Bedford Hotels

Where to stay in Bedford

Historic town centre

The historic town centre of Bedford is a charming blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities. With cobbled streets and classic architecture, it's a delightful area for a stroll. Nearby, you'll find attractions like the John Bunyan Museum and St Paul's Church, perfect for a dose of local history. The area is well-served by a range of hotels, from budget-friendly chains to mid-range offerings, all providing easy access to the town's vibrant shopping and dining scenes.

Riverside area

For those who fancy waking up to a view, the riverside area is just the ticket. This part of Bedford offers scenic views over the River Great Ouse and a tranquil atmosphere that's hard to beat. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with parks like Russell Park and Priory Country Park nearby. Accommodation options here often boast stunning river vistas, making it a prime spot for a romantic getaway.

Cultural quarter

Culture vultures will feel right at home in Bedford's cultural quarter. With easy access to The Higgins Bedford and Bedford Corn Exchange, it's a hub for museums and theatres. The area is peppered with boutique hotel options that add a touch of uniqueness to your stay. Plus, the vibrant dining scene and lively nightlife mean there's never a dull moment.

Bedford embankment

The Bedford embankment is a family-friendly haven with hotels that cater to all ages. Activities along the river include boat trips and picnics, perfect for making family memories. The area is also dotted with walking and cycling paths, offering a great way to explore the natural beauty of Bedford.

Bedford park area

If relaxation is on the agenda, the Bedford park area is a top pick. Known for its lush green spaces and recreational facilities, it's a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Here, luxury and spa hotel options abound, providing plenty of relaxation and wellness opportunities for those looking to unwind in style.

Surrounding villages

For a taste of the countryside, the surrounding villages offer charming stays that capture the essence of rural England. Bed and breakfast options provide a cosy and personal touch, and with easy access to Bedford by car or public transport, you're never too far from the action. These villages are ideal for those seeking a serene escape with the convenience of town amenities nearby.

The ever-expanding London commuter belt has meant increasing prosperity for Bedford, which means a whirlwind of activities and facilities for visitors.

Bedford Centre

Bedford offers something special, with undercover shopping malls, winding back streets filled with treasures and a great deal of history and character. A number of interesting state-of-the-art buildings and structures have recently been built, including the iconic Butterfly Bridge opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Galleries and Museums

Bedford's numerous galleries and museums include the recently transformed Higgins Bedford Art Gallery and Museum. With increased temporary exhibition space, it also boasts three cultural venues on one site: the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford Museum and Bedford Gallery.

The John Bunyan museum tells the story of John Bunyan (1628 -1688), the renowned author, pastor and preacher. Visitors are able to take a walk through Bunyan's life, hear Bunyan tell his story and ‘visit' him in prison. The Pilgrim's Progress, his most famous work, has been translated into over 200 languages, and many examples can be viewed here.

Outdoors

Bedford Park is a Victorian urban park containing traditional English features such as a cricket pavilion and bandstand. Within the park the Robinson pool is open for outdoor swimming, and two children's playgrounds and a café are open during the summer.

With over 20 golf courses in 477 square miles, clearly Bedfordshire is keen on golfing, and three of its most popular courses are in the town of Bedford itself.

Activities

At Bodyflight, not too far away, you can experience the world's largest and best indoor skydiving wind tunnel. All ages can enjoy the fun and exciting sport of Bodyflying in the safety of a vertical wind tunnel.

At Woburn Safari Park enjoy the experience of being just a windscreen's width away from rhinos, giraffes, lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys and much more, plus the action-packed Wild World Leisure Area. With eight daily animal demonstrations and shows, parrots flying down to feed from your hands, animal encounters and Sea lion Cove, you're guaranteed a great day out.

Thurleigh Farm Centre is a working farm and children's activity centre offering an action-packed fun day out for all the family. Indoor play, bungee trampolines, trampolines, mini quad bikes, pedal carts, and fire engine rides are all available here.

Entertainment

Bedford contains plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs and entertainment to enjoy, but it also has a distinctly large Italian community, who have opened up a wealth of Italian restaurants, bars, and delis in the area.

For whatever you like doing, whether it's walking or visiting galleries, eating out or indoor skydiving, our Bedford hotels can accommodate you, so book your trip today!