England. May to September 2018
2. Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire.
Burston Hill
Our house in Toddington is only a half hour drive from my sister's place near Aylesbury. As they have recently retired we were able to spend sometime with them and visited several local places either on our own or with them. We had amazing weather with sunshine for weeks.
One of many bbqs at Burston Hill - with Billy the dog in close attendance.
One long weekend we stayed at the farm while Di and David were away so took Billy for some walks.
We discovered that there was a Vintage Vehicle Show nerby so walked there to have a look around.
On the way back we stopped at the pub in Weedon for a drink.
Tring Reservoirs & Canal
One of our favourite places for a walk near Burston Hill are the reservoirs and Grand Union Canal near Tring.
Bletchley Park
One morning we visited Bletchley Park which is where the Code Breakers were based during the 2nd World War. The visitor facilities have been improved recently and you probably need a couple of days to explore the whole site. It's certailnly worth visiting. The tickets are expensive but you can return as many times as you like within a year.
The house and lake at Bletchley Park.
As well as the main there are lots of huts which were used for diferent operations.
The Enigma Machine which was used by the Germans to code thier messages.
One of the 'huts' contained images showing how the 'Bombes' were operated to break the Enigma codes.
Ascott House
Ascott House is near Wing and only a few miles from Burston Hill but this was the first time we'd visited it. The house is huge but only a few rooms are open. The gardens are beautiful and we had a lovely time walking around them - followed by an ice cream at the cafe.
Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs is another favourite place for us to have a walk. The Downs overlook the London Gliding Club.
Looking West from the top of the Downs with Ivinghoe Beacon in the distance.
A glider being towed up by a plane.
Emberton Park
We spent a night at the Carvan Park here and had a lovely walk around the lakes. From a hide we were lucky eough to get close to a Canada Goose sitting on a nest and could see a tiny gosling on its back.
Gamlingay and The Lodge RSPB Reserve
We spent a night at a small site near Gamlingay and, the following day, visited The Lodge Nature Reserve which is near Sandy.
During the evening we saw an amazing air show by a single plane. The next morning we were told that it was for a nearby wedding.
A walk around The Lodge Nature Reserve - this is the headquarters of the RSPB in the UK
Wrest Park
Wrest Park is North of Luton and has recently opened to the Public. It is well worth a visit. The gardens are huge with formal and informal areas.
The house was rebuilt in the French style in the 1800s.
One of the long formal lakes in the garden.
Several of the inside rooms are open to the public.
We stopped to listen to Toddinton Town Band who were playing in the gardens.
Last updated: February 2021