Free Entry, Free Attractions, Free Entrance. Beds, Herts, Bucks & Berks.

What to do at the weekend, What's on at the weekend?

Things to do FREE in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire

Bedfordshire Free Days Out

Houghton House, Ampthill

Houghton House, widely acclaimed as the inspiration for John Bunyan's 'House Beautiful' in 'Pilgrims Progress' (Published in 1678), is located to the north east of the town. It is contended that Bunyan used the landscape of Bedfordshire, as the backdrop for his classic allegorical tale. Unfortunately, only ruins now remain of this once great house. Further information can be gained by visiting the following Houghton House Web Page.
1 mile NE off A42

John Dony Field Centre, Bushmead, Luton

The John Dony Field Centre, in Bushmead Community Centre is the base for Luton Borough Council’s Nature Conservation Service.

Inside the centre visitors can find displays and information about the countryside sites in and around Luton that are cared for by the Nature Conservation Service.

There are permanent displays and temporary exhibitions relating to the natural history of Luton, events for all ages and interests and opportunities for schools and groups interested in lifelong learning.

The centre also provides offices for Nature Conservation staff who can provide additional information. If you would like to see a member of staff please phone for an appointment to guarantee that someone will be there to help you as staff are often working on the countryside sites.

Opening times for the John Dony Field Centre:

Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.45pm

John Dony Field Centre, Hancock Drive
Bushmead
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU2 7SF
Tel: 01582 486983

Stockwood Park Museum, Luton, Bedfordshire.

Stockwood Park Museum includes displays on rural Bedfordshire Crafts, the Mossman Collection of horse-drawn vehicles, stunning Period Gardens and events throughout the year.
Stockwood Park Museum is housed in tranquil parkland on the site of the former Stockwood House around 2 miles to the south of Luton town centre, close to junction 10 of the M1. Admission is free.
Stockwood Park Museum, Farley Hill
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 4BH
Tel: 01582 738714

Wardown Park Museum, Luton, Bedfordshire

Discover displays, objects and old photographs about the history of Luton and its people as well as activities, events and exhibitions for all ages and interests.
Wardown Park Museum is situated in a beautiful landscaped park around 1.5 miles north from the centre of Luton.

Wardown Park Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Admission is free.

Priory Country Park - Bedford
300 acres including lakes and bird watching, fishing and watersports.
Tel: 01234 211182

Berkshire Free Days Out

West Berkshire Museum

Historic Museum Buildings

The museum is housed in two of Newbury's most historic buildings. The Cloth Hall was built in 1626-1627 by Richard Emmes, a master carpenter of Speenhamland for the Newbury Corporation as a cloth factory. Originally part of a larger range of buildings with a courtyard in the centre, the building was subsequently used as a workhouse, hospital and school before being used for storing corn from 1829 until its conversion to a museum.

Admission is free - see opening times
West Berkshire Museum
The Wharf
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5AS

Tel: 01635 30511

Dinton Pastures Country Park - Hurst, Berkshire
Rivers, meadows, lakes and woodland.
www.wokingham.gov.uk

Household Cavalry Museum - Windsor
Collection of militaria relating to Royal mounted bodyguards.
www.householdcavalry.co.uk

Buckinghamshire Free Days Out

Wycombe Museum, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

A children's Discovery Room, trails and special activities combine with imaginative displays to make this a lively museum for visitors of all ages. Permanent exhibits, videos and sound recordings tell the story of Wycombe, Marlow, Princes Risborough and their villages, whilst the Special Exhibitions offers a changing programme of displays about local history, furniture, art or science, ensuring there is always something different to see.

Wycombe Museum,
Priory Avenue,
High Wycombe,
Bucks HP13 6PX.

Tel: 01494 421895
Admission is free.
Small charge for some activities.

Hertfordshire Free Days Out

Aldenham Country Park - Elstree, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Winnie the Pooh's 100 acre wood, 65 acre reservoir, 175 acres of meadows & woodland.
www.hertsdirect.org/aldenham

Berkhamsted Castle
It was outside the Saxon fort that became Berkhamsted castle that William the Conqueror was finally handed the English crown in 1066. Still remaining after a thousand years are the substantial earthworks on which the Norman castle was built.
Open all year exc. Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Fairlands Valley Park - Stevenage, Hertfordshire
120 acre park with lake for sailing and windsurfing. Courses available.
www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk/fairlands

Hertford Museum - Hertford, Hertfordshire
Local History, Special events for children
www.hertfordshiremuseum.org

Letchworth Museum & Art Gallery
Letchworth Museum & Art Gallery occupies an attractive Edwardian building facing Kennedy Gardens, close to the centre of Letchworth Garden City. The museum has four main galleries open all year Mon-Tues, Thurs - Sat. 10 - 5. Closed bank holidays .

Mill Green Museum & Mill - Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Fully restored 18th century watermill - still producing flour.
01707 271362

Museum of St.Albans
Founded as the Hertfordshire County Museum in 1898, the Museum of St Albans tells the story of St Albans from the departure of the Romans to the present day.

In the medieval gallery you can find out about Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr, and the Abbey that grew up around the site of his martyrdom. See objects used by people in medieval St Albans and learn how they lived.
Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday 2.00 - 5.00pm

Open all year, except between Christmas and New Year - please check with the museum for details.

Free Admission

Hatfield Road
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3RR
Telephone 01727 819340

Walter Rothschild Museum
The Museum covers a large site and has extensive facilities including a café, a gift shop, a discovery room, two outdoor picnic areas and free car parking.Step-free access to the ground floor of the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum includes the shop, café, unisex toilet, Gallery 1, and The Rothschild Room in which temporary exhibitions and special events are held.

Opening hours Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 17.00. Sunday 14.00 - 17.00
The Museum is open every day of the year except 24, 25, 26 December. Entry is free

Scotts Grotto, Ware, Hertfordshire
You may be surprised to learn that tucked away in a street of modern houses in Ware is the country's largest grotto. Most examples of these eighteenth century garden buildings are in the grounds of stately homes and several are presently the subject of restoration programmes. Scott's Grotto was restored in 1990 by the Ware Society on behalf of the owners, East herts District Council.

It is open to the public from 2.00pm - 4.30 pm every Saturday and Bank Holiday from April to September inclusive. Parties can also be shown round at other times by appointment with the curator, Mrs Janet Watson (01920 464131). Entrance is free but a donation of £1.00 is suggested from new visitors. It is advisable to wear flat shoes and to bring a torch.