9 Best Things to do in Bedford

Are you are currently considering a move to a new area such as Bedford?

It is good, to know beforehand what you can do with your spare time in the area.

We have put together some ideas which you may find interesting.

Whist Bedford offers a vast and diverse number of things to do, see and experience, these are just a few ideas to consider.

Bedford Park

Located just north of Bedford town centre, it is the largest urban park within the town, owned and maintained by Bedford Borough Council.

Victorian in design and a Green Flag Park, it was constructed and planted in 1888 and it is as popular today as it was back then.

Plenty of events are held annually and it hosts spectacular live shows throughout the summer months at the bandstand and pavilion.

The beautifully kept green space encompasses a lake, multiple play areas, and sports facilities.

Other facilities at the park include two children’s playgrounds and a café, more than enough to keep everyone happy, the ideal place to spend time with family and friends.

Cinemas

 

Most of us enjoy a jolly good movie and whilst it is nice to watch at home on your own sofa, some movies just have to be watched on the large screen!

Bedford has a number of cinemas to choose from, however, for a state-of-the-art cinema experience, you should try the Vue in Riverside Square.

This amazing venue features the latest 2D and 3D releases, and Big Screen Events, including sports, opera, theatre, dance, and music performances.

Cineworld is another great place to watch the latest releases. A 6-screen cinema situated at the end of the picturesque River Ouse embankment.

Cineworld also offers the latest in technology.

Comfortable screens in digital 2D, 3D, IMAX, and 4DX. Cineworld also shows theatre and opera performances.

Grab your popcorn and drink and let the show begin.

Quarry Theatre

Sitting in the very heart of the town, the Quarry Theatre is a very interesting venue.

Opened to the public 13 years ago, it is owned by the independent Bedford School and provides quality entertainment in its 282-seat theatre.

A historical building set within an adapted from a former chapel.

The theatre hosts touring productions, comedy, film, and dance as well as NT Live screenings.

A bar provides clientele with the opportunity to purchase refreshments during the interval and a garden, which is ideal for both pre-show and interval drinks.

For aspiring actors and actresses, the theatre also holds a series of acting workshops.

Bedford Corn Exchange

With a capacity of 1000, The Corn Exchange is the largest venue for entertainment and events in Bedford.

Opened in 1874 originally designed to be a concert venue and meeting space, as well as a place of business.

The venue played host to many star names during the war, including Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, and Vera Lynn

Today, three main areas provide a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Over 800 shows in the areas of music, comedy, dance, theatre, ensure there’s something for everyone on offer.

John Bunyan Museum

Located in the heart of Bedford’s Cultural Quarter, is the John Bunyan Museum.

Dedicated to the English writer and Puritan preacher best remembered as the author of the Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress.

John Bunyan was born just a mile from Bedford in the small village of Elstow.

This interesting museum displays recreate a number of scenes from Bunyan’s life.

Artefacts such as Bunyan’s iron violin and wooden flute, Bunyan’s stoneware jug he used in prison as well as his will, and a third edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress are on display.

Also on show is some of Bedford’s social history during the seventeenth century.

Run entirely by volunteers the free admission and central location make it very busy in the high season.

Bedford International Stadium

Those who enjoy taking part in sporting activities in their spare time need look no further than the Bedford International Stadium.

Not only is it a superb venue for events local, national, and international, it also offers a 400-metre international-standard running track.

Other facilities are a five-a-side football pitches, short tennis courts, basketball and netball courts.

Definitely a go-to venue for all things sport-related.

Twinwoods Adventure

Attracting over 100,000 visitors per year you can expect a high adrenaline experience at Twinwoods.

Located just north of Bedford, this is a multi-activity adventure site with thrills, activities, and facilities for all ages.

A number of experiences are available on-site:

Indoor skydiving, indoor surfing, Vertigo a 35m Powerfan descender jump, climbing walls, and an escape room.

These particular activities will not be suitable for everyone as you do need to have a certain level of fitness to attempt them.

However, for something a little more leisurely, you can book a session at the health club.

A hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room will have you feeling relaxed in no time at all.

Higgins Museum & Art Gallery

The Higgins Museum & Art Gallery is a must-visit on any art lover’s list.

The Cecil Higgins Museum, as it was formerly known, opened its doors to the public on 25th July 1949, housed in the former Higgins family home.

Founded by the philanthropic brewer, Cecil Higgins (1856-1941) to house his collections.

Displays include ceramics, glass and objets d’art for the benefit, interest, and education of the inhabitants of, and visitors to, Bedford

Today the museum is an amalgamation of three previous cultural venues: Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford Museum, and Bedford Gallery.

The buildings themselves date back 200 years and have their own rich history of occupation and use, even before they became used for their more recent cultural past.

Visitors can enjoy watercolour, print, and decorative art collections of international significance.

Other displays of interest are those surrounding the story of Bedfordshire and its people’s history which explores Bedford and its growth from a small but busy medieval market town to a centre of industry and business today.

Great River Ouse

This wonderful stretch of water provides plenty of enjoyment in many diffident ways.

A long river that is navigable from Bedford to the Wash at King’s Lynn (75 miles).

It makes a great base, from which to explore the region, and offers a different perspective altogether from the water.

Take a relaxing river cruise for a few hours or half a day.

Many hire companies include lunch so you can while away the time over a nice glass of wine and a sumptuous meal.

Alternatively, hire a river barge for a week and enjoy a slow relaxing, and peaceful break meandering the length of the river.

For a little more action, go on a two-day canoe adventure or try your hand at wakeboarding.

Fishing is another popular pass time on the Ouse.

River anglers can catch a surprising variety of fish such as chub, barbel, and pike If you are really lucky you might even land a bream, roach, or carp.

Are you ready to make the move to Bedford?

If you are moving to Bedford soon or in the future, one thing you won’t have to worry about is entertainment.

However, you do need to think and plan about how you will get your belongings moved.

Lund Conlon have been in the business for over 35 years relocating people all over the UK, Europe and internationally.

In this time we have built a very enviable reputation for quality moves at reasonable prices.

Call today to receive your no-obligation quotation.