LOCATION
Bedford is a well-established commuter town but it has far more to offer than quick connections. This popular market town benefits from a rich history, ongoing investment and a diverse, close- knit community. As we discover, there are plenty of reasons to set up house by the Ouse! Bedford HOT spot
1 The River Great Ouse 2 Speedy rail connections to key cities 5 REASONS WE LOVE… BEDFORD
3 A fantastic range of properties to meet all needs 4 The huge variety of authentic international food 5 Fun events all year round!
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
OUT AND ABOUT The river is, of course, the key attraction in Bedford, particularly in the summer months when events draw large crowds; the Bedford Regatta in May is Britain’s largest one-day river rowing regatta, and in July the biennial Bedford River Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors. Other annual events include Bedford International Kite Festival, Bedford Festival of Motoring and Proms in the Park. Indoors,The Bedford Corn Exchange and The University of Bedfordshire Theatre between them offer a whole host of events throughout the year, including a traditional pantomime each Christmas performed by the Bedford Pantomime Company. For live music, Esquires is the place to be. There are plenty of attractions in and around the town, ensuring you’ll never be bored in Bedford. Where better to start settling in than The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum where you will find local history collections and impressive galleries of art,
Brick Company, has gifted Bedford one of the most ethnically, racially and linguistically diverse populations outside of London in proportion to its size, including one of the largest concentrations of Italian immigrants in the UK Where you choose to house hunt in Bedford will depend on your priorities. The town has everything from 17th century cottages to impressive new developments! Biddenham, a stone’s throw from the station, is popular with commuters but the convenience comes at a cost. Goldington, to the east, is also popular, with easy access to the town centre and the A421. Properties here range from modest purpose- built ats to spacious semi-detached Victorian houses. The Poets area boasts beautiful Victorian homes too, many of which have now been converted into apartments. If you want to be at the hub of a close-knit community,
Located in the east of England, 46 miles from London, Bedford, the county town of Bedfordshire, is steeped in history. The River Great Ouse, running through the heart of the town, gives the neighbourhood a strong identity which has been cemented through ongoing development of the town. Bedford’s history can be traced back to the Middle Ages; you can still visit the remains of its castle, built by Henry I. The town was founded at a ford on the river and is thought to be the burial place of King Offa of Mercia. By the 16th century, Bedford was at the centre of the country’s lace industry. This later gave way to brewing and by the 19th century Bedford was a hub of engineering. The railway reached the town in 1846 and Bedford now has a growing population of over 173,000. Bedford station boasts excellent links to many major cities, including London, with ve to six trains to St Pancras every hour. With direct trains to London in 45 minutes, it is no surprise the town is so popular with young professionals. The town is well-served by a local network of buses and is also easily accessible on foot. Besides its commuter appeal, Bedford is popular with families looking for excellent schools and a vibrant community. Historical labour recruitment, particularly by the London
consider the Castle Quarter. The village of Bromham, with
ceramics, glass and lace. There are also several works of public art to
its limestone cottages, sits right on the river, while
enjoy if you prefer to take in the town at your leisure. Bedford enjoys some beautiful public spaces and parks – Bedford Park, Priory Country
Riverside North offers shiny new developments.
50 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
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