- Camping with Horseback riding
The best campsites near Bedford with horseback riding
95% (186) • 87 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford
Pitchcott Farm
1. 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
Arthingworth Camping
2. 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
Heygates Lodging
3. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
51km from Bedford · 2 units
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
4. 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
5. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
97%
(66)
70km from Bedford · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£35
/ night
Shire Camping
6. 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
Rolling Fields Glamping
7. 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
Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
8. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
98%
(30)
83km from Bedford · 16 units
Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
Snettisham Meadows
9. Snettisham Meadows
96%
(24)
105km from Bedford · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set on a traditional family-run farm in rural Norfolk, Snettisham Meadows is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Snettisham and short drive away from North Norfolk's beautiful white sandy beaches.
Animal-mad campers, form an orderly queue please, as this 329-acre farm has several attractions up its sleeve for you, including meet-and-greets with pigs and ponies, lamb feeding in spring and deer safaris. There’s also a dog paddock for rent so four-legged companions can have a frisk around, and an area on the camping field is reserved for guests with dogs.
Campfires and barbecues are permitted and you can borrow firepits from the site owners. Logs are also available to buy. The site is only 10 minutes’ walk from a village pub if you fancy a change of scenery.
After a fun-filled day exploring this lovely part of Norfolk, come back to your pitch and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and some serious stargazing.
Facilities include washing-up sinks, a small shop at reception for essential supplies and tourist information, USB phone charging and a freezer for ice packs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£24
/ night
Glamp and Tipple
10. Glamp and Tipple
92%
(13)
106km from Bedford · 5 units
Hotel-style glamping in Yurts on a Norfolk farm
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£200
/ night
Glamping at Bressingham Gardens
11. Glamping at Bressingham Gardens
100%
(13)
106km from Bedford · 2 units
Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens
Campfires
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£105
/ night
The T Barn
12. The T Barn
99%
(90)
108km from Bedford · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Great Cotmarsh Farm
13. Great Cotmarsh Farm
100%
(13)
119km from Bedford · 7 units
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
Park Farm Campsite
14. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
120km from Bedford · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
15. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(27)
126km from Bedford · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Woodlands Camping
16. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
128km from Bedford · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
The White Lodge
17. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
129km from Bedford · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Berrends Farm
18. Berrends Farm
96%
(38)
129km from Bedford · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex.
We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£32
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
19. 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
Small Trees Campsite
20. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
148km from Bedford · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
95% (186) • 87 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bedford
Pitchcott Farm
1. 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
Arthingworth Camping
2. 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
Heygates Lodging
3. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
51km from Bedford · 2 units
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Cuckoo Farm Campsite
4. 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
5. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes
97%
(66)
70km from Bedford · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£35
/ night
Shire Camping
6. 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
Rolling Fields Glamping
7. 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
Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
8. Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
98%
(30)
83km from Bedford · 16 units
Family camping in a Cotswolds wildflower meadow beside an ancient woodland and SSSI
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
Snettisham Meadows
9. Snettisham Meadows
96%
(24)
105km from Bedford · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set on a traditional family-run farm in rural Norfolk, Snettisham Meadows is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Snettisham and short drive away from North Norfolk's beautiful white sandy beaches.
Animal-mad campers, form an orderly queue please, as this 329-acre farm has several attractions up its sleeve for you, including meet-and-greets with pigs and ponies, lamb feeding in spring and deer safaris. There’s also a dog paddock for rent so four-legged companions can have a frisk around, and an area on the camping field is reserved for guests with dogs.
Campfires and barbecues are permitted and you can borrow firepits from the site owners. Logs are also available to buy. The site is only 10 minutes’ walk from a village pub if you fancy a change of scenery.
After a fun-filled day exploring this lovely part of Norfolk, come back to your pitch and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and some serious stargazing.
Facilities include washing-up sinks, a small shop at reception for essential supplies and tourist information, USB phone charging and a freezer for ice packs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£24
/ night
Glamp and Tipple
10. Glamp and Tipple
92%
(13)
106km from Bedford · 5 units
Hotel-style glamping in Yurts on a Norfolk farm
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£200
/ night
Glamping at Bressingham Gardens
11. Glamping at Bressingham Gardens
100%
(13)
106km from Bedford · 2 units
Peaceful glamping in an undisturbed meadow in beautiful Bressingham Gardens
Campfires
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£105
/ night
The T Barn
12. The T Barn
99%
(90)
108km from Bedford · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Great Cotmarsh Farm
13. Great Cotmarsh Farm
100%
(13)
119km from Bedford · 7 units
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
Park Farm Campsite
14. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
120km from Bedford · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£25
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
15. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(27)
126km from Bedford · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Woodlands Camping
16. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
128km from Bedford · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
The White Lodge
17. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
129km from Bedford · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Berrends Farm
18. Berrends Farm
96%
(38)
129km from Bedford · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex.
We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£32
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
19. 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
Small Trees Campsite
20. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
148km from Bedford · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
V
Victoria
October 2025
5 m Class B
What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!
See more
A
Abi
October 2025
5 m car
Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers.
Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need.
There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing!
Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here.
(There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.)
The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!
See moreK
Katie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.
See more
D
Duco
September 2025
Tent
Nice pitches at a pretty little campsite in a surprisingly beautiful environment. And the coffee cart is nice.
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !!
All windows had lovely views.
Ivan & Sylvia S xxx
See more
F
Frankie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
A nice very clean campsite. Showers were nice and warm. Had a lovely campfire and watched the sun go down
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 more
K
Keith
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Really good staff, and pleasant location. Only stayed a couple of nights, but was really pleased with the conditions.
See moreS
Sally
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Quiet, sheltered and peaceful spot. Great location for using as a base to explore North Hampshire villages and walking trails. Was lovely in The Clearing - so much so we stayed on for an extra night! Facilities are rustic/simple (head torch needed to use the toilets day and night!) but they do the job as long as you’re prepared to get back to basics!
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 more
D
Daniela
August 2025
Tent
With kids
It was my first time camping and the views were amazing. Really nice and relaxing
See more
M
Monique
August 2025
Tent
With pets
It was mine and my partners first camping trip together with our dog and honestly couldn't have had a better experience! It was easy to get to and the toilets and showers were very well kept and clean:) The campsite is very well set up and not to noisy at any point in the day but a perfect balance. Would 100% return and couldn't recommend more!! Harry was also a lovely host who makes you feel nothing less then at home here!
See moreM
Michelle
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely spaced out campsite. Clean compost toilet and well stocked pantry. Eva was helpful when asked about local walks.
Would recommend x
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See more
James
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Wolford Wood Camping & Cabins
This is a beautiful campsite in a stunning area of England and the hosts are so delightful. its all simple and safe and we had a really good time.
A few points of clarity for us would have been, the purchases for site ( logs ) need to be a bit more structured on how much you can have per purchase, but we paid up for what we used in the end.
Truly cannot compliment the hosts and site enough though, thank you for a wonderful stay.
See more
C
Charlotte
August 2025
5 m Class B
Absolute gem of a place. Zoe was so welcoming and sorted me out with some wood for the fire pit as well. Clean facilities and beautiful views. Felt very safe as a solo camper. Will definitely be back!
See more
O
Owen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a really lovely stay at the T-Barn! The site is in a peaceful, beautiful location with a thoughtful layout that offers a real sense of privacy. The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and perfectly in keeping with the relaxed, off-grid feel of the place. We really appreciated the light-touch hosting style – it made the experience feel calm and connected to nature.
A real highlight for our kids was watching the cows wander past each day – such a treat and a unique part of the stay.
One thing to note: the listing currently says “no pets,” which was one of the main reasons we chose it (as a family with small children, we specifically look for dog-free sites). However, there were several dogs on site during our visit, and one in particular was quite disruptive. It didn’t change how much we enjoyed our time overall, but it felt important to mention for others who might be relying on that detail.
All in all, T-Barn is a beautiful, welcoming place, and we’d happily recommend it – and hope to return again ourselves.
See morea
antonia
August 2025
5 m Class B
With kids
Gorgeous campsite with lovely helpful owners. Will definitely be back for longer
See moreE
Emily
August 2025
3 m travel trailer
It was our first time camping with our new teardrop camper and we definitely chose the right place! David was so lovely and helped me to reverse it onto the pitch. Due to bad reviews I expected the facilities to be dirty but they were far from it! Very clean and plenty of toilet roll!
As for the location, it’s amazing for people who love walking, we had a few hours walk down the canal and I definitely recommend walking across the road to the Riverside cafe for some lunch. Other than that there’s not much to do unless you want to drive into Stafford Centre but perfect for a quiet chilled couple of nights!
See moreL
Lisa
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Good facilities, plenty of hot water. Within walking distance of. Snettisham and a short drive to the coast. Perfect for a couple of nights camping.
See more
The best campsites near Bedford with horseback riding 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.