Bedford at a glance
Bedford is a small town in the county of Bedfordshire, nestled on the banks of the River Great Ouse and just north of Luton. It boasts an intriguing blend of modern facilities, historic buildings and picturesque riverside scenery, whilst also offering excellent transport links to major UK cities.
Further to already being a well-connected town - including close proximity to luton airport - Bedford has also planned a major renovation and regeneration of key areas, including the town centre, which will see it transformed into a vibrant and modern centre for retail and commerce. These things taken together have seen Bedford’s position as a commuter town prime for investment well and truly established.
An up-and-coming place with much to offer, Bedford provides a great base for visiting other parts of the UK, especially for those flying into Luton airport on business.
Places to stay in Bedford
Bedford has a limited variety of hotels and traditional accommodation. Anyone who is looking to base themselves there for more than a few days may wish to consider booking a serviced apartment - as these offer a cost effective solution for longer stays, as well as offering a level of privacy that is unsurpassed.
We offer high spec accommodation solution in and around Bedford, which have been specially selected for their location, interior decor and range of facilities. Whether you are looking for a luxury apartment for a family visit, or a small, self-contained studio for the duration of a business trip, our customer advisors can help you select the perfect property, as well as tend to any specific requests you may have- giving you the peace of mind that you will have the best accommodation Bedford has to offer.
Culture & shopping in Bedford
Bedford is a town that likes to celebrate its cultural history, with several museums and galleries dedicated to its heritage and famous residents. The Higgins Bedford is an art gallery and museum located in the historic buildings of Castle Brewery, whilst The John Bunyan Museum tells the story of John Bunyan, the renowned author, pastor and preacher. There’s also the Panacea museum - dedicated to a remarkable religious community of the area.
The Bedford Corn Exchange promotes a programme of live events featuring performers from the worlds of comedy, theatre and music. Bedford Creative Arts is a contemporary arts charity and The South Bank Arts Centre houses the College’s gallery and theatre.
The Harpur Shopping centre is Bedfrod’s premier retail facility, open seven days a week with over 30 stores trading over two levels. There are also several shops dotted around between Harpur and Mill street.
Getting around in Bedford
Bedford itself is small and centralised enough to be easily navigated on foot, but anyone looking to venture beyond the town will be best off using public transport.
There are up to eight rail services per hour into London during busy periods, with direct routes to St Pancras, Blackfriars and London Bridge. The journey time varies between around 45 minutes and one and a half hours, depending on the service. There are also northbound services, connecting Bedford to the wider UK.
Buses provide an easy and cost-effective means for getting around the town and surrounding areas, whilst also running services into Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes. If you plan on making multiple journeys, then a PlusBus card is a cost-effective means of paying fares and is available from less than £3 per day.
Alternatively, if you are hoping to explore the surrounding countryside but don’t wish to drive, then Bedford has several reputable taxi and private hire firms.
