Things to do

Discover things to do in Bedford and the surrounding area, from attractions, museums and historic sites to family days out, outdoor activities, sport, leisure and entertainment. Find activities and experiences for all ages and make the most of your time in Bedford.

56 places to explore

4Trees gift craft shop and studios

4Trees SoulCraft Studios

4Trees Gift Shop in Cardington is run by Rowan, whose personal touch makes the shop feel like much more than somewhere to buy a gift. Rowan has created a welcoming space filled with gifts, crafts and unusual finds, alongside a range of activities and experiences that give visitors plenty of reasons to stay, explore and enjoy themselves.
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Animal Edge

Animal Edge

Animal Edge offers a private, pre-booked farm experience where visitors can enjoy close encounters with a variety of friendly animals in a relaxed setting. With hands-on experiences and small group visits, it provides a personalised day out for families, animal lovers and special occasions.
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arcadia sweet shop

Arcadia Sweet Shop

Arcadia Sweet Shop is a traditional family-run sweet shop offering nostalgic favourites, chocolates and confectionery from around the world. Great for a quick visit with the kids!
Family Friendly
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Bedford & County Golf Club

Bedford & County Golf Club

Bedford & County Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland golf course on the outskirts of Bedford, offering a challenging layout, practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse. The club welcomes both members and visitors and hosts competitions, coaching and social events throughout the year.
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Bedford Castle Mound

Bedford Castle Mound

Castle Mound is all that remains of Bedford Castle and offers panoramic views across the town. Information boards explain the site's medieval history and significance.
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bedford cat cafe

Bedford Cat Café

Bedford Cat Café offers visitors the chance to enjoy drinks and light refreshments while spending time with resident rescue cats. The unique concept provides a relaxing experience for animal lovers of all ages.
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bedford corn

Bedford Corn Exchange

Bedford Corn Exchange is Bedford's premier entertainment venue, hosting an exciting programme of live music, comedy, theatre, family shows and community events throughout the year.
Toilets
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bedford park

Bedford Park

Bedford Park is Bedford's largest urban park, offering open green spaces, formal gardens, sports facilities and children's play areas. Popular for walking, running and community events, the Victorian park also features a café, ornamental ponds and seasonal floral displays.
Active Café Dog Friendly Free Entry Ideal on a Sunny Day Nature Outdoor Sport & Exercise Walking
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Bedford Rowing Club

Bedford Rowing Club

Bedford Rowing Club is based on the River Great Ouse and welcomes both recreational and competitive rowers. The club hosts regattas, training sessions and learn-to-row courses.
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Bedford Swim and Gym

Bedford Swim and Gym

Bedford Swim & Gym is a great local facility for keeping active, whether you’re looking to swim, work out or simply build exercise into your routine. With swimming and gym facilities available, it’s a convenient option for individuals and families looking to stay fit and healthy in Bedford.
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Bedfordshire Golf Club

Bedfordshire Golf Club

Bedfordshire Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland golf course near Stagsden, set within rolling Bedfordshire countryside. The club offers practice facilities, a clubhouse with dining, coaching and competitions, and welcomes both members and visiting golfers throughout the year.
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box end park

Box End Park

Box End Park is an outdoor leisure destination near Bedford centred around a series of lakes. Visitors can enjoy watersports including cable wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and open water swimming, as well as a café, accommodation and activities for all ages throughout the year.
Dog Friendly Free Parking Outdoor Parking Picnic Area Toilets
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Box End Park Campsite

Box End Park Campsite

Box End Park Campsite is a lakeside campsite near Bedford offering pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes alongside a range of watersports and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the park's café, walking routes and nearby facilities, making it a popular base for short breaks and family holidays.
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Brewpoint

Brewpoint

Brewpoint Taproom & Brewery is Wells & Co.'s state-of-the-art brewery, taproom and restaurant in Bedford, combining a working brewery with a vibrant social space serving freshly brewed beers, artisan food and locally roasted coffee.
Bar Café Dog Friendly Free WiFi Garden Parking Toilets
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Dive With Jimmy

Dive With Jimmy

Dive With Jimmy offers scuba diving experiences and training for divers of different abilities, providing opportunities to explore the underwater world with experienced guidance. Whether you’re new to diving or looking to develop your skills, it’s a great option for discovering local and overseas dive sites in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Active Blue Light Card Discount Corporate Events Family Friendly Free Parking Hen Parties Ideal for Couples Independently Owned Business Indoor Outdoor Sport & Exercise Stag-do
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Flip Out Trampoline Park

Flip Out Trampoline Park

Flip Out Rushden Lakes is an indoor activity centre at Rushden Lakes featuring trampolines, inflatable attractions, ninja courses, soft play and adventure activities. The venue caters for all ages and also hosts birthday parties, fitness sessions and family events throughout the year.
Parking Toilets
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Gravity Active Trampoline Park

Gravity Active Trampoline Park

Gravity Active Milton Keynes is an indoor leisure venue offering trampolines, inflatable attractions, adventure activities and family entertainment. Located in Xscape Milton Keynes, it caters for children, families and groups, with sessions, parties and activities available throughout the year.
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Gulliver’s Land

Gulliver’s Land

Gulliver's Land is a family theme park in Milton Keynes designed primarily for children aged 2 to 13. The park features rides, play areas, themed attractions, seasonal events and accommodation, making it a popular destination for family days out and short breaks.
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Hamerton Zoo Park

Hamerton Zoo Park

Hamerton Zoo Park is a family-friendly wildlife park near Huntingdon, home to hundreds of animals from around the world, including many rare and endangered species. The zoo also features indoor and outdoor play areas, making it a popular day out for families.
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Harrold-Odell Country Park

Harrold-Odell Country Park is a popular nature reserve on the banks of the River Great Ouse, offering lakes, woodland and riverside walks. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, a children's play area, picnic spots and a café, making it a great destination for a relaxing day outdoors.
Café Dog Friendly Free Entry Free Parking Nature Outdoor Picnic Area Play Area Suitable for Toddlers Walking
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Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre

Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre

Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre is a family attraction near Bedford combining a working farm with one of the UK's largest bird of prey collections. Visitors can enjoy flying displays, animal encounters, tractor rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, and seasonal events throughout t
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Jaws Aquatics e1785700998722

Jaws Aquatics

Jaws Aquatics is one of Bedfordshire's best independent tropical fish shops, located next to a Garden Centre in Willington. Home to dozens of colourful aquariums filled with tropical, coldwater and pond fish, it's a surprisingly fascinating place to explore – even if you don't own a fish tank. Children will love watching the vibrant fish, unusual species and impressive display tanks, making it a great little stop to add to a family day out at the garden centre.
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John Bunyan Museum

John Bunyan Museum

Discover the life of John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim's Progress, in the town where he lived and preached. The museum offers free admission and explores Bedford's literary heritage.
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John Bunyan Soft Play

John Bunyan Soft Play

Located within John Bunyan Sports & Fitness, this colourful soft play area offers climbing structures, slides and a ball pit for younger children. Regular family sessions, SEND sessions and birthday parties are available.
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Johnsons Zoo

Johnsons Zoo

Johnsons Zoo is a family-friendly zoo near Huntingdon, home to more than 100 animals including big cats, crocodiles, reptiles and farm animals. The site also features woodland walks, a play area, farm shop, tea room and opportunities to meet some of the animals.
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jubilee park skate

Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park is a well-used local green space in Bedford, with play areas, sports facilities, open space and a particularly good skate park. It’s a genuine neighbourhood park that’s popular with local children, young people and residents looking for somewhere outdoors close to home.
Outdoor Parking Play Area
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Kempston Pool and Fitness

Kempston Pool and Fitness

Kempston Pool and Fitness provides a modern indoor swimming pool alongside a fully equipped gym and fitness facilities. The centre offers lane swimming, family sessions, swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes.
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Kids World Bedford

Kids World Bedford

Kids World is one of Bedford's largest indoor soft play centres, featuring multi-level climbing frames, slides, ball pits and dedicated toddler areas. A café, party packages and secure play environment make it a favourite for families.
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Mead Open Farm

Mead Open Farm

Mead Open Farm is a family attraction near Leighton Buzzard, offering indoor and outdoor play, animal encounters, tractor rides and seasonal events. With farm animals, adventure play areas and activities throughout the year, it's a popular destination for families with young children.
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Milton Keynes Theatre

Milton Keynes Theatre

Milton Keynes Theatre is a large regional theatre in the heart of Milton Keynes, hosting touring West End musicals, drama, comedy, dance, opera and family productions. The venue offers a year-round programme of performances alongside a range of workshops and community activities.
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mowsbury park

Mowsbury Park

Mowsbury Park is a pleasant and spacious local park in Bedford, with plenty of open grassland, walking routes, play areas and sports facilities. It’s a quieter, greener spot that’s great for families, walking the dog, getting some fresh air or enjoying a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Active Café Family Friendly Free Entry Ideal on a Sunny Day Nature Outdoor Parking Play Area Suitable for Toddlers Toilets Walking
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Pavenham Park Golf Club

Pavenham Park Golf Club

Pavenham Park Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland golf course set within the Bedfordshire countryside. The club offers a challenging course, practice facilities, a clubhouse with dining, and welcomes both members and visitors throughout the year.
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Playhouse Bedford

Playhouse Bedford

Playhouse Bedford is a large indoor adventure play centre with towering play frames, dedicated toddler zones and party facilities. It's a popular destination for family days out just north of Bedford.
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Priory Country Park

Priory Country Park is a large riverside park in Bedford with lakes, meadows, woodland and walking and cycling trails. The park is popular for wildlife watching, watersports, picnics and family outings, and includes a café, visitor centre and children's play area.
Café Dog Friendly Family Friendly Free Entry Free Parking Ideal on a Sunny Day Nature Outdoor Toilets Walking
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Priory Sailing Club

Priory Sailing Club is a friendly sailing club based on Priory Country Park Lake in Bedford. The club offers sailing for all ages and abilities, including training, racing and social sailing sessions, with opportunities for both new and experienced sailors to get on the water.
Family Friendly Parking Toilets
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Robinson Pools & Fitness

Robinson Pools & Fitness

Robinson Pools & Fitness is Bedford's flagship public swimming complex, offering a 33-metre main pool, learner pool and diving pool. The centre also features a gym, fitness classes and swimming lessons for all ages.
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Royal & Derngate Theatre Northampton

Royal & Derngate Theatre Northampton

Royal & Derngate Theatre is the main producing theatre in Northampton, presenting a varied programme of drama, musicals, comedy, live music, dance and family shows. The venue also hosts touring productions, community events and creative workshops throughout the year.
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Russell Park

Russell Park

Harrold-Odell Country Park is a popular nature reserve on the banks of the River Great Ouse, offering lakes, woodland and riverside walks. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, a children's play area, picnic spots and a café, making it a great destination for a relaxing day outdoors.
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Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth is a heritage attraction near Biggleswade featuring a collection of vintage aircraft, historic vehicles and steam engines. Visitors can also explore Swiss Garden, enjoy a café and attend regular flying displays and family events throughout the year.
Café Dog Friendly Garden Parking
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St Paul’s Church

St Paul’s Church

St Paul's Church is one of Bedford's most historic landmarks, featuring impressive Gothic architecture and a peaceful interior. Visitors are welcome to explore the church free of charge.
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Standalone Farm

Standalone Farm

Standalone Farm is a working farm in Letchworth Garden City where visitors can meet farm animals, enjoy outdoor play areas and take part in seasonal activities. The farm offers hands-on experiences and educational events, making it a popular family day out throughout the year.
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Stewartby Water Sports Club

Stewartby Water Sports Club

Stewartby Water Sports Club is a volunteer-run club on Stewartby Lake offering sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and open water swimming. The club welcomes members of all abilities and provides training, racing, social events and access to the lake throughout the season.
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forest of marston

The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park

The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park in Marston Moretaine is a beautiful outdoor destination just a short drive from Bedford. The park features lakes, woodland, meadows and walking and cycling trails, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Forest Centre also offers a café, visitor facilities and activities, making it a great day out for families, walkers and cyclists. It wins extra points for accessibility.
Active Baby Changing Café Dog Friendly Family Friendly Free Entry Free WiFi Nature Outdoor Parking Play Area Suitable for Toddlers Under £10 Per Person Walking
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The Higgins Bedford

The Higgins Bedford

The Higgins Bedford is the town's award-winning museum and art gallery, featuring archaeology, fine art and local history collections. General admission is free throughout the year.
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The Kingfisher

The Kingfisher

The Kingfisher is a riverside pub and restaurant beside the River Great Ouse, offering food, drinks and a beautiful waterside setting. You can also hire Badger, its electric boat, for a relaxing trip along the river.
Bar Free Parking Garden Toilets
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The Kiosk – Miniature Landmark Golf & Cafe

The Kiosk – Miniature Landmark Golf & Cafe

The Kiosk in Russell Park is a great place to stop for refreshments while enjoying the park. Serving freshly made drinks, coffee, milkshakes, cakes, brownies and other treats, it’s perfect for a quick break after a walk, while the kids play, or before or after a round of Landmark Golf. Its location in the heart of Russell Park makes it a convenient spot for families, walkers and visitors looking to relax and enjoy something tasty.
Active Café Family Friendly Ideal for Couples Ideal on a Sunny Day Outdoor
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The Panacea Museum

The Panacea Museum

The Panacea Museum tells the fascinating story of the Panacea Society and its unique religious community. Admission is completely free, making it one of Bedford's best cultural attractions.
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The Quarry Theatre

The Quarry Theatre

The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's is an independent theatre in Bedford, presenting a year-round programme of drama, musicals, comedy, live music, dance and family performances. The venue is run by volunteers and supports local and touring productions.
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The Secret Farm

The Secret Farm

The Secret Farm is a seasonal pick-your-own farm near Bedford where visitors can harvest a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The farm offers a relaxed countryside experience with changing crops throughout the growing season and is popular with families and photographers alike.
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Universal United Kingdom

Universal United Kingdom

Universal United Kingdom Resort is a major theme park and entertainment resort under construction near Bedford, with an opening planned for 2031. The development will include themed lands, a hotel, shops, restaurants and entertainment, making it one of the UK's largest visitor attractions.
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vue bedford

Vue Cinema Bedford

Vue Cinema Bedford is a multi-screen cinema in Bedford town centre showing the latest blockbuster films, family favourites and live event screenings. The venue offers a range of formats, comfortable seating and refreshments, making it a popular destination for cinema-goers of all ages.
Toilets
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Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park is a wildlife park set within the Woburn Estate, offering a drive-through safari and walk-through animal areas. Visitors can see a wide range of species, enjoy keeper talks, outdoor play areas and seasonal events, making it a popular family day out.
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Wyboston Lakes Golf Club

Wyboston Lakes Golf Club

Wyboston Lakes Golf Club offers an enjoyable round of golf in a peaceful countryside setting, with the wider leisure complex providing plenty of options for food, relaxation and activities. It’s a convenient choice for golfers looking to combine a game with a wider day out or short break.
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Xtreme360 Trampoline Park

Xtreme360 Trampoline Park

Xtreme360 Trampoline Park is an indoor activity centre in St Neots featuring interconnected trampolines, ninja-style obstacle courses, climbing walls and soft play. The venue caters for children, families and groups, and also hosts birthday parties, fitness sessions and school holiday activities.
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