The Marston Vale Line invites you to hop on and hop off to uncover local attractions at your own pace.

From Bedford take the train to Ridgmont Station and explore the station’s Heritage Centre , housed in the beautiful Victorian ‘Gothic Orne’ station building. The museum echoes the nostalgia of the rail's golden age with a fascinating glimpse into the past through its collection of railway memorabilia and artefacts.

Step off the train at Aspley Guise for a family visit to the National Animal Welfare Trust.

Continue to the line’s terminus at Bletchley and spend hours uncovering the top-secret history of codebreaking at Bletchley Park . A haven for history buffs, the sprawling estate includes The National Museum of Computing , Alan Turing’s office, huts crammed with Enigma machines and interactive exhibits explaining how cryptography changed the course of WWII. Plus, when you travel by train, you get 2FOR1 entry to Bletchley Park.

Venture further afield and jump in a taxi to Woburn Safari Park to see wild animals roaming freely and glimpse an iconic English stately home.

Children can pick up a Marston Vale Line Symbol Spot Trail, when purchasing child train tickets at Bedford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central stations or when visiting Ridgmont Heritage Centre during normal opening hours with a valid train ticket. The aim is to collect rubbings of spots at each station. Spots including letters, numbers, shapes, map symbols, signs and rail safety items.

Whether this revived service is a convenient A to B or a leisurely day of exploration for all the family, there’s no denying the unique appeal of the Marston Vale line.

Fuel up with delicious local flavours at the charming eateries along the Marston Vale railway line.

In Bedford, Riverside Bedford is a modern dining and entertainment complex with plenty of restaurant options, while nearby Gunn’s Bakery is famous for the double-ended Bedford Clanger - a two-course meal in one!

In Ridgmont station, the Ridgmont Heritage Centre tearoom offers breakfast, lunch and a ‘sparkling’ afternoon tea in the original ladies waiting room as well as an outdoor seating area.

Along the line at Wootton, enjoy contemporary British cuisine at The Woburn Hotel with an extensive menu and wine list with over 50 varieties. Try their Sunday roast and mouthwatering desserts.

In the historic village of Aspley Guise, savour the charms of The Anchor. With dishes sourced from the surrounding area, it epitomises the essence of English gastro pub fare.

In Ampthill, for those looking for something a little different, try a tour of the Kelchner Brewery

At Fenny Stratford grab a sneaky pint in the Red Lion Pub overlooking the lock on the Grand Union Canal.

Grab a final pitstop In Bletchley Park for coffee and cake in the historical 1940s-themed cafe or upgrade to posh afternoon tea at the mansion.

Experience the beauty of rural Bedfordshire along the Marston Vale Line. Ramble through gentle countryside, cycle winding backroads or paddle quietly down rivers and canals.

Hire a bike and cycle in Bedford along the River Great Ouse. Pick up the Marston Vale Line at Kempston Hardwick for a route to Aspley Guise and back.

Hire canoes and kayaks in Bedford or Kempston to paddle sections of the river.

Between Millbrook and Lidlington, explore linear walks or along the tree-lined canal towpath from Lidlington to Brogborough.

Take a break at Millbrook Station to see the Community Rail’s unique bench and poem dedicated to Captain Sir Tom Moore.

For an adrenaline fix, head to Millbrook Proving Ground and watch the testing of new vehicle technologies on closed roads. Book onto a thrilling driving experience like Junior Drive or Off Road Drive.

From Ridgmont Station, access the quiet country lanes and bridleways of Marston Vale Forest Park .

Just an easy one-mile stroll from Millbrook station the Millennium Country Park is perfect for a family day out, and caters to walkers, cyclists and horse riding. Enjoy truly peaceful moments fishing or birdwatching.

Marston Vale offers a taste of countryside living, where village pubs host community events and provide evening entertainment options along the line.

At Aspley Guise, the dog-friendly Anchor pub loves a 2-for-1 cocktail night. Look out for their monthly quizzes and celebration parties.

Local village pubs like The Legstraps in Wootton and The Bell in Marston Moretaine host comedy nights, regular DJ slots and summer fun days, while The Chequers Inn is great for a quiet pint.

The Forest of Marston Vale Centre is host to regular music tribute nights.

At the end of the line, Bletchley’s nightlife centres around lively sports bar Eight Belles and Captain Ridley’s Shooting Party.

From local artisan wares to major retail outlets, Marston Vale offers a mix of shopping experiences or all interests and budgets.

Stop by some of the villages to shop for gifts and one-of-a-kind finds.

Ridgmont Station is a delightful example of Victorian railway heritage, with Gothic architecture in an ornate "Cottage Orné" style. Here you’ll find the Ridgmont Heritage Centre , where you can browse the gift shop with railway memorabilia, locally made gifts, books, and wall art.

At the Forest Centre in Marston Moretaine, be sure to pop in to the gift shop at Marston Vale Forest Centre with a café.

Bedford's town centre offers high street chains at The Harpur Centre with everything from fashion to gifts. Don’t miss The Edwardian Arcade , if independent retail outlets are more up your street.

Discover Bletchley's mix of high street brands, markets and boutiques or venture further afield into Milton Keynes for the big retail parks and the MK1 shopping mall.