Things to do in Bedford
#BedfordIndies
Visit Bedford town centre or take a walk off the beaten track and you are sure to find one of Bedford’s many independent shops, nestled among the big brands and household High Street names. From traditional ironmongers to record shops, craft beer to bookshops, there’s something for the most discerning of customers. Over 75% of […]
Events & Festivals 2022
If there’s one thing Bedford loves, it’s a festival. We are home to the largest outdoor free festival; the River Festival celebrates our stretch of the River Great Ouse, and after skipping 2020 due to COVID-19, it’s back on 23-24 July 2022. And there is plenty more besides that Bedford has to offer.
Bedford River Festival 2022
Bedford River Festival 2022 The Bedford River Festival is back! Here’s all the information you’ll need whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first timer.…
Family Friendly
If you’re looking for some family-friendly festival fun, then Bedford is most definitely the place! Booktastic Book Festival brings some the UK’s best-loved authors and…
Music Festivals
Music is at the heart of lots of Bedford’s festivals. Here are our top tips of where to hear some great sounds this summer… Bedford…
Art & Culture
Bedford has a thriving arts and culture scene – punching well above its weight with the calibre of acts its theatres and live music venues…
Food & Drink
If you’re spending the day in and around Bedford, you definitely need to plan a few pit stops for sustenance and refreshment. The cultural diversity of Bedford ensures you’re never far from an amazing curry, fabulous Italian coffee, Polish delicacies or traditional afternoon tea, not to mention a plethora of pubs and restaurants. You won’t leave […]
Date Night Dining
Nothing says love like a romantic dinner for two. Delicious food, subdued lighting, a bit of background music and someone else doing the washing up…
Cafe Culture
Another coffee shop I hear some of you cry! However, as popping out for a coffee seems to be one of the nation’s favourite pastimes,…
Family Dining
You will find an array of restaurants to suit big and little appetites! Whether it’s a quick early tea, a Sunday roast or something for a…
Drink Like a Local
From town centre boozers to country inns, there’s a pub for all seasons in Bedford. Whether you’re after cosy fireplaces, riverside gardens, real ale or…
Cheeky Cocktails!
Whether you like an Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini or Mojito, you’re never far from a good cocktail here in Bedford. Bears & Tales on St…
Top 10 rainy day places to take the kids
Afternoon at the movies, check what’s showing at Cineworld or Vue Cinema. Kids do love it (whilst we might not so much)….soft play at Kidsworld. Always…
More weekend family fun ideas in and around Bedford.
From board games to boat hire, we have some great ideas for family entertainment. 1) Geek Retreat – A board games cafe and events…
Top 6 rainy day places for grown ups
Cruise on the fully-enclosed John Bunyan Boat with a cream tea, Afternoon tea or lunch. Head to Rewind Retro Arcade for a bit of nostalgic…
One Day Itinerary – Bedford
Spend a day here: Culture Vultures and The Embankment Head to Castle Lane in Bedford’s Cultural Quarter and start at The Higgins, John Bunyan Museum and then…
Family Days Out – On a Shoestring
10 things to do in and around Bedford that won’t break the bank: 1- Bedford Park Run. Kick start your Saturday with a 5km Parkrun…
One Day Itinerary – Further Afield
We are spoilt for an abundance of wonderful green spaces and parks in Bedford and further afield. If you are looking to get back to…
Family Days Out – Animal & Nature Lovers
In and around Bedford we have many places for children to become immersed in the wild. For the bird watchers take binoculars to Priory Country…
One Day Itinerary – Groups
Bedford is a popular destination for coach trips, whether organised by commercial travel companies or groups themselves. Here are some popular days out for larger…
One Day Itinerary – Schools
Take a visit to the Cultural Quarter in Castle Lane. All three museums offer school activities, and there is coach parking close by. The Higgins…
Heritage Bedford
Museums, galleries, historic sites and cultural venues – there are plenty of ways to explore Bedford’s rich heritage and arts venues during your visit. Learn more about Bedford’s most famous resident at the John Bunyan Museum The John Bunyan Museum tells the story of the Bedford man who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the […]
Pubs
We are lucky in Bedford to have many great pubs to choose from. Below is a roundup of the well-established and the new with great…
Live Music Venues
Bedford is famous for its independent music scene. At the heart of this is Esquires, a much-loved Bedford institution and one of the UK’s best…
Comedy Nights
Bedford has some quality venues for a good laugh and a night out, and some big names have started on the Bedford circuit, and return…
Cinema
It is easy to catch the latest release at either Cineworld or Vue Bedford, both close to the town centre. Cineworld is close to Russell…
Theatre
We have a rich history of theatre in Bedford and attract world class performers and well known acts. Located on St Peter’s Street, The Quarry Theatre…
Bedford Pub Quizzes
Monday seems to be quiz night with weekly quiz at the The Burnaby Arms on Stanley Street or head to the Albero Lounge (8pm) at Riverside…
Clubs and Dancing
When you want to hit the dance floors of Bedford, warm up at cosy Ours for great Gin & Tonic’s often accompanied by a DJ…
Explore Bedford’s Parks and Country Parks
To explore Bedford’s countryside you need go no further than the heart of Bedford. Russell Park and the Embankment frame the Great River Ouse and offer a perfect place to stroll, watching the swans and the rowers on the river. In the summer, make the most of your Sunday afternoon by taking a picnic to the bandstand where […]
Shop Local
Shop like a local Visit Bedford town centre or take a walk off the beaten track and you are sure to find one of our many independent shops, nestled among the big brands and household High Street names. From TK Maxx, Next and Primark to Slide Records, Boutique Planet or Mayson’s Menswear there’s something for the […]
#BedfordIndies
Visit Bedford town centre or take a walk off the beaten track and you are sure to find one of Bedford’s many independent shops, nestled…
Food and Drink shops
Bedford is becoming famous for it’s wealth of cultural food stores- from Polish supermarkets to Italian delis, there is something for everyone along the High…
Fashion
Within Bedford town centre there is an assortment of independent fashion retailers. A good place to start is The Victorian Arcade where you can visit…
Gifts and Homeware
There is a treasure trove of gifts and homeware items to be found in Bedford, whether it’s from an independent shop or one of your…
Second-hand and vintage
Bedford has an array of great places to rummage if you prefer to shop second-hand. Caution Vintage, Howard Centre, started life on the markets and…
Jewellery
All that glitters is not just gold but silver and other precious metals and gems too! If bling is your thing then Bedford has all…
Downward Dog to Crow…..our guide to Yoga classes in Bedford
We are spoilt for choice with Yoga teachers in Bedford, whether you prefer Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha or are a beginner with an intention to start…
Thrill Seekers
Box End Water Park is a truly unique destination in the UK and one of Bedford’s best kept secrets. Near Great Denham, it is home…
Get Active
Whatever your passion, be inspired to take part or attend one of Bedford’s sporting events. From Bedford Blues Rugby Club, Bedford Football Club, Bedford International…
Cycling
Flamme Rouge, Bedford’s knowledgeable cycle shop can help whether you are new to cycling or an experienced rider. On Friday and Saturday they organise weekly…
Explore Local Theatre
We have plenty of theatre venues to choose from, whether it’s The Quarry hosting Bedfringe or the Comedy Festival, to The Corn Exchange and the Christmas Panto or local artists perform at The Place.
The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s
Located on St Peter’s Street, The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s has an impressive ‘what’s on guide’ for its 282 seat theatre and 50 seat studio-theatre.…
The Place Theatre
The Place is one of Bedford’s best places to see high-quality and cutting-edge professional theatre, as well as being the home of Bedford’s best amateur…
The Corn Exchange
Bedford Corn Exchange in the heart of the town has a fantastic programme of events, whether you’re looking for music, comedy, theatre or more, there’s entertainment…
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre
The Mill Theatre is a conversion of a former water mill known as Stoke Mills and it opened as a theatre in 1979 with “Salad Days”…
Places to stay
Bedford has some amazing hotels, b&bs, and glamping sites in Bedfordshire, to suit all styles and budgets. Along the river we have The Bedford Swan Hotel, The Embankment one of the oldest hotels in Bedford and also The Embankment Hotel further up. Premier Inn have a convenient location right on Riverside Square, and across the […]
Plan your visit
Bedford is easy to reach by car, bike and public transport. By car: Bedford is located between the A1 and M1 and is well served by the A421 dual carriageway which links the two major roads as well as the A6 and A428. On Saturday, take advantage of two hours’ free parking in one of the town centre’s council-owned car […]
Explore Bedford – Partners
The John Bunyan Boat The John Bunyan Community Boat offers a range of scenic river cruises along the River Great Ouse in Bedford, enabling both local people and visitors to Bedford access to the wonderful river environment. The John Bunyan Boat is operated by Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Enterprise Limited on behalf of the […]