Fast
Facts and Useful Information about the Area
Bedford is the historic county town of Bedfordshire with
a population of approx. 78,000. It was built on the banks
of the Great Ouse River and this remains one of the most
important and attractive parts of the town. The town has
many places to see and to visit and its prime location,
situated close to London, Oxford and Cambridge makes it
an ideal place for history, leisure, culture, the arts
and peaceful unspoilt countryside.
Over
the years, Bedford has become associated with a number
of famous people, notably the writer John Bunyan (The
Pilgrim's Progress), Archbishop Trevor Huddleston and
the comedian Ronnie Barker were born here. Residents have
included Glenn Miller and his band and John Howard, a
non-conformist landowner whose name lives on in the Howard
League of Penal Reform.
Bedford
remains a pleasant riverside town with a lively atmosphere,
plenty of opportunities and a cultural diversity to suit
many tastes. The rural villages of North Bedfordshire
are especially picturesque and well worth a visit.
Location
Bedford
is situated only 57 miles north of London with Oxford,
Cambridge and Stratford Upon Avon all within easy reach.
Distances
& Drive Times
| London |
57
miles |
1
hr 15 mins |
| Cambridge |
30
miles |
40
mins |
| Oxford |
70
miles |
1
hr 40 mins |
| Stratford
Upon Avon |
75
miles |
1
hr 40 mins |
County
Map
More
detailed map of Bedfordshire showing towns and roads.
Train
Direct
trains run regularly to London (St Pancras) in circa 40
mins (Midland Mainline)
Thameslink service to London every 15 mins.
Direct trains
run to Brighton via Gatwick
Places
of Historical and Cultural Interest
There
are many places of historical or cultural interest in
Bedford. Some of the main ones include:
Bedford
Museum, Castle Lane, Bedford.
Displays of human and natural heritage of the region from
pre-historic times. The museum is situated in the former
Higgins & Sons brewery within the picturesque gardens
of Bedford castle.
Tel 01234 353 323 www.bedfordmuseum.org
Cecil
Higgins Art Gallery, Castle Lane, Bedford
Award winning recreated Victorian mansion, which was the
original home of Cecil Higgins, a local brewer. The gallery
houses an important collection of ceramics, glass and
watercolours from the 18th to the 20th century. Tel 01234
211 222.
Image
Gallery, Castle Lane, Bedford
Photography, film, new media, dark room and workshop facilities
Corn
Exchange
The Bedford Corn Exchange is a multi-purpose complex for
all sections of the community and for a variety of facilities
including entertainment, private hire, business hire (conferences,
meetings, exhibitions) and a central box office. Tel 01234
344 813 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Abbey
Church of St Mary & St Helena, Elstow
Dates from 13th century. John Bunyan served as a bell
ringer.
Bushmead
Priory
Small house built by Augustine's canons in 1195 and is
a rare example of crown post construction with timber-framed
roof, stained glass and wall paintings.
Elstow
Moot Hall
An attractive timber-framed building which dates from
the 16th century and is presently a museum housing a collection
of displays about 17th century life in England. There
is particular reference to John Bunyan.
Cardington
Village
This was the home village of John Howard and the site
of a once thriving Airship industry. The local cemetery
has a memorial to the infamous R101 disaster.
Harold
Lock-up and Butter market
On the village green in Harold stands a circular lock-up
which was last used in the 19th century. The butter market
dates from the end of the 17th century.
Bromham
Mill and Gallery
Dating back from the 17th century, the mill has now been
restored to working order. It also houses a contemporary
art gallery and craft outlet alongside working machinery
and a milling exhibition. Tel. 01234 824 330.
Stevington
Windmill
200-year old post mill which was restored fully in 1951.
Keys are available from the pubs in the village. Tel.
01234 824 330.
Willington
Tudor Dovecote
16th century stable and stone dovecote built by Sir John
Gostwick, Cardinal Wolsey's Master of the Horse. Now owned
by the National Trust, it has 1500 nesting boxes.
Theatre
Civic
Theatre, Horne Lane, Bedford
The Mill Theatre, Sharnbrook. Tel 01234 782 474
Bowen West Theatre, Lansdowne Rd, Bedford. Tel 01234 219
333
Parks & Leisure
Bedford
has many large parks offering acres of open countryside
to tennis courts and childrens playgrounds. In addition
there are a number of sports centres, lakes and swimming
pools. Some of the main leisure facilities include;
Apects
Leisure Park
Facilities here include a multi screen cinema complex,
bowling alley, restaurants and a nightclub
Bedford
Park
Bandstand, lake, tennis courts, walks, cricket pitch and
a childrens playground
Priory
Country Park & Marina
Over 200 acres of open countryside with a lake, river
walks, angling, wildlife conservation areas and a visitor
centre. The marina has 200 moorings, a sailing lake and
a restaurant. Tel 01234 364 213
Bedford
Butterfly Park, Wilden
A global conservation park situated in 10 acres of wildflower
meadows. Tel 01234 772 770
Thurleigh
Farm Centre
Farm animals, sand quarry, outdoor play area, tractor
rides, large soft play barn, nature walks and country
tearoom. Tel 01234 771 597
Drag
Racing
Santa Pod Raceway. Europe's premier drag racing track.
Tel 01234 782 828.
Useful
website; www.bedford.gov.uk
Link
to useful contacts (below)
| Bedford
Town Centre Company Ltd |
01234
404 500 |
| Bedford
Borough Council |
01234
267 422 |
| Bedfordshire
County Council |
01234
363 222 |
| Bedford
Central Library |
01234
350 931 |
| Bus
Information Line |
01234
228 338 |
