With children in mind

Not solely for children, of course, but for people who are young at heart, and who may not wish to be filled with culture!
It is advisable to 'phone first, unless "All year round" is indicated.

• Animal Parks, Farms and Zoos
  
• Parks
  
• Other Places
  
• Libraries
  
• Swimming Pools
  

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Animal Parks, Farms and Zoos
• Bedford Butterfly Park Renhold Road, Wilden, nr. Bedford, MK44 2PX (01234 2PX) Web-site
  Well worth a visit! The Tropical house is a splendid landscpe with exotice flowers, a cascading waterfall and ponds brimming with fish. There you will see masses of butterflies of different types, some of which will land on your hand if you hold it out.
  There is also an adventure playground, pets corner, and tea-rooms. A must!
  
  
• Flamingo Bird Gardens, Weston Underwood, near Olney (01234 711451)
  Mainly birds, also bison and camels.

• Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambs (01223 891308)
  Lions, tigers, snakes, toucans. Open all year round

• Standalone Farm, Wilbury Road, Letchworth (01462 686775)
  A working farm, with many animals. Good facilities. Picnic area (indoor one as well).

• Whipsnade Wildlife Park, Near Dunstable, off the A505
  Open all year round. Lots to see and do - too much for one visit.

• Wimpole Hall Farm, Near Royston, on A603 (01223 207257)
  Plenty to see here. Good facilities.

• Woburn Wild Animal Kingdom, (01525 290246
  Huge safari park, lions, tigers, giraffes. Drive-through area. Don't bother washing your car before going into the monkey reserve; it's not worth it. There is also an amusement park with rides for all ages.

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  Parks:

• Wicksteed Park Kettering (01536 512475) This is an adventure playground, and a fun fair. It is an ideal day's outing, with a huge variety of interesting things to do.

• Priory County Park Barkers Lane, Bedford (01234 211182) This is a pleasant wildlife reserve in the outskirts of the town. There are many activities including guided walks. There is a visitor centre open much of the day. There is a popular Beefeater restaurant which also caters for children.

• Grafham Water Near Buckden, off the A1 (01832 276000 For those keen on outdoor activities, particularly sailing or wind-surfing, this is an ideal place to go. There are also nature trails.
  
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  Other Places of Interest:

  
  
  
• Nene Valley Railway, Off the A1 near Stibbington For timetable:(01780 782921)
  Open most of the year, with about six miles of track. Buffet, bar, etc.

• Leighton Buzzard Railway, (01525 373888)
  A return trip takes about an hour. Souvenir shop and buffet

• Anglsey Abbey, Lode, Cambridge (01223 811175)
  Splendid gardens. Picnic site.

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  Library Services:

  Bedford is well provided with an excellent library service, and its provision includes library services for the Under-Fives. All have "Story Time" events once a week.
  
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  Swimming Pools:

• Oasis Pool Cardington Road, Bedford (01234 272100)
  A modern swimming pool with a lot of facilities, including a wave-machine. Well-run.
  
  
• Robinson Pool Foster Hill Road, Bedford (01234 354901) Not as exciting as the Oasis pool, but in addition to a toddler pool has a conventional swimming pool.
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