Things to Do in Bedford

Things to Do in Bedford, Bedfordshire - Bedford Attractions

Things to Do in Bedford

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Edible Ornamentals, Birds of Prey Centre, Water Parks, Art Galleries. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Bedford

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Interactive exhibitions and a variety of art, including notable modern British works, with a focus on women's history and engaging activities for children in historic room settings.
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Victorian-era home with a well-tended garden and a chapel, providing insight into a unique historical society. Includes an informative video introduction and a quaint tea room for refreshment.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Water park with slides, outdoor rapids, and wave pool; clean and family-friendly, featuring a unique locker system. Enjoyable during off-peak hours for less crowding.
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Woodland country park featuring serene lake walks, birdwatching, and cycling paths. Highlights include the DAWN CHORUS WALK and scenic forest trails, with a welcoming café for refreshments.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Amanda C
    Bedford, UK4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oh my goodness what a hidden Gem this place is, went for Afternoon tea and was not disappointed. It started with a tour and some history around the beginnings of this lovely place, found the history and tour fascinating and well delivered in such a friendly fun way. we then did taste testing of products and chilli’s and finally had a delicious afternoon tea. Omg the scones were amazing, well actually it was all lovely but the scones and chilli chocolate cake made my day. The staff were so welcoming and knowledgeable and I have to say I had so much fun especially watching the hubby turn a funny colour whilst trying to show off that he can take a hot chilli haha. All in all this was an outstanding visit and a must for anyone looking for something a little different . And yes I did come away with some homemade goodies because everything was so lovely and it would be rude not to lol . Thanks to Jo and her team again for making us feel welcome and for a great afternoon, me and hubby will be sure to return :-)
    Written October 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon
    Harrold, UK41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A really excellent time at the Birds of Prey Centre. We had the 2 hour experience, flew 3 different birds and had 4 or 5 others on the glove. Ryley was and excellent host, very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. We had plenty of time to wander around afterwards.
    Written February 2, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Happiness637623
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic park for family time . Great cafe with loads of choice for all the family. Play park, lakes and plenty of open space
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cortontrader
    Suffolk England340 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This large museum is described by Google as an art gallery but its activities are much more extensive than this and will appeal to people with many differing interests.
    I enjoyed the historic room settings with their contemporary furnishings and also the exhibits of products made locally.
    They have numerous temporary exhibitions. The one I spent time trying to understand left me no wiser but talking to the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides was a pleasure.
    Entrance is free but donations are appreciated. I could happily return on a regular basis.
    Written April 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KAW687
    London, UK2,589 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum tells the story of the Panacea Society founded in Bedford by Mabel Barltrop. Mabel's family home can be visited and there is a video about their lives. There is a nice garden and you can buy refreshments. There is a chapel and the wireless room where devotees gathered to listen to the radio and piano. Castleside is a large building where the society set aside rooms for the bishop's who they hoped would come to witness the opening of Joanna Southcott's box. It was all fascinating. A lot to read so we spent a long time here
    Written September 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kieran M
    Swatragh, UK75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a day we had at PalmerSport 😎

    Few spins and spills but no damage done and no one hurt expect for a pride 😂

    Great atmosphere and the staff were excellent , friendly and knowledgeable 👏

    Shout out to the medical team 🤩
    Written September 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful country park to walk around, lots of wildlife and plenty of areas to explore, great for dog walkers.

    There’s a lovely little cafe which does nice lunches and breakfasts.

    Beefeater restaurant also based here, nice outside sitting area.

    Play Park for kids and lots of open space for dogs to run around, I believe you can do water sports here also and fishing.

    Easy parking.

    We love it here.
    Written September 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • harry
    Isle of Man, UK55 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Booked the aqua jets for my daughter and nephew. They had an amazing time and reasonable price, allotted time was good. Kayleigh who took them, what a fantastic teacher! Kept the lesson friendly, fun and interactive. She’s a great representative of center parcs.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vinyljeff
    Staines, UK52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An excellent collection of memorabilia photographs and documents relating to the 306th BG that was stationed here during the Second World War. This BG and its time at Thurleigh have significant milestones and actions within the time the US 8th Air Force spent in the UK. These commemorations deserve to be visited and preserved as a part of 20th Century of the UK and its Allies.
    Written August 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AlinaRC
    Hertfordshire1,820 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The majority of visitors are families with younger children looking for an easy walk and dog walkers. There is however much for other visitors without either dogs or younger children to enjoy. The Wetlands Nature trail around the Pillinge has three bird hides with views across the lake and reedbeds. There are also several other viewpoints. Any binoculars, including an old/cheep pair are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the varied birdlife. Two have bird feeders which make it easier to spot the smaller, woodland birds. The paths are all very well maintained around the Wetland Nature trail, and despite very wet conditions in the countryside, the paths were easy to follow. We spent about two hours and were rewarded with a wide variety of ducks - tufted duck, shoveler, gadwall, wigeon, and teal, as well as little grebe, great crested grebe, cormorants, lapwing, herons and a little egret. The highlight of our visit was in the bird hide overlooking wetland three - getting excellent views of a shy water rail.

    After lunch we spent a bit of time at Stewartby Lake. The brickwork heritage was more obvious here - in the form of sticky clay. The unsurfaced footpaths adjacent to Stewartby lake were really heavy going, with deep puddles that were difficult to get around even in walking boots. The combined walking/cycling trail however, while wet has a surface and is easy to walk on.

    At the time of writing - December 2023 sections of the boardwalk overlooking Stewartby lake were closed for repair. Also closed was the tower hide (the other three hide are open fine). Hope this is opened again soon as it provides excellent views across the wetlands.

    There is a spacious cafe at the Forest Centre with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. It has a pleasant setting overlooking the reed beds. The cafe appears initially focused on family pleasing and 'fast food' options. However, when it arrives it is more promising than the description. The bagels were especially tasty, there are also jacket potatoes with a good choice of fillings. There are several vegan options on the menu. The day we visited there were also two vegan cake choices. Service was prompt and staff friendly.

    There are also toilets available when the visitors centre is open. In the winter this closes at 4pm although the car park is open until 5pm. There is a modest charge for car parking and a small additional charge to visit the wetlands nature reserve of £2.50 for adults (1.75 concessions). Car park is well maintained and despite the intense rain has a good surface.
    Written December 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Win Task
    Bedford, UK2,239 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful park with play area for kids, big space for picnic or a dong walk. Really beautiful now a days because of its autumn views. Love autumn and its beautiful colours. Just before entering in park, don’t forget to enjoy the river side walk. Amazing place makes me feel soo good. Full of nature and I love nature
    Written November 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Faith A
    Southampton, UK112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit and learn more about John Bunyan. Had coffee & chocolate cake (recommended) in the Church before going into the museum. The museum is free with a box for any donations. The exhibition is brilliant and very informative. It's not very big but is packed full of information about John Bunyan, his life and writings. Definitely worth a visit.
    Written August 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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