Start in the county town of Bedford, noted for its fine river setting and connections to the preacher/author John Bunyan. To the north west are pretty limestone villages, such as Harrold and Stevington, and to the east, the gigantic airship hangers at Cardington and Old Warden´s collection of flying machines and Swiss-style garden. Close by is the RSPB´s nature reserve at Sandy, the historic vehicles of the Stondon Museum, and Wrest Park´s gardens and follies.

Heading south from Bedford is the lakes and wildlife of the Marston Vale. Antiques lovers should head to the fine Georgian town of Ampthill set on the wooded slopes of The Greensand Ridge. Woburn (another great place for antiques) is also home of the magnificent abbey, seat of the Dukes of Bedford. Watch out for the elephants at the safari park! Leighton Buzzard set on the Grand Union Canal has always been famous for its sand - and you can take a ride on the little railway here.

The highest point of the East of England is the Dunstable Downs, with its chalk-life flora and fauna. Great for kite-flying - visit the famous Whipsnade Zoo, or take a flight in a glider. At the foot of the Downs is the town of Dunstable, with its 12th C. priory. It was once noted (along with Luton) for its hat-making. Luton itself has great shopping and leisure facilities, plus several museums and landscaped parks to enjoy.

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