Bedford

Bedford

Bedford, in the centre of the county, is the county town, and also includes the nearby Kempston. No hills in the town centre to walk up here ! Its easy access to London means lots of houses as commuters enjoy a country life when they get home. The town's history goes back to Saxon times, and was important in the reign of King Alfred before the Danes attacked it in 1010. Bedford and Kempston has excellent shops the River Great Ouse making an attractive feature of the town. Take a stroll in Bedford Park, or walk the The Embankment, along the river with gardens and bandstand, watch the lights come on at dusk The Harpur Centre, has 30 quality shops under one roof. Bedford also has two theatres; Bowen West and the Civic. One of the town's "claims to fame" is that John Bunyan wrote Pilgrims Progress while in Bedford jail from 1660 to 1672 and in 1676. His statue is in the town, and the site of the prison in Silver Street is marked. Park and Ride scheme in operation to ease traffic jams. Bedford Market -Wednesday and Saturday alongside the River Great Ouse. For visitors a Tourist Information Centre in the town will help you.