Car Hire Bedford - Mini guide to Bedford

Located in north Bedfordshire, south-central England, Bedford is a pleasant riverside town featuring a variety of attractions, and is ideally located for history, leisure, the arts, culture and quiet unspoiled countryside.

Historically, the town was a Roman fording station over the River Ouse. In AD 571 the Saxons fought a great battle there against the native Britons, and in 1010 the Danes sacked the town. A mound in the municipal gardens is all that is left of the Norman castle that defended the ford until its destruction in 1224. Enjoy pleasant strolls along the Embankment, following the lovely River Great Ouse, or relax in the Bedford Park environs, with their lake, walks and playgrounds.

Bedford’s collection of museums and galleries are extensive and boast some excellent exhibits. The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery contains watercolours by J. M. W. Turner, while Bedford Museum has a wonderful display of human history of the region from prehistoric times. The life of John Bunyan is linked to several of the town’s attractions, including St Peter’s Church, Abbey Church of St Mary and St Helena Elstow, Elstow Moot Hall, and the John Bunyan Museum. Spread around the town are sites celebrating the town’s illustrious aviation history, as well as some quaint old mills and stables.

Today, Bedford is a lively town with plenty of nightlife and a cultural diversity suiting many tastes. Accommodation is plentiful, and there are many quality restaurants at which to dine. Pubs are also numerous.

The surrounding villages of North Bedfordshire are without a doubt amongst the most picturesque in this part of the county and well worth a visit, particularly Cardington, and the unique Danish Camp Riverside Center, set on the banks of the River Great Ouse on the site of what is thought to be a Danish encampment and boat repair yard. Nature lovers should head for the green expanses of Harrold & Odell Park, Stewartby Lake, and other nearby nature reserves to enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, cycling and fishing.

Bedford is located 90 km from London, and has five major airports within easy reach, including Luton and London Gatwick airports, both of which serve numerous European and North American flights and are connected by direct trains to Bedford. The frequent Thameslink trains connect Bedford with London, Gatwick and Brighton, while other mainline trains run north.