- Farm Stay Camping
The best farm stays near Bedford
93% (675) • 604 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford
Wingbury Farm Glamping
1. Wingbury Farm Glamping
98%
(26)
35km from Bedford · 3 units
Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£160
/ night
Pitchcott Farm
2. Pitchcott Farm
92%
(31)
41km from Bedford · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Secluded Woodland Camp
3. Secluded Woodland Camp
95%
(10)
43km from Bedford · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest.
We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse.
Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by.
Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£12
/ night
Arthingworth Camping
4. Arthingworth Camping
96%
(56)
43km from Bedford · 12 units
Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
The Orchard at Fen End Farm
5. The Orchard at Fen End Farm
96%
(13)
44km from Bedford · 4 units
No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Get Lost In Nature glamping
6. Get Lost In Nature glamping
100%
(15)
46km from Bedford · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly farm glamping, with luxury bell tents in a glorious natural woodland setting
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£120
/ night
Walltree House Camping
7. Walltree House Camping
98%
(29)
53km from Bedford · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
8. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
53km from Bedford · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
9. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
58km from Bedford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Penn Meadow Farm
10. Penn Meadow Farm
91%
(233)
60km from Bedford · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England)
Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies.
We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening.
The site includes;
Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked.
Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up
Running drinking water
Shared open kitchen
Fires allowed
BBQ's allowed
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules:
Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone.
Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them.
Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space.
Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space.
Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm.
Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached.
Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment.
Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol.
We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Sleep Wild
11. Sleep Wild
100%
(20)
60km from Bedford · 2 units
Curvy cabins with hot tubs on an expansive farm in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£151
/ night
Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire
12. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire
97%
(143)
61km from Bedford · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Freedom Farm Camping
13. Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(20)
63km from Bedford · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.
Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield.
We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability.
Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood.
We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
14. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
100%
(14)
65km from Bedford · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench.
Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs.
We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
15. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(20)
69km from Bedford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly.
Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area!
Bring your sound system and have your own party or event.
Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away.
Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
16. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
71km from Bedford · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Shire Camping
17. Shire Camping
98%
(25)
73km from Bedford · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping
18. Willow Grove Farm Glamping
100%
(12)
74km from Bedford · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
19. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
100%
(94)
80km from Bedford · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£16
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
20. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
82km from Bedford · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
93% (675) • 604 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford
Wingbury Farm Glamping
1. Wingbury Farm Glamping
98%
(26)
35km from Bedford · 3 units
Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£160
/ night
Pitchcott Farm
2. Pitchcott Farm
92%
(31)
41km from Bedford · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Secluded Woodland Camp
3. Secluded Woodland Camp
95%
(10)
43km from Bedford · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest.
We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse.
Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by.
Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£12
/ night
Arthingworth Camping
4. Arthingworth Camping
96%
(56)
43km from Bedford · 12 units
Tents-only, family-friendly camping in the Northamptonshire countryside with gorgeous rural walks.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
The Orchard at Fen End Farm
5. The Orchard at Fen End Farm
96%
(13)
44km from Bedford · 4 units
No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Get Lost In Nature glamping
6. Get Lost In Nature glamping
100%
(15)
46km from Bedford · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly farm glamping, with luxury bell tents in a glorious natural woodland setting
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£120
/ night
Walltree House Camping
7. Walltree House Camping
98%
(29)
53km from Bedford · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
8. Cuckoo Farm Campsite
99%
(202)
53km from Bedford · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
9. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
58km from Bedford · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Penn Meadow Farm
10. Penn Meadow Farm
91%
(233)
60km from Bedford · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England)
Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies.
We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening.
The site includes;
Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked.
Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up
Running drinking water
Shared open kitchen
Fires allowed
BBQ's allowed
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules:
Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone.
Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them.
Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space.
Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space.
Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm.
Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached.
Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment.
Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol.
We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Sleep Wild
11. Sleep Wild
100%
(20)
60km from Bedford · 2 units
Curvy cabins with hot tubs on an expansive farm in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£151
/ night
Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire
12. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire
97%
(143)
61km from Bedford · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Freedom Farm Camping
13. Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(20)
63km from Bedford · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.
Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield.
We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability.
Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood.
We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£25
/ night
Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
14. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
100%
(14)
65km from Bedford · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench.
Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs.
We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£40
/ night
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
15. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(20)
69km from Bedford · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly.
Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area!
Bring your sound system and have your own party or event.
Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away.
Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
16. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
71km from Bedford · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Shire Camping
17. Shire Camping
98%
(25)
73km from Bedford · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Willow Grove Farm Glamping
18. Willow Grove Farm Glamping
100%
(12)
74km from Bedford · 13 units
Furnished bell tents with private shower rooms, great for gatherings and get togethers.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£150
/ night
Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
19. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
100%
(94)
80km from Bedford · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£16
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
20. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
82km from Bedford · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
István Ferenc
November 2025
Tent
I really enjoyed like always. Thank you Joe.
Beautiful place for solitude.
See more
S
Siubhan
November 2025
Tent
Amazing views over the hills with red kites, gorgeous horses in the next door field and really friendly sheep dogs. Gorgeous shower block which make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel! 200m walk to fantastic pub with great food and fires. Can’t wait to go back
See more
T
Toyah
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We had such a fun time. Claire (our host) was lovely and made us feel incredibly welcome. We didn't bring anything to sit on (as we had taken public transport) and she was kind enough to lend us some benches for us to use on our patch. She ensured that our wood was kept dry for our campfire and that she was within reach should we need anything. We would definitely return again. Thank you for a lovely evening.
See more
Carl
October 2025
Tent
Just the one solo night at Hatters testing out some new equipment. Beautiful and well maintained campsite with a friendly owner Claire, who left me to myself. Non electric pitch.
See more
C
Connor
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed our stay! Lovely campsite, we had the woodlands all to ourselves and enjoyed exploring the local footpaths and seeing the animals on the farm. Our dog loved it! The host Jon was very helpful and insightful with the local area. Will definitely be returning in the future!
See more
A
Alexa
October 2025
With kids
My three year old and I had an amazing time, such great facilities, incredibly comfortable, and absolutely dreamy setting. We are planning our return :) thank you so much Sara and Julian!
See more
N
Nicolas
October 2025
With kids
We can only recommend this sweet little camp site in the middle of the orchard. We stayed in a bell tent for the weekend with our 7 year old son. The tent is cosy with a lovely wood burner.
There is a communal hut kitchen with all ustensiles and board games!
We enjoyed all the fire-pit and the honesty box to buy wood logs etc.
See more
István Ferenc
October 2025
Tent
I like this place very much so it wasn't the first time and certainly not the last.
See more
N
Niall
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had an amazing stay at the wonderful Freedom Eco Farm. The location is really lovely, with distant views of rolling hills and mature trees - all to ourselves. What is especially great was Helena and Duncan’s relaxed and warm welcome and the ability to roam the tracks around their farm. The grass fed beef burgers were delicious and we’ll be back to try the swimming pond and sauna. Thanks, we loved our stay.
See more
G
Gin
September 2025
Tent
At Pitchot farm, we felt very good, a quiet place with various views, where you can have a barbecue or sit in the evening by the warmth of the fire. I highly recommend!
See moreA
Aron
September 2025
Tent
The site was absolutely beatiful in a lovely area. Couldn't reccomend it enough. Tony and Sarah were also a great help and made it very clear that I could contact them if I needed any assistance
See more
N
Nick
September 2025
Tent
We had a brilliant stay at Shire camping. The site is really nice and peaceful. Great communication from Harry. Will definitely return.
See moreM
MARTYN
September 2025
Tent
Excellent private location. Very relaxing with good facilities.
See more
Q
Q
September 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!
See more
Marie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great campsite pub walking distance. We had a great time. Farm for kids.
See moreF
Frankie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great campsite. Lovely site wardens, site and facilities were all very clean and wrll thought out. Friday night pizza was a lovely treat and very tasty. Would deffinetly stay again.
See more
Paul
September 2025
Tent
Plenty of space where you’re pretty much left to your own devices. Portaloo in close proximity which was immaculate. You can pick your own pitch either in the wood, the field or next to the lake. We absolutely loved it. A great place to sit round the fire pit, listen to music, sink a beer and reminisce the good times. I found it the perfect place to decompress and forget the outside world! Took paddle boards and a kayak for a day down at Paper Mill Lock and it was perfect. Well worth a visit. £5 for all day parking, tea room and ice cream stall. The place was buzzing!! Tim’s land was the perfect base camp. Bravo Tim!!
See more
István Ferenc
September 2025
Tent
Spent a wonderful time there. It's really secluded. I had the whole woods alone. The host is very friendly and helpful. I only missed my family because the place is well equipped for a family. Everything is there what you need to have a comfortable superb time in the nature. The host even provided a saw to be able to use the fallen branches for campfire. I will definitely go back, next time probably with my family.
I highly recommend this campsite!
See more
S
Sandra
August 2025
5 m Class B
With kids
Great one night stop over with my grandson. Great showers and we were there on a Sunday morning so went on the farm tour which was brilliant
See moreY
Yuva
August 2025
Tent
Lovely views, clean bathrooms, stocked kitchen big plot of land and very cute farm animals.
See more
The best farm stays 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.