Bedford
With pretty parks, a lovely waterfront and plenty of activities for the kids, Bedford is a great choice for a day out.
Situated on the banks of the River Ouse, this traditional English market town offers its visitors a wide range of things to do. Walk along The Embankment to see the iconic Butterfly Bridge opened by Prince Charles in 1998 and then end your stroll with a refreshing drink at one of the many pubs or cafes. No matter your preferences, there are plenty of things to do in Bedford to keep everyone happy.
Bedford days out can be jam packed. After a gentle walk around the parks during the day, head to the Bedford Corn Exchange in the evening where you will find live music, comedy shows and a variety of annual events. Boasting links to London, Brighton and Bletchley, getting to Bedford is easy when you go by train so read on to find out more about what you can do there, as well as how to save on your train tickets.
Getting to Bedford
Our services can take you from St Pancras International to Bedford in just over an hour, while in the other direction our trains can take you right through London to Gatwick Airport, Brighton and more.
When you travel with us, we want to ensure that you get the best deal possible. If you are visiting Bedford with other adults, take advantage of our GroupSave option - applicable to parties of 3-9 adults when travelling Off-Peak. Or, if you’re heading to Bedford with children aged 5-15, they can travel with you for just £2 each. And that’s not all. You can save 1/3 on your fare by choosing to use a Railcard. From Senior, Family and Friends and Disabled Persons among others, there’s sure to be a Railcard that fits your circumstances.
Things to do in Bedford
You won’t be short of things to do in Bedford. The cultural big hitter is the Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, whose redevelopment in 2013 brought three buildings together and made space for temporary exhibitions and learning activities alongside the permanent collections. You’ll find it in Bedford’s Castle Quarter, near the centre of town.
Just opposite is the John Bunyan Museum & Library dedicated to arguably Bedford’s most famous resident, John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress. The museum is on the very site of the barn where Bunyan himself preached.
On your day out, make sure that you explore the markets. Bedford’s first market charter was granted in 1166 by Henry II, and the Charter Market on Wednesday and Saturday is the direct descendant of that original market, along with speciality farmers’, gourmet and home & garden markets on other days.
