Part of Muddy's Top 200 Places to Live series

The 8 best places to live in Bedfordshire

The results are in! See where you voted as the best place to live in Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire’s market towns and grand sweeping countryside feel a world away from the Big Smoke (although the commuting times and house prices are both shockingly reasonable). From lively Bedford and independent obsessed Ampthill, to insanely pretty villages and just miles and miles of beautiful countryside to get lost in (and plenty of pubs to stop off at on the way), this county is well worth checking out.

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6

Sandy

This cute riverside market town is a rising star. Close to super-cool Bedford and packed with fantastically good value property finds, given the fast commute. Need to know more?

2

Woburn

This gorgeous Georgian village boasts great pubs and restaurants, with the beautiful Woburn Estate, and *ah hem* SAFARI PARK on your doorstep! The kids'll love you forever...

7

Pavenham

Pavenham is perfect for active types and anyone wanting to get involved in village life, with it's numerous clubs and facilities. It's also very gorgeous and super-close to buzzing Bedford and all its great independents.

3

Ickwell

Ickwell is one of those villages you daydream about at your desk about, when living in London.

5

Henlow

Henlow has a SPA. Need I say more? OK, OK, it's also a super-cute village, with fabulous country walks and it's not bad value, either. Definitely 'one to watch.'

1

Ampthill

After a gorgeous market town, where you can't move for independent shops and restaurants? Ampthill may well be the one for you. This pretty riverside town has oodles of character, and great independents. and as they say, it's very much 'on the up' right now. Find out why...

4

Bedford

There's a huge buzz around Bedford right now. And it's not surprising, this riverside gem is packed full of independents and gorgeously grand red brick properties and terraces. Aaaand, there's a super jolly annual river festival. Cute, right?

8

Arlesey

After a Bedfordshire bargain with great rail links, super-close to hip-Hitchin? Then take a look at Arlesey.