Things to do

Bedford's famous riverside promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk while enjoying views of rowing boats, bridges and landscaped gardens. It is one of the town's most photographed locations.

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.

The Gym Group Bedford is a 24-hour, value-focused gym at Alban Retail Park, offering a large range of cardio, free-weight, resistance and functional training equipment. Members also have access to free fitness classes, personal training, free parking, showers and changing facilities, making it a flexible and affordable option for a wide range of fitness goals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tinsleys Riding School offers horse riding and equestrian activities for a range of ages and abilities. Visit to enjoy time with horses, build confidence and riding skills, and experience the outdoors in a welcoming setting.

Towers Health & Racquets Club is a family-friendly health and fitness club in Bedford, offering a gym, swimming pool, sports facilities and a range of activities for all ages. With physiotherapy available on site, a café and family-focused facilities including childcare options, it is designed to make staying active convenient for the whole family. It’s a particularly good choice for parents looking for a club where fitness, swimming, relaxation and family time can all be combined under one roof.

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.