Location: Bedford
Top Things to do in Bedford
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The 10 Best Things to do in Bedford, England
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire, England. The town has a population of around 80,000, whereas the Borough of Bedford had a population of 166,252 in 2015 together with Kempston.
Restaurants in Bedford
1. Priory Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By LINDAE129 - Grimsby, United Kingdom
Took the family to the Beefeater Restaurant, found on entering the park, for lunch, which was appreciated by all then decided to walk it off around the park and lake This park is well worth a visit A beautiful lake is the centrepiece and sets the scene and this is surrounded by the park This consists of a large area of grass (this was being cleared of equipment following a concert) but there was an enormous area for children to run about kicking a football or playing chase games There was also an area with weird park equipment which the children loved as it was so different There was also a couple of woodland walks which we ventured on These passed a hidden lake and had beautiful narrow walkways covered by overhanging bushes which formed an archway in places and made it all seem a bit fairytaleish. Quite idyllic We then stopped for a very nice ice cream from the small cafe on site Delicious All in all a good afternoons enjoyment was had by all Well worth a visit
2. The Higgins Bedford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
The Higgins Bedford is Bedford's art gallery and museum. It's a place to explore collections of fine & decorative arts, world-class watercolours, local stories and find out about great Bedfordians. Changing exhibitions mean there is always something new to see. There is lots to do for all the family.
Reviewed By debrichgil - Bedford, United Kingdom
Should be nationally recognised. Firstly you have the rooms celebrating the history of Bedford from prehistoric to present. Then the exhibitions displaying the recent histories of immigrants to the town. Then a fantastic art gallery/rooms with pictures by Turner , impressionists, modernists, contemporary Art, etc. Then upstairs rooms of fantastic glassware, and pottery. Can take a few hours to browse your way round, then a look round the shop, before dining at the very highly rated Higgins Pantry. If you have any time left a visit to the next door Bunyan Museum, and .......Panacea museum. Three treasures in the centre of Bedford.
3. John Bunyan Meeting House and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
This museum tells the story of the humble Bedford man who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the greatest novels in the English language. During his remarkable life Bunyan was a soldier, tinker, preacher and dissenter, spending 12 years in Bedford prison for illegal preaching. Explore Bunyan’s life and times; see 17th Century Bedford, hear Bunyan tell his story, and discover more about how one man’s story touched the world. With family trails, holiday activities, and exhibitions there is plenty to see and do. See the artwork at the Basement at Bunyan Gallery, with a programme of community art exhibitions and workshops. Visit Bunyan Meeting church, built in 1850 it stands on the site of Bunyan’s original church where he was minister from 1671 to 1688. Scenes from The Pilgrim’s Progress can be found on the bronze entrance doors and stunning stained glass windows.
Reviewed By 907docl
If you are at all interested in the history of Christianity, you should visit the Bunyan Museum - while it is not large, it chronicles the life and ministry of John Bunyan - whose Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most published and read books in the world. One of the displays is the pulpit that Bunyan preached from during his life as the pastor of the Bedford meeting. The staff is really knowledgable and willing and anxious to share their knowledge of John Bunyan!
4. Panacea Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community who created their own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford.
Reviewed By RabbitRoamer
If you are of a certain age you may recall the curious newspaper advertisements regarding Joanna Southcott’s Box and a form of spiritual healing ... this peculiar offshoot of Anglicanism and middle-class eccentricity was the source of these ... The Panacea Society itself existed as a religious organisation for nearly a hundred years until the last members died in 2012 ... but in its last years arrangements were made to transfer its work and assets to a charitable trust that became the Panacea Trust of today ... This is their Museum ... A fascinating place that strikes a neutral tone (it does not proselytise) as it guides you on a journey through social, political and religious thought of the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries (via Southcott, Wroe, Jezreel et al.) to arrive at the origins of the Panacea Society, and their surprisingly Feminist flavour of Anglicanism ... … and then there is THE BOX … All of this is excellently presented in various buildings around the Campus, which is a lawn area that the Society considered to be on the site of the Garden of Eden … you are most welcome to rest here in pleasant surroundings. There is a small but peaceful Chapel and a tea shop in the Founder’s House. Recommended for those with an interest in social history … and Edwardian interior design … An excellent visit, allow a couple of hours, there’s more than you expect, and could also be combined with a visit to the Bedford Museum and Art Gallery opposite … An unexpected Gem that is highly recommended ..!
5. Kathy Brown's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
A beautiful private garden nestling in the Great Ouse River Valley in Stevington, North Bedfordshire, open regularly to the Public from end April through the summer months on all Tuesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays in the afternoon 1-5pm; delightful home made teas served in the garden. Please check website for full details. Groups also welcome at pre-arranged times.
Reviewed By ZGC65
We visited Kathy and Simons' beautiful gardens on a very hot summers day with family and friends. We ranged from my 105 year old grandmother to our friends 13 month old grandson, but we were all very happy under the shade of the enormous fig tree. We were lucky enough to savour the delicious homemade carrot and marigold cake before wandering through the very pretty, unusual and interesting gardens. The owners were delightful, much more than simply hospitable. Hope to return soon for another Perfect Afternoon.
6. Bedford Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By RLDuke - Bedford, United Kingdom
Bedford Park is quite simply a stunning park with plenty of space for picnics (no BBQs!) and long walks with your friends. Picking up dog poo is an absolute must as this park is immaculate!
7. Embankment Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Surprise81 - Bedford, United Kingdom
A fabulous riverside walk today in beautiful surroundings and lots of wildlife. The riverside gardens and ornate bridges are immaculately maintained providing an ever changing vista with rowers, joggers and families all enjoying a post Christmas Sunday morning stroll. The boating lake and colourful boats brought back happy childhood memories and the lovely restaurants along the Embankment and Rusell Park provide many dining choices. For visitors to the area don't miss the opportunity to extend your walk to Priory Marina which has an abundance of wildlife in beautiful surroundings. Highly recommended.
8. Herring Green Activity Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By 327alisony
Would highly recommend here for a family day out with Tweens/Teens included. Thank you Ria for making our Alpaca walking experience so enjoyable for each member of our group. The Centre/Farm have managed social distancing measures really well and it was so lovely to have such a relaxing post-lockdown experience. Really looking forward to returning to have Afternoon Tea with the Owls when things have returned to "normal"! :-)
9. Harrold-Odell Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By JohnnoWFC - Hockliffe, United Kingdom
The park is really beautiful; two lakes surrounded by woodland with a nature reserve thrown in. It also has two playgrounds, which our little one really loved. There are lots of interesting wood carvings of animals and birds dotted around the main walking route. The main reason for writing this review is to counter some of the others that are a bit down on the Dragonfly Cafe. The two ladies working in there were very friendly and helpful and explained all the COVID precautions they were taking. I ordered a toastie which was very tasty, my dad had a ready-made sandwich which looked packed with fillings, and my little one had a kid’s lunch box which was good value. Good selection of crisps, drinks, chocolate etc. too. It seems most people’s gripe is with hot drinks, which we didn’t order, but the cafe exceeded my expectations having read some of these reviews beforehand. Do give it a try as I’m confident you won’t be disappointed if you’re after some lunch!
10. Summerfields Miniature Railways
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
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