In fact, alongside the urban areas of Bedford and Luton, the county offers plenty of green spaces and historical places of interest - considered some of Bedfordshire’s best kept secrets.
The county has connections with John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, Catherine of Aragon and the Whitbread family, dating back 250 years when the brewing pioneer was MP for Bedford.
In a new book local John and Jenny Jackson reveal the vital role a Bedfordshire barn played during World War, exactly why Luton Town Football Club are appropriately nicknamed ‘The Hatters’, the churchyard that inspired JM Barrie’s character, Wendy, in Peter Pan, and much more.
50 Gems of Bedfordshire explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical and architectural interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown but all have an interesting story to tell.
John Jackson, a lifelong transport enthusiast, opted for early retirement at the turn of the Millennium – swapping the rat race for the rail tracks. Since then, he has travelled extensively on the British rail network with his camera as a constant companion. And he continues to compile a photographic collection reflecting the UK rail industry that already extends to tens of thousands of images.
He also has an interest in the history of his home county of Bedfordshire and together with his wife Jenny, have spent hundreds of hours meandering around its towns and villages visiting every parish in the county, recording the churches.
The couple visited places of interest including the churches for their previous book, Churches of Bedfordshire, and to promote their ‘50 Gems of Bedfordshire’.
For further details and to purchase the book visit the publisher's website.
Scroll down to see 10 of the places featured...
9. 50 Gems of Bedfordshire: Yelden Castle Mound
Yelden Castle was a 12th Century castle located in the village of Yelden. It was a Motte-and-bailey castle that had two baileys and was first mentioned in historical records in 1173 as the stronghold of the Trailly family until the 13th century. The castle was in decay by 1360. The development of the site from early military to later manorial use is illustrated by an arrangement of six rectangular paddocks aligned along the eastern side of the castle mound. Photo: P Abrams
10. 50 Gems of Bedfordshire: Haynes End Station
Haynes End Station features as part of the Summerfields Miniature Railways - with the Summerfield Line travelling between Haynes End Station and Hammer Hill Station. At Haynes End the station buffet offers refreshments with picnic tables also available for visitors' use. Photo: P Abrams
11. 50 Gems of Bedfordshire: Someries Castle, Hyde
Someries Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, in the Parish of Hyde, near Luton. It was built in the 15th century by Sir John Wenlock, whose ghost is reputed to haunt the castle remains Although always referred to as a castle it was actually a fortified manor house. Photo: P Abrams