2025 Bedford Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#traveldiaries There is so much to do in Bedford, however of course one day is more than enough! While it was still sunny ☀️ and nice we went to the Priory Country Park, which is half an hour away on floor from town centre. There were plenty of walking groups around, some joggers, some families with their little ones. The vibe was so homey and friendly. We had a booking at The Swan Hotel for afternoon tea. We had our booking in Anna's Tearoom.... Magnificent! #myhiddengems I recommend to anyone to book in advance and have this experience. The food is yummy 😋🤤, the restaurant area is so well decorated. It is not something you would expect to see, when you look at the hotel from outside. After the tee, snacks and few cocktails, we walking around the river. A. amazing way to end the afternoon. #deliciousfood #england #afternoonwalk #NewDayNewDestination

#autumnbeauty #autumn #englandtravel #100waysoftravel Have you ever heard of Bedford? I have not previously either! 🍂 🍁 📍Address: Bedford - 45 minutes by train from St. Pancreas London for just £25 pounds return tickets! If you have a Railcard you get the cheaper prices which does not cost much. This Sunday my partner and I were wondering where we could go that is not too far away from London and started checking online nearby towns and cities. Google spit out Bedford. It is a beautiful ❤️ lovely small city and it is easy to reach! 💞Reasons to Recommend: There is a river cutting across the centre of the city and all the local people are very friendly. There are few local shops where you can browse. #couplestrip #afternoonwalk

#animalcontact My visit to Woburn Safari Park was a fantastic adventure! 🦒 Located in Bedfordshire, England, the park’s entrance fee was around £30 for adults, and it was definitely worth every penny. Driving through the safari zones, I saw lions, tigers, and elephants up close, which was an incredible experience. 🐘🦁 The park is well-designed with a variety of animal enclosures and educational exhibits. The park also has a walk-through area where you can see meerkats and monkeys, adding an extra layer of fun. 🐵 Nearby, the beautiful Woburn Abbey and Gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll and a bit of history after your safari adventure. 🌳🏰 Overall, Woburn Safari Park offers an engaging and immersive wildlife experience that’s perfect for families and animal enthusiasts. Highly recommended! #trip #WoburnSafariPark #WildlifeAdventure #SafariExperience #FamilyFun #Bedfordshire

Nomád Cafè is located in Bedford. It gives people a warm feeling as soon as they enter the store. The decoration is a bit like Bohemian style. The tables and chairs are mainly made of wood, and the walls are printed with black and white art paintings, which looks very stylish. We ordered Latte and Cappuccino, the taste was very good, and the cups were beautiful❣️ In addition to delicious coffee, Nomad Cafe also has a warm atmosphere and friendly service. It is a coffee shop where you can relax and enjoy a good time. 📍Nomád Cafè - 11 Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ #June2024 #ukcafe #foodguide #uktravel #ukfood #uktourism #bedforduk #bedford #ukrestaurant

Woburn Safari located in Bedford is the perfect day out for people of any age. This was one of my best day outs in the UK. If your someone who enjoys zoos then this is a must do as this experience is surreal. The park has many animals such as, giraffes, kangaroos, lions, tigers, monkeys, hippos and many more. you would never get this close to these animals and just seeing them at such a close distance is mesmerising. While we were driving around the park and entered the monkeys area various monkeys got onto a car a hitched a ride. No matter what you do not open your windows and you will be fine, many people are scared of car safaris thinking the annals will damage their car but this is not the case. The park offers a lake where you can rent a pedal boat and go for a ride which was a nice way to end the day. There is also a restaurant available on site offering hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. The restaurant is reasonably priced, two people can eat for under £15 which was surprising. This day out is perfect for couples, families with kids, friends animal lovers. #carsafari #uk #lion #tiger #monkey #familydayout

Lovely small fountain near Brickhill

Lovely town to chill for the weekend and to explore

lovely place to spend aoveky weekend . lovey town and farmers market

#bedford #travel #museums #luton #dayout

English Heritage castle. This spring season in Wrest Park is the nice place to export with blooming flower, big tree and cafe. 40 min. from Bedford city center by MK1 bus (£3) Entry: £14 ( you can buy on website) This is a big park to enjoy old design building and gardening. Also, inside of castle - there have a lot of old picture and decoration. #englishheritage #Silsoe

1 hour from london - small town - big park. It anyone want to travel for 1 day trip from london in this spring season, I recommend this small town 'BEDFORD' Bedford park have a lot of swan, duck, goose and birds that you can export if you like natural traveling. Now it season of tulip blooming, you can come and look at the good wipe of flowering, green and fresh air. Train ticket : £4 (with rail card) 📍Address: Bedford #onedaytrip #bedford

#springwander have you ever gotten up early to watch the 🌄? no? you should! the colours I got to see and experience were magnificent and one of a kind. It looks like a painting has come to life which is incredible. can't wait for the days to start getting longer soon and for us to get to enjoy more of the sunshine 🌞. It is amazing how one place can look completely different during sunset or sunrise time. #park #travel #sunrise #spring

#springwander walking down the river with a lived one is the best way of spending your day ☺️💕 After having a lovely resting day, 😁😊 my half and I took a stroll down the river. with the sun up high on the sky, the trees and flowers blooming, i couldn't wish for a better Sunday. we stopped for a tapas food afterwards which was very delicious 😋🤤 that's another way of ending the day. #thingstodo #travel #couplestrip #river #spring

#springwander Few days ago (not sure which day it was), I went to Bedford with my half ( tickets are really cheap only like 15 pounds return tickets) to enjoy the peacefulness! Truly much different than the busy life in London! The weather was lovely and had a stroll, before goingfor food and cinema. I am truly amazed at this beauty and stunning town. although it is much smaller than London it is definitely worth visiting. #thingstodo #bridge #bedford #walking

#springwander 📍Address: Morden Hall Rd, London, Morden SM4 5JD yesterday iIwas feeling sick so didn't go to work. However, in the afternoon managed to push myself to go out of bed and go out. Went to this lovely park in Morden and I think that was the best decision I could have done. Lovely views, flowers, amazing pathways! with a good camera, cozy scarf, snacks - amazing way to spend the afternoon #parks #thingstodo #thingstodo #newdaynewdestination

#springwander 📍Address: Embankment Riverside, Bedford I have started coming here quiet often.. Well what can you do when you manage to create lasting friendships?? right! I came this morning to visit a friend I got to know and as we were walking down the Embankment, what do I see? Two swans 🦢 hugging, loving each other! it was the most adorable 🥰😍 thing I have ever seen this month!! That's one way to show the love in air during spring 🌱 🌼 #thingstodo #travel #river #park

#springwander 📍Address: Bedford, Embankment Riverside A couple of weeks ago I came back to Bedford with my half to enjoy the day. I remembered the cute river, the lovely walk around the river and as I was tired of the busy capital London and was longing for peace, we thought we'd go to Bedford! O boy, it didn't disappoint! The weather was amazing, it was not crowded (just as we expected) therefore it cannot compare to the constant busy vibe of London. We ended up walking quiet a bit, taking breaks on benches here and there hahah #naturalwonders #travel #couplestrip #spring #sunshine #newdaynewdestination #walking

Safari park and playground #safari #safaripark

|Wrest Park. Step into a French garden dream in Bedford | Wrest Park. Wrest Park, a hidden gem in Bedford, is a real-life secret garden. You won't believe it until you see it! 📍 Transportation Guide From London, it takes about 1.5 hours by car or by train to Bedford station, then take a bus or taxi. Transportation is quite convenient. 🏰 History The history of the manor can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was originally a monastery. After several owners, the manor was bought by a French exile in the 18th century, and the elegance and refinement of French gardens were incorporated into the design, creating the look we see today. The manor is steeped in history. 🌳 Garden Landscape As soon as you enter Wrest Park, it's like stepping into a Monet painting. The symmetrical beauty of the French garden is fully displayed here. The neatly trimmed hedges on both sides of the straight avenue are like green soldiers, guarding the tranquility. The large pond in the center reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding buildings, creating a beautiful oil painting. As you walk further, there is a romantic rose garden, where roses of various colors compete for beauty, and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, making your heart melt. There is also a natural English garden area, where the vast lawn is like a soft green carpet, and occasionally you can see deer grazing leisurely, which is super healing. 🏠 Architectural Style The architectural style of the park is unique. The main building is a Georgian mansion, with a grand yet elegant exterior. Inside, you can see exquisite murals, ornate chandeliers, and antique furniture. Every detail tells the story of the past. There is also a small French pavilion next to it. The white building is surrounded by greenery, making it perfect for taking photos. 🎡 Featured Activities Wrest Park hosts various events throughout the year. In spring, there is a tulip festival, where the garden is filled with blooming tulips, as if God's palette has been knocked over; in summer, there are open-air concerts, where you can listen to melodious music in the beautiful garden, and the atmosphere is full; during Christmas, the entire park is decorated with Christmas atmosphere, which is perfect for bringing your family and friends to experience the festive atmosphere. 🍔 Food and Rest Don't worry if you're tired. There are cafes and restaurants in the park. Order a cup of hot tea and a traditional English afternoon tea, with freshly baked scones. Sit by the window, enjoy the beautiful scenery outside, and relax.

#2024mapped 📍Address: 45 min by car away from Bedford city in the UK Houghton House is an English Heritage and it's worth seeing this place. When we visited Bedford we made a detour and decided to visit this lovely park and stumbled across the heritage house. 💞Reasons to Recommend: very beautiful and peaceful Tips: Take nice comfortable shoes 👟 or even hiking 🥾 shoes. Depending on the weather it could be very muddy there, as it was during our visiting time so be careful not to slip. #myhiddengems #travel #heritage #england #newdaynewdestination #hiking

#2024mapped 📍Address: Howard Centre, Fusion O Oriental / Chinese Supermarket & Bubble Tea 3, Horne Ln, Bedford MK40 1UH One of the things I love exploring when visiting cities is trying the local bubble teas! 🍵 Few months ago when i visited Bedford I came across this Asian local supermarket where they do bubble teas. You can collect stamps for each bubble tea you've purchased and with the tenth one, you get a free toy!! You can see 🙈 the toys in my second uploaded photo! #myhiddengems It is a shame that I can't go there that often to get that cute toy 🪀🧸 #travel #foodie #bubbletea #england #explore #localfood

Little walk down the river!

Little pre Christmas photo with the family

#voyagevibes 📍Address: near Bedford! Do you like hiking and exploring around? If you are passing by Bedford you should go to Maulden Woods then! You can reach the place either by bus from Stagecoach company which will take you there in half an hour, or by car in 15 minutes. #myhiddengems 💞Reasons to Recommend: If you love nature and horses 🐎🐴, you should go! Remember to pack snacks, water and comfy shoes. And of course a good camera. #nature #hiking #newdaynewdestination #forest #horses

#bestsunset What makes a sunset beautiful? ❤️😍❤️ CLOUDS! As long as the sky is not overcrowded with them, but has it just the right amount of clouds, a stunning sunset to be seen is for sure. 📍Address: Bedford, Embankment Riverside 💞Reasons to Recommend: Beautiful sunset, friendly locals, many independent shops When watching a peaceful sunset, what do you feel? What does it make you think of? For me it makes me think of Life in itself, how short it is. How meaningful it is when you live it right. #100waysoftravel #afternoonwalk #england#NewDayNewDestination #relax #sunset

#eatlikealocal Lidl in London has some truly special sweet treats that locals absolutely love. The variety is impressive, offering everything from classic pastries to unique desserts, all at incredibly affordable prices. It’s great to find such delicious options without breaking the bank, making it a favorite stop for many in the area. The quality and taste are fantastic, making these treats perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or sharing with friends. It’s no wonder they’re so popular among Londoners!