Bedford Tourism Office

The Embankment
Just a short walk from the town centre, visitors will find themselves drawn to Bedford’s Embankment area where the river – artificially widened by the Victorians and much appreciated by the local rowing clubs – cuts a green swathe through the town. From the stone Town Bridge you can follow footpaths through river meadows, past the ironwork bandstand and Suspension Bridge (opened in 1888) down past Longholme Boating Lake and over the Butterfly Bridge to Russell Park with its Time Gardens, tennis courts, putting green and play area for younger children. Walking back along the Embankment brings you to the formal gardens, planted with seasonal bedding of the highest quality.

Bedford Park
Just north of the town centre with its ornate entrance gates, wooden pagoda bandstand, lake and fountain. Opened in 1888, Bedford Park still exudes traditional Victorian charm, with its wide herbaceous borders and mature specimen trees, half-timbered cricket pavilion and old café building which serves afternoon refreshments during summer weekends. Visitors can be assured by its Green Flag Status that the park is well worth a visit. In contrast, those with some energy to burn can enjoy the use of free basketball and tennis facilities whilst families shouldn’t miss the large play area nestling in the eastern corner with a range of equipment to entertain and challenge children from toddlers to teens. Read More