Campsites with rock climbing near Bedford

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Nestled in the countryside just 90 minutes north of London, this county town and its scenic surrounds offer a glimpse of England’s wilder side. From secluded Thameside spots and green-belt glamping to family-friendly campgrounds on working farms, Hipcampers will find something that suits, while the wider region’s historic castles, country houses, and National Trust trails offer plenty by way of outdoor adventure.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford

Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

1. Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

99%
(48)
102km from Bedford · 3 units · Glamping
Laid-back glamping near Evesham, overlooking Bredon Hill and the Malverns.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£65
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

2. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
132km from Bedford · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£14
 / night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

3. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
106km from Bedford · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
Sunnyside Campsite

4. Sunnyside Campsite

138km from Bedford · 1 unit · Glamping
Easy camping on a small site in Suffolk
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£70
 / night
Shirleywich farm holidays camping

5. Shirleywich farm holidays camping

131km from Bedford · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes
7 acre private field for hire, great access from main road, ideal for campers, Motorhome or caravans, set in an additional 17acres, with stream, and access to the Trent and Mersey canal towe path walks with fishing access. Parking on site, private hire or shared separate plots, Maximum 3 caravans or Motorhomes at one time, with additional tents. Prices start from £19 per day, for Upto 1 structures 4 guests max or Motorhomes, pop up camping or Motorhome, toilet hire included, lots of local amenities. Minimum 1 day stay. Extra car £5 Extra pup tent pet £5 Extra awning £5 Wood bags £10 Free fire pit Rachael 07837654508 We are pleased to offer our pop up camping Motorhome and caravan field set in the beautiful fields of 7.5 acres with access and parking from the main road, set in our 17.5 acre private site, Bring your own tent! Or Motorhome - pop up / no frills camping optional barn hire at Shirleywich holidays fully- booked until September! We are pleased to offer for rental our 7 acre pop up camping field adjacent to our restored barn Complex, Dating back to 1604 set in 17 acres with canal and country field views. our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres land which runs to the canal and with ample, riding, our spot has many attractions, and offers a beautiful setting for private camping or teepees, caravans and motorhomes. we welcome any type of structures, and offer field only Private rental tents, Motorhome Or caravans towed. We offer a special rate for weekly or fortnightly as well as for monthly longer stays. We offer a low key private no frills site, with the option to have On site chemical toilet No shower or water facilities Bottled water provided Pit fires provided Optional wood purchase available Parking gates fenced over looking horse fields with canal access for fishing, canoe launch or kayak. Pets welcome On site fire pit, Attraction pack, gardening boxes, hamper can be included. In high demand new for 2024 Large groups welcome for private hire Locally sourced hamper Free fishing at canal access and pets at £5 per pet Please pick up any dog mess Please take your rubbish with you if the waste bins are full. Green and blue bins provided There's certainly ample space for family stays at Shirleywich Farm Holidays, where seven out of the site's 17 acres have been turned over to folks looking to pitch up – that's about 41% of the total, or just over five football pitches if sporting analogies speak to you more than figures do. Whichever way you run the numbers, this easily accessed site equals one stonkingly good spot for varied Staffordshire stints. Shirleywich Farm Holidays is a secure site, accessed via a lockable gate, and is just off the A51. These grounds are kept in tiptop shape by the site crew, who ensure the hedgerows are neat and the field in good condition. Also around are five old barns and a handsome farmhouse dating back to the 1600s. Pets large (horses) and less large (dogs) are welcome here, with lots of bridleways and pup-friendly paths on hand in the nearby Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The facilities here are on the low-key end of the spectrum: there's a gravel amenities area with a portable toilet, toiletry supplies and a chemical disposal point. Bring bikes, canoes and fishing rods along to Shirleywich Farm Holidays – the adjacent Trent and Mersey canal towpath and the river Trent, a few metres further away, should sort you out with bags of opportunities to put all three to use. Heading south along the water's edge, you'll soon reach Great Haywood, a village a couple of miles downstream where there's an independent café and small supermarket (five minutes' drive). Please see below more information on our site and barns, we currently have 5 star reviews and are super host status. We have the Stables sleeps 6-8 please see other listing and below THE SMITHY, Dating back to 1604 , history buffs can research the property and see the local sign at the rear of the site by the canal, which tells of the life of shirleywich farm over its many decades, our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a large double fronted Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres of our own private land which runs to the Trent and mersey canal at the rear, and with ample, epic safe riding and hacking galore, our spot has many attractions, for anyone who wants to bring a horse or 2, with grazing and stabling available, pets are welcome as we are a farm with horses and dogs of our own. you are welcome to bring fishing, bikes, canoes etc,,, to take advantage of the spot and the canal at the rear, or a short trip to the river Trent down the wonderful private Trent drive which leads to ingestre and one of the worlds top riding stables, a short walk further brings you to the ingestre golf club, and then off onto the delights of shugborough hall, and Cannock chase, national heritage forest. Ideal for walkers, bikers, riders, or anyone who wants a break away in the beautiful English countryside, we are surrounded with fields, and countryside so you will not be disserpointed, excellent road connections to many neighbouring towns and heres just a few of the local attractions listed below, so if you are wanting a break away to relax or an adrenaline fun filled adventure holiday theres plenty to fill your boots with, from fine dining and spas, to zip wires and hardcore mountain bike trails, horse riding to hot air balloons, narrowboat trips to family days out, you will not be board unless you decide to, and appreciate the calm tranquility of our unique complex.
Pets
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night
Mandale Campsite

6. Mandale Campsite

100%
(12)
145km from Bedford · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Old school camping in the Peak District on the edge of Lathkill Dale
Electrical hookup
Showers
Potable water
from 
£18
 / night
Great Cotmarsh Farm

7. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%
(13)
119km from Bedford · 7 units · Tents
Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Bring your own tent to share our little slice of heaven.  Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and a pizza oven for your to make the best tasting stonebaked pizzas with bases provided. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£41
 / night
Rolling Fields Glamping

8. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%
(35)
82km from Bedford · 6 units · Glamping
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Caracol Camping

9. Caracol Camping

100%
(5)
121km from Bedford · 8 units · Glamping
Caracol Camping was created by Claire and Ade after having a longstanding dream to set up a glamping site of their own. By partnering with Michael, a renowned asparagus and fruit farmer, we are delighted to present to you our vision of posh camping in the heart of the Kent countryside Caracol is located in a stunning area of outstanding natural beauty in the High Weald area of Kent & Sussex. Just a short walk from the pretty village of Groombridge with 2 stunning pubs, a post office, bakers and the very unique steam valley railway. We have 8 fully furnished luxury bell tents, nestle in a 3 acre wildflower meadow, equipped with all of the facilities that you need for a comfortable stay. We are proud to offer a cosy snug area to relax with friends, brand new toilet and shower facilities along with a communal kitchen area offering everything you need to cook up a feast. We are incredibly proud to be partnered with Groombridge Farm Shop, runner up in the Farm Retail Awards in 2022. We can arrange delivery of hampers and goods directly to your tent upon arrival. The area is an oasis of peace and calm with plenty of activities and places to explore right on the doorstep. Situated just outside the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, we have easy road and rail links to the Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Essex counties and a short train ride to central London. Just bring yourselves and enjoy the stunning skies and nature that we are proud to offer.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£113
 / night
Stargazer Glamping

10. Stargazer Glamping

100%
(40)
143km from Bedford · 3 units · Glamping
Luxury bell-tent glamping for couples and families in the serene Wye Valley.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£360
 / night

Nestled in the countryside just 90 minutes north of London, this county town and its scenic surrounds offer a glimpse of England’s wilder side. From secluded Thameside spots and green-belt glamping to family-friendly campgrounds on working farms, Hipcampers will find something that suits, while the wider region’s historic castles, country houses, and National Trust trails offer plenty by way of outdoor adventure.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford

Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

1. Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping

99%
(48)
102km from Bedford · 3 units · Glamping
Laid-back glamping near Evesham, overlooking Bredon Hill and the Malverns.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£65
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

2. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%
(164)
132km from Bedford · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£14
 / night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

3. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
106km from Bedford · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night
Sunnyside Campsite

4. Sunnyside Campsite

138km from Bedford · 1 unit · Glamping
Easy camping on a small site in Suffolk
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£70
 / night
Shirleywich farm holidays camping

5. Shirleywich farm holidays camping

131km from Bedford · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes
7 acre private field for hire, great access from main road, ideal for campers, Motorhome or caravans, set in an additional 17acres, with stream, and access to the Trent and Mersey canal towe path walks with fishing access. Parking on site, private hire or shared separate plots, Maximum 3 caravans or Motorhomes at one time, with additional tents. Prices start from £19 per day, for Upto 1 structures 4 guests max or Motorhomes, pop up camping or Motorhome, toilet hire included, lots of local amenities. Minimum 1 day stay. Extra car £5 Extra pup tent pet £5 Extra awning £5 Wood bags £10 Free fire pit Rachael 07837654508 We are pleased to offer our pop up camping Motorhome and caravan field set in the beautiful fields of 7.5 acres with access and parking from the main road, set in our 17.5 acre private site, Bring your own tent! Or Motorhome - pop up / no frills camping optional barn hire at Shirleywich holidays fully- booked until September! We are pleased to offer for rental our 7 acre pop up camping field adjacent to our restored barn Complex, Dating back to 1604 set in 17 acres with canal and country field views. our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres land which runs to the canal and with ample, riding, our spot has many attractions, and offers a beautiful setting for private camping or teepees, caravans and motorhomes. we welcome any type of structures, and offer field only Private rental tents, Motorhome Or caravans towed. We offer a special rate for weekly or fortnightly as well as for monthly longer stays. We offer a low key private no frills site, with the option to have On site chemical toilet No shower or water facilities Bottled water provided Pit fires provided Optional wood purchase available Parking gates fenced over looking horse fields with canal access for fishing, canoe launch or kayak. Pets welcome On site fire pit, Attraction pack, gardening boxes, hamper can be included. In high demand new for 2024 Large groups welcome for private hire Locally sourced hamper Free fishing at canal access and pets at £5 per pet Please pick up any dog mess Please take your rubbish with you if the waste bins are full. Green and blue bins provided There's certainly ample space for family stays at Shirleywich Farm Holidays, where seven out of the site's 17 acres have been turned over to folks looking to pitch up – that's about 41% of the total, or just over five football pitches if sporting analogies speak to you more than figures do. Whichever way you run the numbers, this easily accessed site equals one stonkingly good spot for varied Staffordshire stints. Shirleywich Farm Holidays is a secure site, accessed via a lockable gate, and is just off the A51. These grounds are kept in tiptop shape by the site crew, who ensure the hedgerows are neat and the field in good condition. Also around are five old barns and a handsome farmhouse dating back to the 1600s. Pets large (horses) and less large (dogs) are welcome here, with lots of bridleways and pup-friendly paths on hand in the nearby Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The facilities here are on the low-key end of the spectrum: there's a gravel amenities area with a portable toilet, toiletry supplies and a chemical disposal point. Bring bikes, canoes and fishing rods along to Shirleywich Farm Holidays – the adjacent Trent and Mersey canal towpath and the river Trent, a few metres further away, should sort you out with bags of opportunities to put all three to use. Heading south along the water's edge, you'll soon reach Great Haywood, a village a couple of miles downstream where there's an independent café and small supermarket (five minutes' drive). Please see below more information on our site and barns, we currently have 5 star reviews and are super host status. We have the Stables sleeps 6-8 please see other listing and below THE SMITHY, Dating back to 1604 , history buffs can research the property and see the local sign at the rear of the site by the canal, which tells of the life of shirleywich farm over its many decades, our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a large double fronted Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres of our own private land which runs to the Trent and mersey canal at the rear, and with ample, epic safe riding and hacking galore, our spot has many attractions, for anyone who wants to bring a horse or 2, with grazing and stabling available, pets are welcome as we are a farm with horses and dogs of our own. you are welcome to bring fishing, bikes, canoes etc,,, to take advantage of the spot and the canal at the rear, or a short trip to the river Trent down the wonderful private Trent drive which leads to ingestre and one of the worlds top riding stables, a short walk further brings you to the ingestre golf club, and then off onto the delights of shugborough hall, and Cannock chase, national heritage forest. Ideal for walkers, bikers, riders, or anyone who wants a break away in the beautiful English countryside, we are surrounded with fields, and countryside so you will not be disserpointed, excellent road connections to many neighbouring towns and heres just a few of the local attractions listed below, so if you are wanting a break away to relax or an adrenaline fun filled adventure holiday theres plenty to fill your boots with, from fine dining and spas, to zip wires and hardcore mountain bike trails, horse riding to hot air balloons, narrowboat trips to family days out, you will not be board unless you decide to, and appreciate the calm tranquility of our unique complex.
Pets
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night
Mandale Campsite

6. Mandale Campsite

100%
(12)
145km from Bedford · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Old school camping in the Peak District on the edge of Lathkill Dale
Electrical hookup
Showers
Potable water
from 
£18
 / night
Great Cotmarsh Farm

7. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%
(13)
119km from Bedford · 7 units · Tents
Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Bring your own tent to share our little slice of heaven.  Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and a pizza oven for your to make the best tasting stonebaked pizzas with bases provided. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£41
 / night
Rolling Fields Glamping

8. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%
(35)
82km from Bedford · 6 units · Glamping
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Caracol Camping

9. Caracol Camping

100%
(5)
121km from Bedford · 8 units · Glamping
Caracol Camping was created by Claire and Ade after having a longstanding dream to set up a glamping site of their own. By partnering with Michael, a renowned asparagus and fruit farmer, we are delighted to present to you our vision of posh camping in the heart of the Kent countryside Caracol is located in a stunning area of outstanding natural beauty in the High Weald area of Kent & Sussex. Just a short walk from the pretty village of Groombridge with 2 stunning pubs, a post office, bakers and the very unique steam valley railway. We have 8 fully furnished luxury bell tents, nestle in a 3 acre wildflower meadow, equipped with all of the facilities that you need for a comfortable stay. We are proud to offer a cosy snug area to relax with friends, brand new toilet and shower facilities along with a communal kitchen area offering everything you need to cook up a feast. We are incredibly proud to be partnered with Groombridge Farm Shop, runner up in the Farm Retail Awards in 2022. We can arrange delivery of hampers and goods directly to your tent upon arrival. The area is an oasis of peace and calm with plenty of activities and places to explore right on the doorstep. Situated just outside the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, we have easy road and rail links to the Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Essex counties and a short train ride to central London. Just bring yourselves and enjoy the stunning skies and nature that we are proud to offer.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£113
 / night
Stargazer Glamping

10. Stargazer Glamping

100%
(40)
143km from Bedford · 3 units · Glamping
Luxury bell-tent glamping for couples and families in the serene Wye Valley.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£360
 / night

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Campsites with rock climbing near Bedford guide

Where to go

Bedfordshire

From reclaimed woodland around the Forest of Marston Vale to rich wetland along the River Great Ouse, there’s plenty to discover around Bedford. The region’s sprawling countryside offers plenty of camping options, including private working farms and riverside sites. Canoeing, horse riding, and cycling are all popular pastimes here, while ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is an ideal day trip attraction for Hipcampers with kids.

Hertfordshire

Nestled between London and Bedfordshire, this home county is a convenient launch point for exploration of south and east England. The enormous Lee Valley Park extends from the Hertfordshire town of Ware all the way to the East India Docks in the capital, and is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, angling, and riverside camping. Beyond, miles of agricultural and green belt land provide plenty of (almost) wild camping opportunities.

Buckinghamshire

This rural county just south of Bedford is home to National Trust properties, sprawling parks, and scenic valleys, making it a top destination for hikers and bikers, as well as history lovers. Outdoor attractions include Boarstall Duck Decoy, Black Park, and Langley Park, while tent and caravan pitches can be found throughout the region’s farmland and along the Bucks stretch of the Thames.

Chiltern Hills AONB

An hour southwest of Bedford, this Area of Natural Beauty boasts bridleways, cycleways, and national trails that take adventurers deep into quintessential English countryside, and the successful reintroduction of red kites has made this a popular place for birdwatching. Glampers, caravanners, and wild campers are catered for across the region’s private farms and campgrounds.

The Cotswolds AONB

One of England’s most famous landscapes, the Cotswolds encompasses rolling hills, river valleys, and scenic villages that makes the region a rambler’s paradise. From Bedford, the protected region can be reached in just under two hours by car. Glamping is an increasingly popular option for overnight adventurers, though holiday parks and back-to-basics campgrounds are also common.

When to go

England’s great outdoors can be explored at any time of year, with many campgrounds remaining open year-round, though winter wanderers should be prepared for the cold weather. July to August are the busiest times of year, so it’s best to book accommodation well in advance—Areas of Natural Beauty get particularly booked up.

Know before you go

  • Public transport is fairly reliable around Bedford, though it can be useful to have a private vehicle to reach more secluded spots.
  • Gear can sometimes be rented on site. Otherwise, there are plenty of supply shops in central Bedford.