Popular Things To Do In Bedford
Welcome to the charming town of Bedford, located in the heart of England. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a tourist exploring the area, there’s plenty to see and do in this historic town. From stunning parks and gardens to fascinating museums and art galleries, Bedford has something to offer everyone. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of 20 must-see attractions and activities to make the most of your time in Bedford. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local history and culture or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered. So, put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and let’s explore the best of Bedford together.
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Visit the Bedford Castle Mound
No trip to Bedford is complete without a visit to the Bedford Castle Mound. This historic site is the remains of a medieval castle that was built in the 12th century. The castle was destroyed in the 15th century, but the mound remains as a reminder of Bedford’s rich history. Visitors can climb to the top of the mound to see stunning views of the town and the River Great Ouse.
If you’re interested in history, be sure to check out the interpretive panels that provide information about the castle’s history and the significance of the site. The Bedford Castle Mound is a great place to take photos and learn about the town’s past.
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Explore the Bedford Park
The Bedford Park is a beautiful 80-acre Victorian park that was designed by the famous landscape architect, Edward Kemp. The park features stunning flower beds, a lake, and a variety of trees and shrubs. Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the grass, take a stroll around the lake, or play a game of tennis or football on the park’s sports fields.
During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of events, including open-air concerts and theatre performances. The Bedford Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends, or to enjoy some peace and quiet in a beautiful natural setting.
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Visit the John Bunyan Museum
The John Bunyan Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Bedford author, John Bunyan. Bunyan is best known for his book, “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which is one of the most widely read books in the English language. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase Bunyan’s life and the impact of his work on English literature and culture.
Visitors can see a replica of the cell where Bunyan was imprisoned for 12 years, as well as a variety of artifacts and documents related to his life and work. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in literature or history, and it’s a great way to learn more about one of Bedford’s most famous residents.
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Take a walk along the Embankment
The Embankment is a beautiful riverside walkway that runs along the River Great Ouse. The walkway features stunning views of the river and the town, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes where visitors can stop for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.
The Embankment is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and walking, and it’s a great place to enjoy some fresh air and exercise. During the summer months, the walkway is also a popular spot for outdoor concerts and festivals.
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Visit the Panacea Museum
The Panacea Museum is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the world of a little-known religious sect, the Panacea Society. The society was founded in the early 20th century by Mabel Barltrop, who believed that she was the daughter of God and had been chosen to lead a new world order.
The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the society’s beliefs and practices, as well as a replica of the society’s chapel and living quarters. Visitors can learn about the society’s history and the impact of its teachings on Bedford and the surrounding area.
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Explore the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum
The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum is a must-visit for art and history lovers. The gallery features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the work of local artists, as well as a variety of artifacts and documents related to Bedford’s history and culture.
Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from a variety of periods and styles, as well as learn about the town’s role in English history. The museum is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon or to learn more about the town’s rich cultural heritage.
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Take a cruise on the River Great Ouse
If you’re looking for a unique way to see the town, consider taking a cruise on the River Great Ouse. There are a variety of boat tours available, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer excursions that include lunch or dinner.
During the cruise, visitors can see stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside, as well as learn about the area’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides. A river cruise is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery, and it’s a perfect activity for a romantic evening or a family outing.
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Visit the Higgins Bedford
The Higgins Bedford is a cultural hub that features a variety of exhibits and displays related to art, history, and culture. The centre features a variety of galleries, including the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum, as well as a variety of workshops and events.
Visitors can see a variety of works of art and artifacts, as well as learn about the town’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides. The Higgins Bedford is a must-visit for anyone interested in art or history, and it’s a great way to spend a day in Bedford.
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Take a trip to the Swiss Garden
The Swiss Garden is a beautiful 9-acre garden that features a variety of ornamental buildings, water features, and gardens. The garden was created in the early 19th century by Lord Ongley, who was inspired by the gardens he saw on his travels through Europe.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden, taking in the stunning scenery and the variety of plants and flowers. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, and it’s a perfect spot for a picnic or a romantic rendezvous.
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Visit the Priory Country Park
The Priory Country Park is a beautiful natural park that features a variety of walking and cycling trails, as well as a lake where visitors can go fishing or boating. The park is a popular spot for picnics and barbecues, and it’s a great place to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of events, including open-air concerts and theatre performances. The Priory Country Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy some peace and quiet in a beautiful natural setting.
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Explore the Bedfordshire Boer War Memorial
The Bedfordshire Boer War Memorial is a historic site that commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the Bedfordshire Regiment during the Boer War. The memorial features a variety of plaques and inscriptions that tell the story of the regiment’s role in the war, as well as a statue of a soldier.
Visitors can learn about the history of the Boer War and the impact of the conflict on Bedford and the surrounding area. The Bedfordshire Boer War Memorial is a great place to pay your respects to the soldiers who fought and died for their country, and it’s a must-visit for history buffs.
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Visit the St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church is a beautiful historic church that dates back to the 13th century. The church features stunning stained-glass windows, a variety of religious artifacts, and a beautiful interior that is sure to take your breath away.
Visitors can attend a service or simply take a tour of the church and learn about its history and significance. St. Paul’s Church is a must-visit for anyone interested in religious history or architecture, and it’s a great way to experience the town’s rich cultural heritage.
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Take a stroll through the Harrold-Odell Country Park
The Harrold-Odell Country Park is a beautiful natural park that features a variety of walking and cycling trails, as well as a lake where visitors can go fishing or boating. The park is a popular spot for picnics and barbecues, and it’s a great place to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of events, including open-air concerts and theatre performances. The Harrold-Odell Country Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy some peace and quiet in a beautiful natural setting.
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Visit the Bedford Corn Exchange
The Bedford Corn Exchange is a historic building that serves as a venue for a variety of events, including concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions. The building features a variety of architectural styles, including Art Deco and Victorian, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture or design.
Visitors can attend a performance or simply take a tour of the building and learn about its history and significance. The Bedford Corn Exchange is a great way to experience the town’s vibrant cultural scene and enjoy some world-class entertainment.
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Take a trip to the Shuttleworth Collection
The Shuttleworth Collection is a unique attraction that features a variety of vintage aircraft, cars, and motorcycles. The collection was founded by Richard Shuttleworth, who was a famous racing driver and pilot in the early 20th century.
Visitors can see a variety of planes, including biplanes and military aircraft, as well as a variety of vintage cars and motorcycles. The collection is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or history, and it’s a great way to learn about the technological advancements of the 20th century.
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Explore the Bedfordshire Rural Life Museum
The Bedfordshire Rural Life Museum is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the lives of rural people in Bedfordshire in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the tools, equipment, and practices of rural life during this period.
Visitors can see a variety of artifacts and documents related to farming, crafts, and domestic life, as well as learn about the challenges and opportunities of rural life in Bedfordshire. The Bedfordshire Rural Life Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in social history or rural life, and it’s a great way to learn more about the town’s past.
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Visit the Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild
The Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild is a unique attraction that showcases the art of embroidery. The guild features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the work of local artists, as well as a variety of workshops and events.
Visitors can see a variety of embroidered items, including clothing, tapestries, and decorative objects, as well as learn about the history and techniques of embroidery. The Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild is a must-visit for anyone interested in textiles or art, and it’s a great way to learn about the town’s creative community.
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Explore the Great Denham Country Park
The Great Denham Country Park is a beautiful natural park that features a variety of walking and cycling trails, as well as a lake where visitors can go fishing or boating. The park is a popular spot for picnics and barbecues, and it’s a great place to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of events, including open-air concerts and theatre performances. The Great Denham Country Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy some peace and quiet in a beautiful natural setting.
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Visit the St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful historic church that dates back to the 13th century. The church features stunning stained-glass windows, a variety of religious artifacts, and a beautiful interior that is sure to take your breath away.
Visitors can attend a service or simply take a tour of the church and learn about its history and significance. St. Mary’s Church is a must-visit for anyone interested in religious history or architecture, and it’s a great way to experience the town’s rich cultural heritage.
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Take a trip to the Bromham Mill
The Bromham Mill is a historic watermill that dates back to the 17th century. The mill features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the history and technology of milling, as well as a variety of workshops and events.
Visitors can see the mill in operation and learn about the process of grinding grain into flour, as well as see a variety of artifacts and documents related to the mill’s history. The Bromham Mill is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or technology, and it’s a great way to learn about the town’s industrial past.
Conclusion
Bedford is a beautiful town that is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a tourist exploring the area, there’s plenty to see and do in this charming town. From stunning parks and gardens to fascinating museums and art galleries, Bedford has something to offer everyone. So, put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and explore the best of Bedford.
