9 fantastic tourist destinations across Beds, Herts, and Bucks to visit for English Tourism Week

From 14 to 23 March, it will be English Tourism Week, a campaign hosted by VisitEngland that celebrates the remarkable tourist locations and landmarks throughout our little island.

Across Beds, Herts, and Bucks, there are many different spots worth visiting. From classic English country houses to locations of great historical significance, the three counties have something to please everyone.

So, whether you’re looking for a quiet walk to decompress and collect your thoughts, or an ideal venue for a family day out, discover nine destinations across the counties that are well worth visiting this English Tourism Week.

Bedfordshire

1. Whipsnade Zoo

Run by the Zoological Society of London, Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest zoo, offering a fun day out for animal lovers and families of all ages. The zoo features a herd of Père David’s deer, which were previously extinct in the wild and, thanks to conservation efforts, are slowly being reintroduced to the wild in China.

Throughout the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to see over 10,000 animals in a variety of habitats, from the Centre for Elephant Care to Whipsnade Zoo’s Rhinos of Nepal and more.

Visit the Whipsnade Zoo website for ticket prices and opening hours.

2. Shuttleworth Collection

This one’s for the history buffs and enthusiasts, as the Shuttleworth Collection boasts a fascinating collection of historic aircraft and vehicles. Explore the six different hangars and learn more about the incredible history of aviation.

Once you’ve had your fill of these remarkable machines, the Regency gardens surrounding the collection offer a relaxing space to wander.

If you want to take a journey through aviation history, visit the Shuttleworth Collection website for event days and opening details.

3. Stockwood Discovery Centre

Located on the outskirts of Luton, Stockwood Discovery Centre offers a unique blend of history, horticulture, and art.

Explore stories from the ages with interactive exhibitions and see the largest carriage collection in Europe. Walk through the many gardens and learn about plants from all over the world, including the Period Gardens, where you can reflect on the changing styles of gardening in the UK.

Entry is free but visit the Stockwood Discovery Centre website for opening times and event details.

Hertfordshire

4. St Albans Cathedral

St Albans Cathedral is a must-see, and it has a long and fascinating history to explore. Take in the stunning architecture and learn about the cathedral’s role in local and national history, spanning 1,700 years.

Try the Tower and Treasures Tour, where you’ll see 11th-century Norman arches, medieval wall paintings, two restored medieval shrines, and much more. The cathedral also often hosts various musical and artistic events and exhibitions for you to enjoy.

For opening times, service information, and event details, head to the St Albans Cathedral website where you can find everything you need to know.

5. Tring Natural History Museum

Once the private museum collection of Lionel Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild, the Tring Natural History Museum now belongs to the Natural History Museum, London.

Here, you’ll see a massive collection of 4,900 natural history specimens, including taxidermied animals, insects, and geological samples from all over the world. Take in exhibits of the extinct quagga, a polar bear, a giant panda, and even the dressed fleas, a unique piece of Mexican folk art.

This is a great spot for families and anyone interested in the natural world.

Check the Natural History Museum’s website for more details and Tring’s opening hours.

6. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

While the name of the magical Warner Bros. Studio Tour has “London” in it, locals know that the world-famous Harry Potter series was filmed at Leavesden in Watford.

The Leavesden studios are now an exciting tour where you can step into the mystical world of the boy wizard. Take in the sets from the films, see the weird and wonderful costumes and props, and learn how the studio used special effects to bring the wizarding world to life.

Booking in advance is essential, so check out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website for more details.

Buckinghamshire

7. Bletchley Park

Though Bletchley Park was once home to the UK’s wartime codebreaking centre, you don’t need to be a secret agent to get in.

Learn about the brilliant minds who worked here to crack the infamous Enigma code, contributing to the Allied victory in the second world war. The historic builds and exhibitions bring history to life and there’s plenty to see and do.

The Bletchley Park website has ticket information and opening times to help you plan your visit.

8. Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, built between 1874 and 1885 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. Now managed by the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust, the Manor boasts a wide collection of paintings, armour, manuscripts, Limoges enamel, and more.

There’s plenty to see along with the collection, including 18th-century style interiors and acres of Victorian-style gardens.

To see what’s on, opening hours, and more details of the collection, visit the Waddeson Manor website.

9. Bekonscot Model Village & Railway

If you’re looking for something more charming and whimsical, Bekonscot Model Village & Railway is the place to go.

Located just outside of Beaconsfield, it’s a great day out for all ages and features 1.5 acres of gardens and a whole miniature world, complete with tiny houses, shops and, of course, a working railway. It’s both delightful and nostalgic, capturing the details of 1930s rural England.

You can visit the Bekonscot Model Village & Railway website for opening times, ticket details, and to find out more about their events.

Get in touch

Why not make seeing the wonders of the three counties one of your goals for the years ahead? If you’d like help from a financial professional to organise your wealth so you can reach more of your life targets, please get in touch with us at Caliber Financial Management.

Email contact@caliberfm.co.uk or call 01525 375286 to speak to one of our team today.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.