Bedfordshire offers plenty to see and do. An attractive landscape of gently rolling countryside, meandering rivers and pretty villages await- it's difficult to believe you are only a stones way from London. It has a varied, rich, rural landscape and fine towns and villages with a mix of excellent shopping facilities, accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. There are many areas of outstanding natural beauty and attractions, including stately homes and gardens, woodland walks and nature reserves, country parks and world-famous animal parks. There are numerous country parks, beauty spots and nature reserves such as Barton Hills, Harold and Odell Country Park and the Lodge Nature Reserve in Sandy, headquarters of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.