Shopping

Milton Ernest Garden Centre is a welcoming, independent garden centre near Bedford, offering a great selection of plants, gardening essentials and seasonal products. It’s a useful destination whether you’re an experienced gardener looking for something specific or simply want to browse for inspiration.

Riverside Dairy – The Cube Ice Cream Shop is a relaxed self-service ice cream stop beside the river, with picnic benches and dairy cows grazing in the neighbouring field. A fun, family-friendly place to enjoy a fresh ice cream and take in the countryside surroundings.

SAY Doughnuts is an independent Bedford doughnut and coffee shop, known for freshly made doughnuts, homemade fillings, glazes and toppings. Their range includes classic and creative flavours alongside cinnamon buns, bakes and coffee.

St John's Retail Park is a retail destination just south of Bedford town centre, home to a range of national retailers offering fashion, homeware, electronics and everyday essentials. The park provides free parking and convenient access for shoppers travelling by car or public transport.

The Barn by The Bedford Cheese Company is a relaxed countryside destination with a café, indoor and outdoor seating, locally made cheese, homemade pies and a small play area. A great place for food lovers and families to enjoy good food and a laid-back visit in a rural setting.

The Flying Cork is an independent, family-run wine and spirit merchant on St Cuthbert’s Street in Bedford, offering an extensive selection of wines, whiskies and spirits from producers around the world. With more than 400 wines to choose from, including bottles that are not typically found in supermarkets, the shop offers something for a wide range of tastes and budgets. The knowledgeable, WSET-qualified team can provide personalised advice, while additional services include wine tastings, bespoke gifts, party planning, glass hire and free local delivery. Whether you are looking for a special bottle, a gift or simply want to discover something new, The Flying Cork offers a specialist and personal alternative to buying wine from the supermarket.