from 4pm to 4:45pm. Children will explore a story through music, try a range of instruments and create soundscapes to bring the story to life. Suitable for children between 4 and 7 years old, tickets cost £4 per child. Book Once Upon a Sound at Biggleswade Library.

• Wednesday 22 July, sunflower craft session from 10am to 4pm  

• Thursday 23 July, games and colouring from 10am to 4pm   

• Friday 24 July, Book Beats from 12:30pm to 1:15pm (suitable for children between 8 and 11 years old) and 1:30pm to 2:15pm (suitable for children between 12 and 14 years old). An interactive workshop combining beatboxing, live looping, rap, poetry and storytelling inspired by well-known books. Tickets cost £4 per child. 

• Book the Book Beats session at Biggleswade Library for children between 8 and 11 years old. 

• Book the Book Beats session at Biggleswade Library for children between 12 and 14 years old.

• Friday 24 July, craft lucky dip session from 10am to 4pm 

• Saturday 25 July, craft session: lollypop starfish, from 10am to 3pm 

Find out more about Biggleswade Library opening times.

Dunstable Library 

Join us at Dunstable Library next week for lots of crafty fun.

• Saturday 18 July, decorate a Biff-Bat from 10am to 3pm

• Monday 20 July, CD guitar craft session from 10am to 3pm

• Tuesday 21 July, music notes craft session from 10am to 3pm  

• Tuesday 21 July, musical storytime from 2pm to 2:30pm

• Wednesday 22 July, xylophone craft session from 10am to 3pm

• Wednesday 22 July, Children’s movie night at 6:30pm. Booking is essential; drop into the library to find out more.

• Thursday 23 July, keyboard craft session from 10am to 3pm

• Friday 24 July, accordion craft session from 10am to 3pm

• Friday 24 July, cartoon afternoon from 2:30pm to 3:30pm  

• Saturday 25 July, dinosaur craft session from 10apm to 3pm

• Saturday 25 July, Quadrant Dino Day, visit the library stall for activities from 10am to 4pm

Find out more about Dunstable Library opening times.

Flitwick Library 

Drop in next week for lots of crafty sessions, including:

• Tuesday 21 July, kazoo craft session

• Tuesday 21 July, Once Upon a Sound from 2pm to 2:45pm. Children will explore a story through music, try a range of instruments and create soundscapes to bring the story to life. Suitable for children between 4 and 7 years old. Tickets cost £4 per child.

• Book Once Upon a Sound at Flitwick Library.   

• Wednesday 22 July, big board game day

• Friday 24 July, film Friday

Find out more about Flitwick Library opening times.

Houghton Regis Library 

Houghton Regis library will be hosting daily crafts from 10am while stocks last. They also have colouring, puzzles and children's computers.

Find out more about Houghton Regis Library opening times.

Leighton Buzzard Library 

Join us at Leighton Buzzard Library next week for lots of crafty fun.

• Tuesday 21 July, Once Upon a Sound from 11:15am to 12:30pm. Children will explore a story through music, try a range of instruments and create soundscapes to bring the story to life. Suitable for children between 4 and 7 years old. Tickets cost £4 per child.

• Book Once Upon a Sound at Leighton Buzzard Library.

• Tuesday 21 July, design a windmill from 10am to midday  

• Tuesday 21 July, chalk art session from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Wednesday 22 July, make a lighthouse picture from 10am to midday

• Wednesday 22 July, basket weaving from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Thursday 23 July, watermelon paper weaving from 10am to midday

• Thursday 23 July, giant games from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Friday 24 July, make an animal wreath from 10am to midday

• Friday 24 July, slime making from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Saturday 25 July, piano craft session from 10am to 3pm

Find out more about Leighton Buzzard Library opening times.

Potton Library 

There's lots happening at Potton Library next week, and there's no need to book, you can just drop in!

• Saturday 18 July, Have a Go Hand Bells, from 10am to 3:30pm. Children can try playing hand bells and create their own tune.

• Thursday 23 July, Potton Library has been open 70years! We are having a celebration afternoon with tea and cake provided, and Potton History Society are providing an exhibition of pictures of the market square from 2:30pm to 4pm.

• Saturday 25 July, Musical Saturday (saxophone) from 10am to 12:30pm. Saxophone demonstrations and related craft inspired by Jazz Dog by Marie Voigt. Craft available until 3:30pm.

Find out more about Potton Library opening times.

Sandy Library 

Drop in next week for lots of crafty sessions, including

• Craft sessions run from 9am to 4pm each day, or until crafts run out.

• Tuesday 21 July, rainforest masks and snakes craft session

• Wednesday 22 July, Native Indians Dream catcher and headdress craft 

• Thursday 23 July, mermaids and wooden kites craft session

• Friday 24 July, Book Beats from 3:15pm to 4pm (suitable for children between 8 and 11 years old) and 4:15pm to 5pm (suitable for children between 12 and 14 years old). An interactive workshop combining beatboxing, live looping, rap, poetry and storytelling inspired by well-known books. Tickets cost £4 per child.

• Book the Book Beats session at Sandy Library for children between 8 and 11 years old.

• Book the Book Beats session at Sandy Library for children between 12 and 14 years old.

• Friday 24 July, robots and Super Mario craft session

Find out more about Sandy Library opening times.

Shefford Library 

• Saturday 18 July, summer collage craft session

• Tuesday 21 July, board games

• Wednesday 22 July, musical notes craft session

• Thursday 23 July, bean bag challenge

• Friday 24 July, Disney activity packs

• Saturday 25 July, fish craft session

Find out more about Shefford Library opening times.

Stotfold Library 

Drop in next week for free summer craft sessions, on:

• Tuesday 21 July, Story and Rhyme Time at 10:30am at 11:15am. Suitable for children up to 5 years old.

• Wednesday 22 July, craft session from 2pm to 5pm. Suitable for children over 3 years old

• Wednesday 22 July, Dungeons and Dragons for Beginners from 2:30pm to 4.30pm. Booking is essential, please speak to library staff. Suitable for children and young people from 11 to 17 years old.

• Thursday 23 July, SENsory Morning from 9:30am to midday. Suitable for all ages.

• Friday 24 July, craft session from 9am to midday. Suitable for children over 3 years old.

• Friday 24 July, Board Game Club from 2pm to 5pm. Suitable for  children over 3 years old.

• Friday 24 July, Book Beats from 9:30am to 10:15am (suitable for children between 8 and 11 years old) and 10:30am to 11:15am (suitable for children between 12 and 14 years old). An interactive workshop combining beatboxing, live looping, rap, poetry and storytelling inspired by well-known books. Tickets cost £4 per child.

• Book the Book Beats session at Stotfold Library for children between 8 and 11 years old.

• Book the Book Beats session at Stotfold Library for children between 12 and 14 years old.

• Saturday 25 July, Pokémon Club from 10am to midday. Suitable for children over 6 years old.

• Saturday 25 July, LEGO and DUPLO Club from 10am to 3pm. Suitable for all ages.

• Saturday 25 July, Warhammer model painting session from 1pm to 3pm. Bring your own models and equipment. Suitable for children and young people over 8 years old.

Find out more about Stotfold Library opening times.

Toddington Library

Drop in next week for free summer craft sessions, on:

• Tuesday 21 July, craft session from 10am to midday

• Wednesday 22 July, craft session from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Thursday 23 July, craft session from 10am to midday

• Friday 24 July, craft session from 10am to midday and 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Saturday 25 July, craft session from 10am to 3pm

Find out more about Toddington Library opening times.

Summer activities at our leisure centres

We have six leisure centres here in Central Bedfordshire. Keep reading to find out about the activities they are running during the summer holidays.

What's on next week at...

Dunstable Centre 

• Holiday pool discos, inflatable sessions and intensive swimming crash courses running throughout the holidays. Book via the Everyone Active app

Find out more about the Dunstable Centre, including how to book activities.

Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre 

• Inflatable Sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2pm to 3pm. Book via the Everyone Active app

Find out more about Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, including how to book activities.

Flitwick Leisure Centre 

• Thursday 23 July, Bouncy Castle and Soft Play from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Suitable for childen between 6 months and 5 years old. Book via the Everyone Active app

Find out more about Flitwick Leisure Centre, including how to book activities.

Sandy Leisure and Sports Centre 

• Junior Gym sessions run on weekdays, from 10am to 11am, midday to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm. Book via the Everyone Active app

Find out more about Sandy Leisure and Sports Centre, including how to book activities.

Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre (Leighton Buzzard)

• Running until Monday 31 August, discover new activities, communities and friendships with summer sessions from just £2. Tennis, Family Swim Sessions, pickleball, soft play, climbing and much more!

Find out more about Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, including how to book activities.

Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre (Biggleswade)

• Inflatable sessions on Saturdays at 2pm, plus additional family swim and flume sessions during the holidays.

Find out more about Saxon Leisure Centre, including how to book activities.

Summer activities at our children's centres

To find out what is happening at all of our children's centres this summer, visit our Family Information Directory, find your nearest children's centre and view their calendar.

What's on next week at...

Dunstable Children's Centre

• Monday 20 July, Library Book Nook from 10am to midday

  • Come in and read with your children, a variety of books to read and borrow, join the libraries summer reading challenge. Suitable for children up to 11 years old.

• Tuesday 21 July, Active Fun from 1pm to 2:30pm

  • An afternoon of climbing, running, ball games and being active! Suitable for children who are walking, up to 10 years old. A £1 donation is requested. Booking is required, please call: 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

• Wednesday 22 July, Story Time from 10am to 11am

  • Storytelling and activities based around 'That's not my...books'. Suitable for children aged 0-2 years. A £1 donation is requested. Booking is required, please call: 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

• Wednesday 22 July, Music Maestros from 1pm to 2pm

  • A new group where your little one can explore making sounds and music. Suitable for babies from crawling to walking confidently. A £1 donation is requested. Booking is required, please call: 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

• Friday 24 July, Little Explorers from 9:30am to 11am
  
  

• A group full of exciting activities and play opportunities to support your child's development and learning. Suitable for children who are walking, up to 5 years old. Booking is required, please call: 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

• Friday 24 July, Library Book Nook from 1pm to 3pm

  • Come in and read with your children, a variety of books to read and borrow, join the libraries summer reading challenge. Suitable for children up to 11 years old.

Find out more about Dunstable Children's Centre.

Flitwick Children's Centre

• Wednesday 22 July, messy play session from 2pm to 3:30pm

  • A fun, messy sensory session for children between 2 and 6 years old. For more information call: 0300 300 8111

• Friday 24 July, Stay and Play for Toddlers from 1pm to 2:30pm

  • For more information call: 0300 300 8111

Find out more about Flitwick Children's Centre.

Houghton Regis Children's Centre

• Monday 20 July, Little Explorers, 10am to 11:30am

  • Fun, stay and play session for children over 1 year old. This session will include outside and indoor activities. Cost: £1 per child. For more information please call: 0300 300 8115 or 0300 300 8129

• Wednesday 22 July, Mini Play & Weigh from 1:15pm to 2:45pm

  • A sensory Stay & Play session for babies up to 1 year old, with self weigh available. Last weigh at 2:30pm

Find out more about Houghton Regis Children's Centre.

Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre

• Tuesday 21 July, Baby & Me, 1:30pm to 2:45pm

  • A welcoming group where parents and carers can make new friends, and babies have opportunities to explore, sing and learn. Drinks are available for parents, and this session is suitable for non mobile babies. A £1 donation is required. Booking is also required, to book please call: 0300 300 8880 to book on

Find out more about Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre.

Shefford and Stotfold Children's Centre

• Tuesday 21 July, Wiggle and Wonder, 1:30pm to 3pm, to be held at Arlesey Youth Centre, SG15 6SN

  • A sensory session for babies from 5 months old to walking. Move around the room exploring different sensory areas with your baby. A range of activities will promote their development using all their senses. A non-structured session finished by quiet time and a cuppa. No need to book. Sorry, no older siblings. £1 cash donation per family. Parking is available behind the Youth Centre.

Find out more about Shefford and Stotfold Locality Children's Centre.

Sandy and Biggleswade Children's Centre

• Tuesday 21 July, Wellbeing Walk for parents and carers experiencing low mood or anxiety, from 9:30am to 11:00am

  • Meet at Biggleswade Children's Centre for the group wellbeing walk. Children welcome, but no dogs please.

• Wednesday 22 July, Summer Fun Session for babies between 0 and 12 months old, from 10:30am to 11:30am

  • This session will be held at Sandy Children's Centre, SG19 1HQ.  Booking is essential, please call: 0300 300 8114 or 0300 300 8134.

Find out more about Sandy and Biggleswade Locality Children's Centre.

Summer activities for children with SEND 

Visit our Local Offer website to see the full list of activities running this summer for children and young people with SEND.

SEND Young Driver Course (MORE Course)

A relaxed and supportive Young Driver Experience for young people between 16 and 30 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This event offers a safe, friendly environment where participants can experience driving at their own pace, with no pressure or expectations.

Whether its your very first time in the driver's seat or you've already had some driving experience and would like to build your confidence, this event is all about developing skills, increasing independence, and having fun in a supportive setting.

Book a place on the session running on Thursday 13 August between 9am and 12:30pm.

Sensory Story Exploration Workshop

Week one: Underwater Adventure from Tuesday 18 August to Thursday 20 August. Dive into this underwater adventure with Spectrum! £10 per participant, with 6 spaces per session. Parent/carers are required to stay within the workshop and actively support participants. Book a place on the underwater adventure session.

Week two: Down in the Jungle from Monday 24 August to Wednesday 26 August

Roar, explore, and discover the magic of the jungle! £15 per participant, with 8 spaces per session. Each participant will be supported by a Spectrum 1:1 member of staff. Parent/carers must remain on-site but are welcome to use our parent/carer chill-out space during the session. Book a place on the Down in the Jungle session.

Families United Network summer holiday club

The summer holiday club will be running between Tuesday 6 August and Friday 30 August. 

FUN Holiday Clubs offer children and young people a safe and non-judgemental space to play, learn and interact with others.  Full disabled changing facilities with overhead hoist and full sized changing table are available. There are a range of activities available on site including:

• Sensory room (with overhead hoist)

• Computers and iPads

• Table games including pool, air hockey and football

• Play areas including a book corner, LEGO, cars and trains, dressing up activities, sensory play, soft animals and arts and crafts

• Large activity hall with ball pool, bouncy castle and other large play equipment

• Full disabled changing facilities with overhead hoist

• Coffee shop

Visit the Families United Network website for more information and to find out how to book.

Stay & Play sessions at our children's centres

Some of our children’s centres run regular SEND Stay & Play sessions. To find out more, find your local children’s centre on our Family Information Directory and use the calendar to find upcoming sessions.

Everyone is welcome to join SEND Stay & Play sessions, including those without a diagnosis. They are drop-in sessions so don’t require booking, and are suitable for children aged 18 months to 8 years old.

Next week there are Stay & Play sessions on:

• Monday 20 July, Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre from 10am to 11:30am

• Tuesday 21 July, Dunstable Children's Centre from 9:30am to 10:30am

• Thursday 23 July, Flitwick Children's Centre from 1:30pm to 3pm

• Friday 24 July, Houghton Regis Children's Centre from 10:30am to 11:30am

Spending time outdoors this summer

We are really fortunate to live in an area where there is lots of outdoor space to make the most of – we have over 1,000 hectares of countryside here in Central Bedfordshire!

Find out what else is on outdoors, including information about circular walks. A full list of countryside sites in Central Bedfordshire is also available on our website.

What's on this summer at...

The Forest of Marston Vale

Thursday 23 July, Roarsome Crafts

There are two sessions: from 11am to midday and 1pm to 2pm.

Let your little ones unleash their inner prehistoric painter this summer at the Forest Centre! Join this crafting session where they can decorate their very own wooden racing dinosaur. All art and craft supplies are provided. Tickets cost £4 per child.

Find out more and book the Roarsome Crafts session on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Monday 27 July to Sunday 9 August, Jurassic Trail

There are two seesions running each day: from 11am to midday and 1pm to 2pm.

All kinds of different dinos have escaped and have been stomping and flying around the Sensory Wildlife Garden! Can you find the 10 different species we’ve lost so we can get them back in their enclosures? Spot them all and complete the trail sheet to tell us who you saw to win a prize and certificate. Tickets cost £3 per child.

Find out more about the Jurassic Trail on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Friday 7 August, Krisgar's magic show

Join award-winning magician Krisgar and his cheeky sidekick Tricky Teddy for a fun-filled show packed with interactive tricks, laugh-out-loud comedy and plenty of audience participation. It’s the perfect way to add a little magic to your summer holidays – you don’t want to miss it!

There are three sessions: 10am to 10:45am, midday to 12:45pm and 2pm to 2:45pm. Tickets cost £5.69 per child.

Book tickets for Krisgar's magic show on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Friday 14 August, jungle crafts

A fun and creative jungle-themed craft session, perfect for the school holidays. Children will decorate their own stand-up wooden jungle animal, using a range of craft materials, and take their creation home to enjoy. All materials are provided - just bring your creativity!

Choose from two one-hour sessions: 11am to midday and 1pm to 2pm. 

Tickets cost £4 per child. Book tickets for jungle crafts on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Tuesday 18 August to Tuesday 25 August, farmyard trail

Forgetful Farmer Fred has left the paddock gates open and now all the animals are on the loose! Can your little ones help round them up?

The Sensory Wildlife Garden is full of sneaky hiding spots, and those cheeky animals have been wandering everywhere! Follow the trail, spot them all, and fill in your trail sheet to help Farmer Fred - then claim your prize and certificate at the end.

Choose from two one-hour sessions: 11am to midday and 1pm to 2pm. 

Tickets cost £3 per child. Book tickets for the farmyard trail on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Thursday 27 August, Afternoon tea with Lilo & Stitch

Your child will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, lasting 30 minutes, followed by an hour of fun with Lilo & Stitch. Expect playful games, interactive activities, and plenty of cheeky, heartwarming moments – plus lots of photo opportunities to capture the memories.

Dressing up is absolutely encouraged – whether in their favourite Hawaiian outfit, as their favourite character, or whatever makes them feel part of the adventure. We can’t wait to welcome you for a celebration full of mischief and magic!

Tickets cost £13.13 per child. Book tickets for afternoon tea with Lilo and Stitch on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Friday 28 August, Little City at the Forest Centre

Little City is an entirely mobile role play city for the under 6’s to explore and enjoy, coming to the Forest Centre for the summer holidays. With bespoke backdrops and specially selected high-quality toys and equipment, your child can fully immerse themselves in their own world and welcome you in too!

Choose from two sessions: 11am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 2:30pm. 

Tickets cost £9 per child. Book tickets for Little City on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Dunstable Downs

Wednesday 22 July and Wednesday 29 July, Have-a-go Session: Soft Archery from 10:30am to 3:30pm 

This activity is self-led with optional guidance from our team. Something the whole family can have a go at and enjoy. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Find out more about the Soft Archery session at Dunstable Downs.

Thursday 23 July and Thursday 30 July, Have-a-go Session: Let's Get Going, Dunstable Downs from 10am to midday

Sessions involve playful nature-based games for parents and children, aimed at building motor skills and connection through gentle movements, music, fun, creativity and 'feeling'. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. 

Find out more about the Let's Get Going session at Dunstable Downs.

Sunday 26 July, Archery taster session, Dunstable Downs from midday to 4pm 

Join Pepperstock Archers for hands‑on fun as you learn to fire bows and arrows safely at targets, guided by experienced archers in a friendly, family friendly setting. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. 

Find out more about the archery taster session at Dunstable Downs.

Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve

Friday 24 July, Bug Lab from 2pm to 3:30pm

Enter the wonderful world of minibeasts, take a closer look to discover tiny creatures on our sites and be inspired to look at home on your doorstep. The Greensand Trust staff will be joined by members of the Natural History society who will share knowledge of wildlife. There will be equipment and guides you can borrow, microscopes to look more closely and lots of tips. 

Tickets cost £3 per child. Book tickets for the Bug Lab on the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve website.

The Bug Lab will also be running on:

• Friday 28 July at Rushmere Country Park from 2pm to 3:30 pm. Book a place at the Bug Lab on Friday 28 July.

• Tuesday 4 August at Knolls Wood in Leighton Buzzard from 2pm to 3:30pm. Book a place at the Bug Lab on Tuesday 4 August.

• Friday 7 August at Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Leighton Buzzard from 2pm to 3:30pm. Book a place at the Bug Lab on Friday 7 August.

• Monday 10 August at Linslade Wood, Knave's Hill footpath, Leighton Buzzard from 2pm to 3:30pm. Book a place at the Bug Lab on Monday 10 August.

• Thursday 13 August at Rushmere Country Park from 2pm to 3:30pm. Book a place at the Bug Lab on Thursday 13 August.

• Tuesday 18 August at Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve from 2pm to 3:30pm. Book a place at the Bug Lab on Tuesday 18 August.

Outdoor spaces in Central Bedfordshire 

Rushmere Country Park

Rushmere Country Park near Leighton Buzzard is a 400‑acre Green Flag‑award country park. Its diverse mix of woodland, heathland, meadows and lakes offers something for everyone: accessible trails (including buggy and wheelchair‑friendly routes), a heronry viewable from the Tree Tops Café, plus facilities for play, picnics, cycling, horse riding, dog walking and wildlife watching. Find out more on the Rushmere Country Park website.

Houghton Hall Park

Houghton Hall Park in Houghton Regis is a 42‑acre Green Flag award‑winning space, featuring parkland, woodlands, formal and kitchen gardens, play areas, and a dog‑friendly café and visitor centre. Find out more on the Houghton Hall Park website.

Greensand Ridge Walk

If you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, you could take on the Greensand Ridge Walk! It’s a 40 mile (64km) long-distance walk that crosses Bedfordshire, with brief sections in Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire. We’ve split the route into five sections, with maps available on our website, along with information about accommodation along the route.

Campton Plantation

Formerly part of Chicksands Priory, this 15.4 hectare woodland contains splendid old trees, is an important site for bats, badgers and snowdrops and is home to an exciting new sculpture trail! Follow the arrows around the wood and see what you can find. A great place to walk, ride, watch wildlife or picnic. Find out more about Campton Plantation on our website.

Dunstable Downs

Explore miles of footpaths (including circular walks) across the chalk grasslands and learn about the area's history, plants and wildlife. Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is the highest point in Bedfordshire. Find out more about Dunstable Downs on the National Trust website.