We are 7 months into the year, and we have already had an exciting start here at the Forest Centre. Read on to find out what we’ve been up to.

A transformation fit for nature – Play Area Development

One of our biggest attractions here at The Forest Centre is our playground area. Over many years of use it has been loved by all. Sadly, it was slowly coming to the end of its life as we were having to continually repair broken equipment. So, we made the decision and took the leap to invest in a brand-new playground!

When we decided to renew the play area, we knew we wanted the aesthetic to reflect the surrounding forest and provide somewhere children felt connected with nature. This is why we decided on Earth Wrights, a company specialising in connecting nature and play through their dynamic designs.

Work commenced on the 17th April with the installation of a natural drainage system to help the new play space cope with the ever-changing British weather, then it was over to Earth Wrights to make their magic happen. After a long wait, we can finally announce that our Play Area is now up and running!

We’d like to thank you all for your patience and continued excitement throughout this development. Many of you have already given the Play Area a visit and we eagerly invite everyone else to come and play.

We’re all about dogs – dog updates.

Our Millennium Country Park has always been a hub for dog walkers, so it felt natural to make the decision to allow dogs into The Forest Centre. If you are a fellow dog owner who uses our Country Park often you will have already seen that WE NOW ALLOW DOGS INSIDE, and if you haven’t… where have you been? After some trials in the past, we struggled to come up with the most practical solution that would benefit all. We have worked hard to find the best solution for everyone, having taken all our visitors into consideration (read on to find out about our re-designed second floor – the Balcony and Terrace).

Creating a dog friendly building where everyone feels safe is our highest priority. This is why we have created our very own Dog House Rules for those who wish to bring their furry friends.

So please, if you are planning on a trip out with your dogs to The Millennium Country Park and the Forest Centre, be respectful to our house rules and others.

On another dog related note, after launching The Forest Centre as a ‘dog friendly’ space, we are now going all out in welcoming your furry friends into the building. Just in time for the hotter days, we now sell dog ice cream.

 

The perfect place to retreat and relax! - The Balcony and Terrace

At the beginning of the year, we made the decision to transform our upstairs mezzanine into a cosy environment for those wanting to take themselves away from the busy downstairs café. The Balcony has been introduced as an adult only zone, which makes it the perfect retreat to read a book, get some work done or have a catch up with friends over a coffee. We previously mentioned our decision to allow dogs into the Forest Centre a decision we hoped would meet everyone’s needs. As well as a kids free zone, The Balcony is also dog free.

Adjacent to the cosy Balcony, we have also finished furnishing our upstairs outdoor area. Mimicking a stylish pub garden feel, The Terrace overlooks the beautiful Millennium Country Park. The Terrace is the perfect place to sit in nature with an iced coffee or cider in hand, ready for the hotter days ahead.

 

Enjoy a train/bus adventure and get 10% discount at the Forest Centre Café

The Forest Centre café serves a wide range of hot food, kids’ meals, cakes, drinks and for the hotter summer days, ice creams. Throughout the year we offer daily and seasonal specials!

We have joined up with Central Bedford Council to offer 10% discount in our café. If you are looking for the perfect day out with the family, or an adventure fit for one, why not jump on the bus or train, head into nature and join us at the Millennium Country Park and the Forest Centre.

How to get here by bus: Various bus services can be used to access the walking trails.
To Marston Moretaine: Mondays to Saturdays, Grant Palmer service 68 (Bedford – Ampthill).
To Houghton Conquest: Mondays to Saturdays Grant Palmer service 42 (Bedford – Ampthill – Flitwick).

If you visit us by train, on the Bedford - Bletchley line, present your ticket when you make your order to get 10% discount in the Café (must be a valid ticket for travel on the day you present it).

There is step free access throughout the building, with automatic doors into Reception and a baby changing facility/ disabled toilet. There is also a lift if you wish to use The Balcony or Terrace.

 

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Has your pup enjoyed one of our Pupcakes? Did you have a relaxing coffee up on our terrace?

We want to hear from you! Tag us on our social media channels to let us know how you have spent your day out at the Forest Centre.

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