Bedford Tourism Office

Bedford has a proud sproting heritage; Harrold Abrahams, the 1924 gold medallist and central character of ‘Chariots of Fire’, Tim Foster, Stephanie Cook, Gail Emms and Paula Radcliffe, Matt Skelton all hail from Bedford.

Here are some of the clubs where they developed their sporting excellence.

Bedford International Athletic Stadium

Come and see top athletes in action at the home of Paula Radcliffe and Bedfordshire Amateur Athletics Association. During the summer months the Stadium is host to a number of national and international athletic events. Please call the Stadium for details of events and come down and see the top athletes of today and tomorrow.

The Stadium also runs a comprehensive activity programme and fantastic play schemes for children with something to suit all interests and availability.

Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SA
Tel: 01234 351115 Fax: 01234 325280
Email: bias@bedford.gov.uk Web site: www.athleticstadium.bedford.gov.uk

Bedford Rowing Club

Provides equipment and training for rowers of all ages. Active social calendar, clubhouse and events throughout the year. 01234 353183 www.bedfordrowing.co.uk

Star Rowing Club

Provides equipment and training for rowers of all ages. Active social calendar, clubhouse and events throughout the year 01234 212027 www.starclub-rowing.org

Viking Kayak Club

Deserving the reputation as one of the best family clubs in the area the Viking Kayak Club is friendly and has been helping people of all ages and backgrounds get into kayaking and canoeing since 1961. Club membership offers access to tuition, equipment, modern facilities and people to paddle with, whether you fancy slalom, marathon, white water trips away or just having fun on the river. The club also organises a number of spectator events throughout the year; visit their website for details. 0845 094 5783 www.vikingkayak.co.uk membership@vikingkayak.co.uk

Water Ramblers Canoe Club

The Water Ramblers Club is a friendly, informal group of paddlers, welcoming anyone at any level or ability. They run regular trips with B.C.U qualified coaches. The emphasis is on fun, whether you prefer flat water, bumpy water, white water or even a bit of bridge jumping. The group meets regularly on Saturdays at 10.30 on the Great Ouse at Harrold Bridge, Bedfordshire.
http://homepages.tesco.net/~water.ramblers
water.ramblers@tesco.net

Bedford Sailing Club

Provides water activities including rowing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and messing around in pedalos; also tuition and events to members from their beautiful tranquil location, nestling on the banks of the Great Ouse in the pretty village of Stevington. Visit their website for more information on their lively and well attended programme of social events throughout the season. http://uk.geocities.com/chrisandsue.thornton.t21@btinternet.com/BSC

The Great Ouse Boating Association (GOBA)

Represents boaters on the rivers Great Ouse, Cam, Lark, Little Ouse, Wissey and associated East Anglian waterways of England. Established for nearly 50 years, we have over 3000 boating members. www.goba.org.uk

Bedford Boat Club

Bedford Boat Club is a river cruising club, based in Fenlake, Bedford. Moorings take craft up to 33ft in length. Contact 01234 344884 jhodgson@rivouse.fsnet.co.uk

Priory Sailing Club

The club provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn and enjoy the fun of sailing. It is also a recognised teaching establishment for windsurfing, kayaking and open canoeing.
Priory Lakes, Priory Country Park 01234 271638 www.priorysc.org.uk