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
If there’s one thing Bedford loves, it’s a festival. Our bi-annual River Festival attracts over 300,000 visitors throughout the weekend and is the second biggest free event in the UK after the Notting Hill Carnival and there’s plenty of other festivals for your enjoyment throughout the year. BedPop presents Taste, a dedicated music and food festival – […]
Family Friendly
If you’re looking for some family-friendly festival fun, then Bedford is most definitely the place! Booktastic Book Festival is hosted by the fabulous Rogan’s Books…
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…
River Festival
If there’s one thing Bedford loves, it’s a festival. Our bi-annual River Festival attracts over 300,000 visitors throughout the weekend and is the second biggest free…
Coming up in 2019
2019 is shaping up to be a bumper year for Bedford, so get your diary out and make a note of the following festivities… Saturday…
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…
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 Marina…
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. Check out the Visitor Information Centre at St Paul’s Church for additional suggestions for your day out. Learn more about Bedford’s most famous resident at the John Bunyan Museum The John […]
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…
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 Third Place for great Gin & Tonic’s often accompanied by a…
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 Goldings Ironmongers, who have just celebrated their 150thanniversary, to new-kid-on-the-block, Slide Records, 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…
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…
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…
Bridal
Brides to be have a great choice of retailers to visit for inspiration and guidance in finding the perfect dress. George James Bridal is a…
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”…
Events Directory
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST Events There is always loads going on in Bedford Borough. Whether it is a family day out, something for the grown ups or the weird and wonderful - you are sure to find something to entertain. You can also upload your own event for free here
Explore Bedford – Partners
Bedford Borough Council Bedford Borough is located 35 minutes to the north of London by train and consists of the towns of Bedford and Kempston as well as 44 rural parishes in the surrounding area. Bedford Borough Council works to meet the needs and improve the lives of over 168,000 residents, local businesses and visitors […]
Getting to Bedford
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 […]