Out & About in Bedford

Situated in the East of England, the town of Bedford is home to around 80,000 people and is the county town of Bedfordshire. Historically a market town, Bedford later became famous for its lace industry, which remained dominant until the early 20th century. Bedford is a great base for exploring the surrounding area with the cities of Cambridge and Northampton both a short drive away. Some Bedford residents even commute to London each day so it is entirely feasible to visit the sights of the capital city during your Bedford break.

Shopping

Bedford offers visitors a wonderfully unique shopping experience, with many independent retailers managing to survive here alongside more well known shops and department stores. The town centre is a great place to begin your explorations of Bedford and taking some time to wander around and browse through the many wonderful little shops is highly recommended. Part of the centre is pedestrianised making it easy to explore on foot; this area is home to some of the big name stores such as Marks and Spencers, Debenhams and British Home Stores.

Food and Drink

Whether you are looking for a romantic evening meal or a quick lunchtime bite with children, Bedford has a wide range of choices for you. The styles available are equally diverse with delicious fare from every corner of the globe available all year round. If you want to grab a filling lunch to refuel after a morning's sightseeing, Bedford town centre is simply brimming with choice, such as Frescos, Cafe Bliss and the Millyard Cafe, all offering a delicious range of sandwiches and hot meals as well as coffee and lovely cakes for an indulgent between meal snack.

For a more substantial meal, try one of Bedford's many restaurants, such as Blue Ginger or Paprika for wonderful Indian dishes. For something a bit different, Krakow on St Cuthbert's Street offers hearty Polish cuisine in a cosy setting. If traditional pub food is more to your taste, then Bedford will certainly not disappoint in that department. Some popular places to try include the Kings Arms, The Three Cups and the Bedford Lounge on the High Street.

As well as traditional pubs, Bedford also boasts a range of modern bars with excellent wine lists and cocktails on the menu alongside traditional beers and ales. So after dark there is no need to rush back to your hotel as there are plenty of options to keep you amused well into the night.

Arts and Entertainment

However long you plan to stay in Bedford and the surrounding area, there is so much to see and do that all members of the family will find plenty to keep them amused. The town has a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year so it doesn't matter when you go, there is bound to be something going on. Regular events include a monthly comedy club and a fortnightly tea dance but there are also many one off events, such as music festivals and Christmas markets so check local listings for details.

A great place to learn about the history and culture of Bedford and the region is the delightful Bedford Museum on Castle Lane within the pretty gardens of the Castle mound. The museum houses a large collection covering local archaeology, geology, social history and natural history, among others. Adults and children alike will be fascinated by the collections and the frequently changing visiting exhibitions are also very popular.

Hotel and Travel

Arrival into Bedford is easy either by air, road, bus or rail. The nearest airport is London Luton, only a 20 minutes drive from the centre of town although fast connections are also available to London's other main airports. If driving, Bedford is well connected to the national motorway system and rail connections are available from anywhere in the country.

Accommodation options in Bedford range from self catering cottages to four star hotels so there is sure to be something to suit your needs. For those with their own transport, staying in one of the many self catering cottages just outside of town is a great choice as you can enjoy the modern conveniences of this sizeable town while relaxing in the lush green countryside that surrounds it. Self catering is also great for those with children as you will enjoy the freedom to prepare your own meals as and when it suits you. For a more central resting place, the town's many quality hotels will not disappoint. The Bedford Park Inn, the Swan Hotel and The Barn Hotel are all centrally located and offer friendly service and comfort.

So whether you plan to spend a family holiday in Bedford or are passing through for just a day or two, there is plenty to keep you and your family amused both indoors and out for the duration of your visit.