The charming country town of Bedford is an enthralling mix of old and new, combining ancient history with chic shopping options. Why not book a train to Bedford and experience the array of beautiful riverside cafés, fascinating museums and abundant green spaces for yourself? Discover exciting activities by the Great Ouse river such as the Bedford Regatta and the Bedford River Festival - the former is one of the largest regattas in the country.
Visiting Bedford
Bedford is currently served by two train stations, Bedford St Johns and Bedford railway station, the latter of which is the largest and most commonly used. A popular route into Bedford is the train from London St Pancras. Services are frequent and the average journey time is around 51 minutes, making it a convenient trip for a day trip from the capital. Please note that the journey time will vary depending on which company you travel with. For example, Thameslink trains are considerably slower as they are primarily commuter services. In contrast, East Midlands Trains services only stop at a couple of stations between Bedford and London, speeding up your overall travel time. You can also travel from Gatwick Airport to Bedford, making it very convenient you're looking for an easy route from the airport.
Public transport in Bedford
Bedford is served by a variety of public transportation options, including buses, taxis and a few bicycle hire points. However, the town’s relatively compact nature makes it a great destination for walking. If you’re going to be travelling to the more rural parts it is a good idea to plan your transportation ahead of time. Bedford isn’t a town known for its faultless public transport, so if you’re used to London’s ridiculously good bus service, you might find Bedford to be a little different!
Getting around Bedford by bus is a possibility, but as previously mentioned most of Bedford’s main sights and attractions are easily accessible by foot. However, if walking isn’t an option you will find that the majority of bus stations are concentrated outside the Bedford railway station and the dedicated bus depot located in the centre of town.
It is possible to hire a bicycle in Bedford, especially if you are a keen cyclist, as it's a wonderful town to explore on two wheels. Take the time to ride through the parks and enjoy the quaint scenery at your own leisure or choose one of several bike trails for a cardio workout. There are short trails that are about 1-2 miles and long trails that reach almost 12 miles.
Bedford does have one rather novel means of transportation that you should definitely try out in the summer - a boat! For a small fee, you can hire a boat from a rental venue on Priory Lake. Other boating options include a ride on the Artful Dodger, found at the Danish Camp Visitor Centre which offers a cruise on the River Great Ouse and lasts about two and a half hours with refreshments, including a licensed bar. It is also possible to hire a boat for private use for a maximum of four adults, or two adults with four children. The other option is the Bedford Community Boat, used primarily by community groups and local schools, but which runs regular trips for the public. Choose between four different cruises, lasting from two to four hours, with family price tickets ranging from £25 and £35.
Things to do in Bedford
In Bedford, you’ll find a wealth of activities suitable for everyone and easily accessible by foot. From the Bedford railway station, walk 15 minutes due west until you get to the river, flanked by a wonderful walking path. The path offers connecting routes to the town centre and gives you access to some of Bedford’s unique landmarks. These include the Panacea Museum, a Victorian-era home, and the historic site of the 11th century Bedford Castle. Nowadays the site is more of a mound than a castle, but the history behind the once formidable fortress is fascinating. When you’re feeling peckish, you can find fine dining, Tudor-style pubs, even Asian cuisine along Bedford’s riverside.
When booking a hotel in Bedford, consider choosing one of the establishments overlooking the beautiful River Great Ouse. A number of these hotels provide excellent amenities, top dining and luxury spa facilities to boot. If you prefer peace and quiet, you can choose to stay in suburban Bedford, where you’ll find quaint B&B’s and small hotels. Conversely, there are of course larger chain hotels in the centre of town. For a family-friendly trip with sophisticated entertainment, visit Bedford with Trainline and save on your rail tickets today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Bedford?
The main train station in Bedford is Bedford railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Bedford railway station.
Which train companies run trains to Bedford?
The primary operator of trains to Bedford is Thameslink. However, you can also catch East Midlands Railway services to Bedford.
How do I find cheap tickets to Bedford?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Bedford. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Bedford running?
There are frequent daily services to Bedford, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Bedford.