If you’re planning a trip to Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Safari Park, the Chilterns or Woburn Abbey, you’re planning a trip to Bedfordshire! This county is a wonderful pick for sightseeing, because it is littered with interesting National Trust properties and green spaces, historic buildings, pretty villages, picturesque walking trails and sweeping views. The best places to stay in Bedfordshire are dotted throughout the county; we have unearthed some very nice pubs-with-rooms, country house hotels and B&Bs, as well as more classical properties.

If you're travelling with little ones in tow, Whipsnade is a fantastic place for seeing animals who need a scale of enclosure that towns and cities can’t quite provide. This is where the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) keeps its rhinos, hippos, zebras, and many of its giraffes now, along with lions, tigers, ostriches and all sorts of nomadic camels and giant yaks. For more exotic wildlife you can check out Woburn Safari Park, or for something a little more down-to-earth Woodside Farm and Wildfowl Centre. Bedfordshire also offers the old fashioned charm of the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway, and the grandeur of Bedford Castle.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Bedfordshire will also be a useful list for walkers. Bedfordshire's picturesque landscape encompasses the Dunstable Downs, Marston Vale and Greensand Ridge, and is criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails.

The Best Places to Stay in Bedfordshire

For a Country House Escape

• The Luton Hoo Hotel is where Downton Abbey meets the modern world. It offers traditional opulence in the form of huge ceilings, ornate plaster-work, grand fireplaces, and an impressive collection of antiques, while also offering contemporary luxuries like a spa and gym, and an 18 hole golf course. There are 144 rooms and suites, with a myriad of charming choices, including rooms for romantics and ones that are ideal for families.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The George Inn is a small and pretty 16th century pub in the ancient village of Maulden. It has kept many original features, but has recently gained a tranche of contemporary comforts in a refurb. Now, as well as seven rooms and suites, the pub also has a great restaurant. This is a hearty and welcoming pick for walkers.
• d'Parys is a pub, that's been converted from a grand mansion, just outside the centre of Bedford. The pub and restaurant downstairs have a contemporary industrial-rustic theme, with a friendly atmosphere. The 14 rooms and suites are nicely done, some with in-room roll-top baths, featuring polished wood floors, sleigh beds and Persian rugs.

For Families

• The White Hart Ampthill is an historic coaching inn in the pretty market town of Ampthill. Its eight rooms and suites are all uniquely decorated, making the most of their original features, like herringbone brick and exposed wood beams. The pub’s restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, and there’s a friendly bar and garden. Two of the suites are well sized for families, and they have an excellent collection of board games to share with guests.

Best B&Bs

• Harlington Manor is a charming old manor house turned B&B, historic both inside and out, from the gabled windows to the wood panelling and damask wallpapers. There are only three rooms, and all have been individually decorated. There’s no restaurant, but there is a huge, traditional English kitchen, and a relaxed, but elegant lounge. A peaceful choice.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• London Luton Airport is just north of the city of London, within Bedfordshire, so it’s an obvious choice. Luton does service primarily low-cost airlines, but if that doesn’t include your airline of choice, you can also opt for one of London’s other airports. London Stansted or London City Airport may be second closest, but Heathrow is also relatively convenient. Bedfordshire is on the East Coast Main Line, the Midland Main Line, and the West Coast Main Line, and the M1 runs right through it too.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Bedfordshire’s attractions are year round, there’s not really a bad time of year to see Bedford Castle or Woburn Abbey. There’s an argument to say that Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Safari Park, and the Chiltern Hills are more enjoyable on a warm sunny day, but one of the good things about Bedfordshire’s climate is that there’s not a huge amount of rain during any month, so you might not need the wet weather gear you packed just in case. October is officially the wettest month.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include great properties in neighbouring Cambridgeshire or Northamptonshire
• Consider searching by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and try our Gurus’ recommendations for the best Pubs-with-rooms in the South East or the most romantic hotels in the South East
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.