FAQs
About Wild Canvas
What is Wild Canvas?
Wild Canvas is a seasonal, family-friendly festival-style campsite in Bedfordshire set besides the River Great Ouse. We offer camping, glamping, and campervan stays, alongside live music, DJs, campfires, river activities and other outdoor experiences.
What makes Wild Canvas a festival‑style campsite?
Wild Canvas blends the freedom of camping with the atmosphere of a small, curated festival: live music and DJ sessions on weekends, a sociable courtyard bar, campfires, food trucks, activities and a relaxed, friendly crowd, without the chaos of a large festival.
Who is Wild Canvas best suited for?
Wild Canvas is ideal for couples, families, groups of friends and solo campers who enjoy nature, music and a friendly community atmosphere. We welcome people looking for a chilled, social camping experience rather than a party‑all‑night campsite.
Families, Children & Groups
Is Wild Canvas suitable for families?
Yes. Wild Canvas is family‑friendly, with vehicle-free camping fields and open spaces that make it safe and fun for kids, with activities and plenty of room to explore.
Are there activities for children?
We offer a mix of free and paid activities for all ages. Weekends feature a full schedule, while weekdays are more relaxed with a few sessions to enjoy at your own pace.
Can we camp as a group?
Absolutely! With plenty of space across three fields, Wild Canvas is ideal for group camping near London and Bedfordshire. Contact us here for group discounts (12+ guests) and help planning your stay.
Location & Getting Here
Where is Wild Canvas?
Wild Canvas is located on the grounds of the Turvey House Estate in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside, within easy reach of London, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Peterborough, Cambridge, Oxford, Luton, Wellingborough, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead. Its central location makes it an ideal meeting point for groups coming from different parts of the country.
How do I get to Wild Canvas?
By car, use postcode MK43 8EQ and follow signs to the entrance on Carlton Road. There is no access via the Turvey Estate main entrance.
By train, the nearest mainline station is Bedford (Thameslink), with regular services from London St Pancras. From Bedford, you can take a bus to Turvey or a taxi (approximately 15 minutes)
Entrance location to site using what3words: mingles.upstairs.bulbs
Are there shops nearby?
Turvey village is a 15‑minute walk and has two shops, a post office, a butcher and pubs. Larger supermarkets and market towns are within a short drive.
What are the local attractions?
Local attractions include Woburn Safari Park, Whipsnade Zoo and Dunstable Downs within the Chilterns (AONB), the highest point in Bedfordshire.
Also;
– Harold Odell Country Park: 10 mins drive
– Castle Ashby and Gardens: 15 mins drive
– Gullivers Dinosaur and Farm Park: 25 mins drive
– Salcey Forest: 25 mins drive
– Milton Keynes (for indoor karting, climbing and Snozone snow activities): 25 mins drive
– Stanwick Lakes (for walks and kids’ activities): 30 mins drive
– Ride Leisure (inflatable water park): 30 mins drive
– Bletchley Park: 30 mins drive
Camping, Glamping & Accommodation
What accommodation options are available at Wild Canvas?
We offer:
- Bring‑your‑own tent camping
- Pre‑pitched, fully furnished glamping units
- A dedicated campervan area
Each option offers a slightly different experience while sharing access to the same facilities, events and social spaces.
Camping vs glamping at Wild Canvas – what’s the difference?
Camping is perfect for guests bringing their own tent and enjoying a more traditional outdoor experience. Glamping offers extra comfort, including a ready‑to‑stay setup and a private fire pit, making it ideal for couples or those new to camping.
Can I bring my campervan?
Campervans, live-in vehicles and tent boxes are welcome in our dedicated area. All vehicles must be under 8 metres in total length. Pup tents are allowed. We do not have electric hook‑ups or cassette toilet facilities.
Are pitches pre-assigned?
No, pitches are not pre-assigned. Guests are welcome to choose their spot on a first-come, first-served basis. With plenty of space across our three fields, finding a good spot is rarely a problem.
Facilities & On‑Site Services
What facilities are available at Wild Canvas?
Facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers, portable toilets in each field, washing‑up sinks, drinking water points, a bar, café, and small shop.
Is there Wi‑Fi at Wild Canvas?
There is no public Wi‑Fi. Mobile phone reception is generally good.
Can I charge my phone?
Limited charging points are available at Canvas Social.
Car Park and Transfers
Our camping fields are car-free for a peaceful, safe stay. Guests park in our dedicated car park and walk to their pitch across three fields approximately 150–700 metres away, depending on the spot selected. Complimentary wheelbarrows are provided, and a paid electric buggy transfer is available (£5 each way).
Food, Drink & Social Spaces
Is food available on site?
Our café serves barista coffee, hot drinks, and breakfast daily, with brunch available at weekends. A rotating selection of local food trucks visit Thursday to Sunday for evening dinner service.
Is there a bar at Wild Canvas?
WILD HQ Bar located in our courtyard, serves local craft beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. The bar also houses our small on‑site shop stocked with ice-cream, snacks and camping essentials.
Music, Events & Activities
Does Wild Canvas have live music?
Yes. Live bands and DJs perform in the courtyard on Friday and Saturday evenings, with a midnight curfew.
Can I play music at my pitch?
Portable speakers are welcome at low volumes. Quiet hours begin at 10pm in the camping fields.
What activities are available?
Activities vary by week and include coached paddleboarding sessions, creative workshops, family-friendly activities, yoga sessions, and access to the sauna. Many experiences are included in your stay, while a small number of specialist sessions are available to book for an additional fee. All activities must be pre-booked here (link), subject to availability.
River Use & Safety
Is it safe to use the river at Wild Canvas?
Wild Canvas borders the River Great Ouse. While the river is generally calm and gentle, the riverbanks cannot be fenced off and there are inherent risks, particularly for younger children. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times when near the water.
Can I swim or paddle in the river?
There are deeper areas suitable for swimming and shallower areas for paddling and wading. Guests are welcome to swim from the designated beach area, but all river use is entirely at your own risk. Wild Canvas does not provide lifeguards and cannot take responsibility for anyone using the water.
For safety, life buoys are located at both the beach area and the stand‑up paddleboard (SUP) deck.
Can I bring my own paddleboard or kayak?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own paddleboards, kayaks or canoes. Use of the river and any equipment is entirely at your own risk, and please be considerate of other river users during busy times.
Wildlife, water quality and river care
The River Great Ouse supports a wide range of wildlife and plant life. Please respect this natural environment by not disturbing or removing any flora or fauna.
As with all UK rivers, water quality can vary. To reduce the risk of illness, please avoid submerging your face or swallowing river water, and do not use river water for washing dishes or personal hygiene.
Camp Rules, Safety & Practical Info
Are campfires allowed?
Yes, but only in raised fire pits. Disposable BBQs are not permitted. Fire pits can be hired on site, and logs and kindling are available to purchase.
Can I bring a gazebo?
Yes, gazebos are allowed for an additional fee per stay.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted on site, except registered guide or support dogs.
Accessibility
Is Wild Canvas accessible?
Due to the temporary nature of the site, Wild Canvas is not fully accessible. If you have specific needs, please contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to help.
Check‑In, Payments & Essentials
What are the check‑in and check‑out times?
Camping and campervans: Check‑in 10am–7pm, check‑out by 1pm.
Glamping: Check‑in 2pm–7pm, check‑out by 10am.
What should I bring with me?
Torches, warm clothing, rain gear, swimwear, sunscreen and suitable footwear are recommended. River shoes and life jackets for children are advised.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept contactless and cash payments on site.
Cancellations & Booking Terms
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary depending on how close to arrival you cancel. Full details are available in our Terms & Conditions section.
What happens if I need to cancel due to illness?
If you cancel due to illness and provide a doctor’s note before arrival, we can offer a reschedule or credit note.