The Chilterns The Chiltern Hills are a beautiful, unspoilt corner of England. They lie only a few miles to the north-west of London and yet have a very rural character. The Chilterns begin in Oxfordshire in the Thames Valley and stretch north-east through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire. The gently rolling hills are swathed in beech woodland and chalk downland, providing a haven for wildlife. Wildflowers found on the downland in summer include abundant orchids and the rare Chilterns gentian. In the southern Chilterns the spectacular red kite, a reintroduced bird of prey, is very visible for most of the year.   Click here for more information

The Shuttleworth Collection The Shuttleworth Collection is an aeronautical and automotive museum located at the Old Warden airfield in Bedfordshire, England. It is one of the most prestigious in the world due to the variety of old and well preserved aircraft. Restoration and maintenance work is carried out by a staff of six full-time and many volunteer engineers. These volunteers are all members of the 3,000-strong Shuttleworth Veteran   Click here for more information

Woburn Safari Park The Safari Reserves, with their wide open spaces, provide the perfect habitat for the park’s animals to roam freely and behave naturally. They also offer you the opportunity to get an unparalleled look at the world’s most magnificent creatures. You drive your own vehicle through the reserves as often as you wish during the day. Each circuit takes between 45 minutes to one hour. You’ll experience the thrill of being right alongside White Rhino, Tigers, Lions and Giraffes to name but a few. On the Navajo Trail you’ll encounter bears and wolves running together, just as they would have in Britain around 1000 years ago. You’ll also drive your car through Europe’s most diverse primate reserve, spotting three different types of Monkey. Some of the animals to look out for in the Safari Reserves are: Rhino, Eland, Scimitar Horned Oryx (Antelope), Lechwe (Antelope), Gemsbok (Antelope), Giraffe, Ankole, Zebra, Elephant, Camel, Bison, Bongo (Antelope), Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Black Bear, Congo Buffalo, Colobus and Patas Monkeys and Barbary Apes. All these animals can quite literally be a windscreen's width away from you! After you have driven through the reserves park your car in the Wild World Leisure Area and book a ride on the Safari Lorry at Junglies Gift Shop (only available during main/high season, separate charge applies, see timetable for details) and we’ll take you off road (weather permitting) into the heart of the animal’s territories in the first section of the Reserves with Rhino, Antelopes, Giraffes, Buffalo and Zebras. It’s an experience not to be missed.   Click here for more information

Woburn Abbey Woburn Abbey began life as a Cistercian monastery in the mid 12th century. The monks had a good four century run, but the abbey was disbanded in 1543 as part of Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The abbot of Woburn was hung on an oak tree that still stands at the abbey gate. In 1547 Henry's son, Edward VI, gave Woburn to Sir John Russell, and it has remained in the possession of the Russell family to this day. The old abbey buildings were not made into a house until 1619, but when the Russells finally got around to improving the old monastery they did it in grand style, creating one of the finest stately homes in England.   Click here for more information

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Best Western Menzies Strathmore
The Best Western Menzies Strathmore Luton has just completed a major refurbishment programme to create a new contemporary feel throughout the hotel. It now offers 152 en-suite bedrooms, newly decorated to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Smoking rooms are available on request but can not be guaranteed The spacious lounge has a contemporary and relaxed atmosphere and the new stylish Brasserie restaurant provides a superb dining experience offering freshly created dishes and wines from around the world. The superb Waves Health & Leisure Club offers the ideal place to relax and unwind. Located in the centre of Luton, overlooking St George Square, the Best Western Menzies Strathmore is only 30 minutes from central London by train, from London Luton station.
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The Bedford Swan Hotel
The Bedford Swan Hotel in Bedford is a delightful 18th century hotel located in the centre of Bedford, only a few miles from Luton Airport, and only an hour drive from the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge and central London is only 40 minutes by train. This elegant hotel, built in 1794 for the 5th Duke of Bedford, is one of the most distinctive hotels in Bedford, occupying a prominent position, overlooking the River Ouse. All bedrooms have been refurbished to the highest standard. Relax and indulge in The River Room Restaurant serving a variety of modern dishes, using the freshest, finest ingredients which change seasonally. Food is served all day in the characteristic Lounges. The hotel features a Roman Style Pool and Spa, which is complimentary to hotel guests. Wide range of conference facilities cater for up to 250 people for conferences, weddings and private functions. Parking is available on site.
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