가장 멋진 명소 20곳

A great ride through the RSPB area but be aware there is only one main route north/south that bikes are permitted. Brilliant area with cafe for a coffee and cake recharge!

The Lodge is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB. It's the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire. Important species that can be seen here include Hobbies, Nightjars, Ravens, Common Lizards and Natterjack Toads. There are also areas of grassland and woods, important habitat for other species. There is a visitor centre, shop and cafe.

Stevington Winmill is a historic post mill. It is a Grade II listed building and is one of the few remaining post mills in the United Kingdom. The mill was built in the early 19th century and was used to grind corn. It was powered by a sails that turned a vertical shaft, which in turn drove the millstones. The mill ceased operation in the early 20th century, but it was later restored and is now open to the public. To get inside the windmill it is possible to borrow a key from one of the two village pubs but they were closed on my visit on a Tuesday

Free to visit. English heritage link https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/houghton-house/

Ampthill is a historic market town located in Central Bedfordshire that dates back to 1219. There are a number of great cafés, pubs and restaurants to discover including The White Hart and Surtin Café.

Some great views of Marston Vale from the house

Enjoy terrific views over the surrounding countryside at the historical landmark of Houghton House. The house is a grade 1 listed building and the shell of a 17th-century mansion.

One of my regular stops for coffee. New cafe open soon! You can cycle through the middle of the reserve - it’s a bridleway. Also along one edge from the cafe/shop to the station. Most paths closed to cycles due to ground nesting birds.

Great waterside riding through the park on Route 51 or using the cycle friendly paths and trails around Priory.

Great place to ride through and stop for a drink

Great for a picnic

Stevington Windmill is one of Britain's finest examples of a postmill and is open to the public. To access its interior, keys can be collected from the Royal George or the Red Lion. Built in the 18th century, it is today in rough working order, though requires near constant maintenance. It is possibly the last working windmill with four common sails in Britain.

Stevington Windmill is an impressive postmill built in the 18th century and is the only complete windmill left in Bedfordshire. It was constructed around a central post so that it can be turned to face into the wind. The windmill operated commercially, mostly grinding cattle feed, until 1939. It was purchased and restored in 1951 by Bedfordshire County Council, as part of the County's contribution to the Festival of Britain. Stevington Windmill was probably the last windmill in Britain working with four common (cloth covered) sails, which were replaced 2004. The sails are turned periodically and the machinery, though requiring constant maintenance, is in rough working order. (https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/arts-and-culture/history-and-heritage/stevington-mill/)

A "Green Flag" Country Park managed by Bedfordshire Borough Council. It sits in a large meander on the River Great Ouse and is made up of meadows, lakes (Priory Lake & Finger Lakes), reed beds and woodland. A nice spot for a relaxing ride and just off the disused east-west running railway line between Bedford and Sandy. Cycling's not permitted in some parts of the country park, so be mindful of others.

I’m a bit bias but Ampthill is a lovely Georgian Market Town, and it offers some great places to stop. The friendly Deli on Bedford Street has great Allpress coffee and cake, with seating in Market Square during the warmer months. The Hide on Woburn Street offers great cake and a bike rack, outdoor seating with heaters and the Oakman Inns White Hart is great if you fancy something more substantial.

Beautiful view over the lakes Good cafe with friendly staff

Interesting ruined mansion in Houghton Conquest, grade 1 listed. Quite busy on a weekend, but should be quiet at other times. Free to have a look around

Ampthill is a picturesque, Georgian, small market town - a great place to stop if you're passing through. The town has various cafes and pubs all with lovely food and drink. The market square is very pretty, there's bike racks and a place to sit and watch the world go by. The Deli next to the square has All-Press coffee if you are a real coffee lover.

Lovely park and lake with plenty of tracks and routes for all abilities and bike builds.

The hollowed walls of Houghton House are a ghost of their former elegance. Built in the 17th century for the Dowager Countess of Pembroke, the house reflected Jacobean and Classical styles. It is thought that the house inspired 'House Beautiful' in John Bunyan's book Pilgrim's Progress. The house began to decline from the late 18th century, when its furnishings and roof were sold. You can visit its ruined walls, which are managed by English Heritage, during daylight hours or from 10am to 6pm.