If you're new to the UK or are looking to explore some of the incredible cities around Bedfordshire, you're in for an exciting adventure filled with rich history, diverse culture, and many things to see and do.

While Bedfordshire offers its share of attractions, it's also an excellent starting point for exploring the broader UK. In this guide, we'll provide a list of trips and activities with approximate prices to make the most of your time in Bedfordshire.

Ensure you ask for student discounts when you go out or travel. You can often get great discounts; just make sure you have your student ID card!

Nearby cities to visit

Cambridge

A short train or bus journey will take you to the world-renowned city of Cambridge. This historic city is famous for its prestigious university and stunning architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the colleges, explore the beautiful botanical gardens, and go punting on the River Cam.

Average travel price: £20

Top activities:

1. Punting tour: Punting is a traditional way to explore the River Cam and see some of Cambridge's most iconic landmarks, such as King's College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs. There are many different punting companies to choose from, and prices vary depending on the length of the tour and the number of people. A typical 1-hour punting tour costs around £20 per person.
2. King’s College Chapel: King's College Chapel is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cambridge. It is a beautiful Gothic chapel with a stunning fan vault ceiling. Visitors can pay around £10 to enter the chapel's architecture. 
3. Fitzwilliam Museum: The Fitzwilliam Museum is a world-class art museum with a collection that spans over 5,000 years. The museum is home to a wide variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and furniture. Admission to the museum is free.
4. Cambridge University Colleges - Visitors can walk around some of the University colleges and explore the grounds. Check online to see prices and opening times.

Birmingham

Birmingham is another nearby city that offers a diverse range of experiences. Discover the city's vibrant arts scene, visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or stroll through the picturesque Cannon Hill Park.

Average travel price: £20

Top activities:

1. Cadbury World Cadbury: World is a chocolate lover's dream. Visitors can take a tour of the Cadbury factory, learn about the history of chocolate making, and sample some of Cadbury's most delicious chocolates. Admission to Cadbury World is £18 for adults but make sure to look at their current student offers.
2. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a free museum that houses various collections, including art, natural history, and archaeology. Visitors can see everything from Egyptian mummies to Pre-aphaelite paintings.
3. National Sea Life Centre: The National Sea Life Centre is an aquarium that houses a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the different marine animals and their habitats. Admission is £18 for adults, but they offer student discounts on various days of the week.

Oxford

Oxford, known for its prestigious university and medieval architecture, is another fantastic day trip option. Explore the stunning Bodleian Library, the famous Radcliffe Camera, and stroll through this historic city's picturesque streets.

Average travel price: £20

Top activities:

1. Bodleian Library: The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It is home to over 12 million books and manuscripts, including some of the world's most important historical documents. Visitors can take a guided tour of the library or explore it on their own. Admission to the Bodleian Library is £10 for adults.
2. Ashmolean Museum: The Ashmolean Museum is the world's first public museum and houses a wide variety of collections, including art, archaeology, and natural history. Visitors can see everything from Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek pottery to dinosaur fossils. Entry is free!
3. Pitt Rivers Museum: The Pitt Rivers Museum is an anthropology and archaeology museum that houses a collection of over 500,000 objects worldwide. Visitors can see everything from masks and costumes to weapons and tools. Entry is free!

Bedfordshire is ideally located to travel to various cities, attractions, and experiences. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, music, or indulging your sweet tooth, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, go out there and start your adventure!