Tourist attractions in Leighton Buzzard

For the walkers, a must visit is Stockgrave Country Park near Leighton Buzzard. Situated in 80 acres of rural countryside the estate has a history dating back to medieval times in the days of the feudal system. Along with a visitor centre the estate comprises of a number of different habitats from ancient woodland conifer plantations, a lake, meadows and a heath.

If you have a passion for old-fashioned steam power then the Leighton Buzzard Railway is a delightful place to visit. With prices ranging from £4.00 to £8.00 for a short return journey, this little railway is exceptional value.
The railway is one of the last survivors of many little railways that were used in the golden age of industrial Britain servicing factories, quarries and mines.
Created from the surplus materials used in battlefields for the First World War supply lines, the Leighton Buzzard railway was completed in 1919 for the purpose of carrying sand from the quarries in the hills around Leighton Buzzard. Facing closure in 1968, a group of local volunteers rescued it and transformed it into a popular tourist destination and recognized as one of the top narrow gauge railways in the UK.
Roadside running, sharp curves, gradients and level crossings all viewed at a gentle speed make this an enjoyable and relaxing experience reminding you of bygone days.
Hauled along by a vintage steam locomotive, most journeys around Leighton Buzzard last around an hour and ten minutes

Originally, Ascott House near to Leighton Buzzard was a half-timbered Jacobean farmhouse until it was purchased, enlarged and transformed by the de Rothschild family in 1876. The house contains fine examples of oriental porcelain, French furniture and fantastic collection of fine art works.
Outside, visitors are treated to beautiful gardens with herbaceous borders, a topiary sundial, a lily pond and the Dutch garden.
These days the house is owned and maintained by the National Trust.

Should water be more your thing, then Grebe Canal Cruises based locally to Leighton Buzzard may be just the ticket. Operating throughout the summer months predominantly from April through October, this is a unique opportunity to cruise along the Grand Union Canal through Leighton Buzzard. There are a variety of cruising options including self steer days and cream tea cruises with most trips lasting in the region of 90 minutes. During your visit, the Waterside Café serves welcome refreshments with all the food being sourced locally.

They say that you should never work with kids and animals. However, that should not deter you from making a visit to Mead Open Farm in Stanbridge, Leighton Buzzard. With modest pricing of £7.50 for grown ups and £6.50 for kids, this beautiful venue offers ‘hands on' fun with the animals. Children can groom the ponies, bottle feed the lambs and cuddle cute bunnies.
However, the fun doesn't stop there. It is non-stop play in Shaggy's Indoor Playworld. This enormous complex is 13,000 square feet of entertainment including drop slides, fireman's poles, ball cannons to fire and for the very small ones, a separate soft play zone.
After that, refreshments are available in the Shaggy's Playworld Café or the tranquil Tea Room before you continue with the fun outside on the go-karts, the crazy golf and in the summer tractor and trailer rides and sheep racing!
No wonder Mead Open Farm in Leighton Buzzard was voted the Farm Attraction of the Year for 2009.