Discover more about our towns and find out about the history by visiting a number of historic places. Plus, most of the locations are free to enter!

Wardown House

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery is a Grade II listed building situated in the beautiful grounds of Wardown Park. Formerly the home of the Scargill family, then a World War I military hospital, the house is now a museum. This house transports you back in time, to a Victorian family home. Every room tells a story, with interactive displays, a treasure trove of local curiosities. It even hosts the largest hat industry and headwear collection in the UK!

Address: Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Old Bedford Rd, Luton, LU2 7HA

Bedford Park

Bedford Park is a Grade Two listed English Heritage Victorian park in the north of Bedford. Created in 1888, it is the largest urban park in Bedford. Enjoy stunning scenary by the lake and make the most of the multiple play areas and sports facilities.

Address: Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s church has a rich and long history, being over 850 years old and has been rebuilt and refurbished constantly over the centuries. It has been the centre of worship for people in the area for over 1000 years. Walk around the church and its gardens or find out about their regular events that you can attend. Some of you might even be graduating in this historic building!

Address: Church Street, Luton, LU1 3JF

Wrest Park

Enjoy the beautiful grounds of Wrest Park, in the heart of the Bedfordshire countryside. Trace the evolution of the English garden as you stroll through three centuries of landscape design, wander along the show-stopping Long Water and spot hidden garden buildings as you explore the grounds.

There are number of events hosted here themed around the culture of the ground and Bedfordshire.

Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR

Someries Castle

Someries Castle adapts its name from William de Someries, whose manor resided on this site around the 13th Century. It was then bought by Sir John Wenlock in 1430, after which the manor was rebuilt according to his preferences and turned into a mansion. The castle provides a perfect picnic spot for families, and visitors have claimed that it is haunted… making the site more intriguing.

Address: Someries, Luton, LU2 9PL

Stockwood Discovery Centre

The perfect family day-out. Beautiful gardens, interactive exhibitions and the largest carriage collection in Europe… and it’s free! Boasting a thrilling programme of exhibitions, an award-winning carriage display, an outdoor children’s play area and breath-taking walled gardens.

Stockwood’s museum galleries bring the stories of local people to life, dating back from prehistoric times to the present day! Top tip - keep an eye out for the Wenlock Jug, a rare medieval masterpiece. The Garden Café is open every day, serving up delicious homegrown food, using fruit and vegetables fresh from the gardens.

Address: Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton, LU1 4LX

Verulamium Museum

Built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, Verulamium Museum is filled with ancient treasures and some of the finest mosaics outside of the Mediterranean. Bring the entire family and explore the wonders of Roman life, immerse yourself in recreated Roman rooms and admire the craftsmanship of the intricate large-scale mosaics on display.

In addition to hands-on discovery areas for younger visitors, the museum also provides a selection of free activity sheets for children and dressing up clothes are available on weekends and school holidays – a great place to bring the family.

Address: St Michael’s Street, St Albans, Al3 4SW