Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Not so long ago Bedford wouldn&#8217;t have been an option, but this pretty town, built around the River Ouse, has seen its star rise stratospherically in recent years – especially with news of a Universal theme park coming to the town. Characterful winding back streets, arcades with independent shops and perfectly positioned riverside eateries are the order of the day. The commute is pretty good – oh, and house prices still reasonable. Sold?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/TheAuctionRoom-1000x667.jpg" alt="The auction room bedford" class="wp-image-91647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/TheAuctionRoom-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/TheAuctionRoom-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/TheAuctionRoom.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: The Auction Room</figcaption></figure>



<p>Gosh, where to start!&nbsp; For coffee and bagels there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.vanillatreebedford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vanilla Tree</a> or <a href="https://thelongholme.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Longholme</a> where you can grab a bite, then hire a boat for a play on the river. </p>



<p>There’s a great craft beer scene here – try <a href="https://www.thecellarbarbedford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cellar Bar</a> and <a href="https://beerflyshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beerfly</a> bottle shop and taproom. For a smarter tipple and some late night partying, check out <a href="https://www.auctionroombar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Auction Room</a> and private member&#8217;s club, <a href="https://3stpeters.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3 St Peters</a>. </p>



<p>For food, there’s <a href="https://naughty.pizza/bedford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naughty Pizza</a>, uber-hip <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.herdbedford.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herd</a> with its organic burgers and cocktails or for all-day dining try <a href="https://thelounges.co.uk/albero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albero Lounge</a>. Then there&#8217;s the riverside – for a chilled rosé and fine dining on the river it’s got to be <a aria-label="Pen &amp; Cob (opens in a new tab)" href="https://penandcob.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pen &amp; Cob</a>, or a table with a view at <a href="https://www.embankmentbedford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Embankment</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>Bedford has some great indies. For bookworms there&#8217;s <a href="https://eaglebookshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Eagle Bookshop</a>. Art shop and framers <a href="https://thearcbedford.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Arc</a> is also packed with creative gifts, as is delightful boutique <a aria-label="Epanoui (opens in a new tab)" href="https://epanoui.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epanoui</a>. You&#8217;ll find stylish womenswear in the Victorian Arcade at indie store, <a href="https://www.boutiqueplanet.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boutique Planet</a>. Don&#8217;t forget the markets: The Charter Market (every Weds and Sat) and the brilliant monthly <a href="https://bedfordflea.wixsite.com/market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Flea</a>, with affordable art and local produce. The <a href="https://www.harpurcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harpur Shopping Centre</a> will meet your high street needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Bedford-swan-thermal-spa.jpg" alt="Bedford Swan Thermal Spa" class="wp-image-86047" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Bedford-swan-thermal-spa.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Bedford-swan-thermal-spa-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Bedford-swan-thermal-spa-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bedford Swan Thermal Spa</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are plenty of GP surgeries, medical centres and dental practices covering the different areas of the town as well as private options, such as <a href="https://medicclinic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Medic Clinic</a>, if you prefer, and even a hospital. Plus you&#8217;ll find a <a href="https://bedford-chiropractor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chiropractic clinic</a> and<a href="https://beewellihc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Bee Well Integrated Health Centre</a>, which offers massage, physio, acupuncture, and nutrition support. </p>



<p>For aesthetics and beauty there are tons to choose from including <a href="https://www.bedfordskinclinic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Skin Clinic</a>, <a href="https://www.nuvoaesthetics.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuvo Aesthetics</a> and <a href="https://kelsbelles.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kel&#8217;s Belles</a>, as well as <a href="https://5thavenuespashop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fifth Avenue</a> for hair and beauty treatments and hair salons, <a href="https://www.mariagraziasalon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maria Grazia </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hairbyathina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hair by Athina</a>. There is a <a href="https://bedfordswanhotel.co.uk/thermal-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermal spa at the Bedford Swan Hotel</a> and <a href="https://www.jadebuddhaspa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jade Buddha Spa</a> for Thai Massage. </p>



<p>For fitness try private gym <a href="https://www.studio281.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio 281</a> or <a href="https://movefitpilates.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MoveFit Pilates</a> for starters. There&#8217;s also an <a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/bedfordshire/bedford-international-athletic-stadium" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international athletics stadium</a>, the <a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/bedfordshire/john-bunyan-sports-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Bunyan Sports and Fitness Club</a> and the <a href="https://clubtowers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Towers Health and Racquets Club</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Bedford&#8217;s social calendar is packed year round with festivals and fairs galore, from motoring rallies and art fairs to food and beer festivals, and jazz and vintage extravaganzas to an annual running festival, Christmassy markets and family fun. You&#8217;ll be fully immersed in the local community spirit in no time. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>The Grade II-listed Victorian <a href="https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-bedford-borough/bedford-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Park</a> is lovely for a stroll, with lots of play areas for the kids and a great café, <a href="https://www.bedfordpavilion.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pavillion</a>. <a href="https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-bedford-borough/priory-country-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory Country Park</a> is also great to explore with its marina and wildlife to spot. The <a href="https://hocp.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harrold Odell Country Park</a> is a little out of town for longer walks, with 144 acres to explore (including a nature reserve) along the River Great Ouse. Talking of which, you can explore the town by river, with an experience on the <a href="https://www.bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Bunyan Boat</a>, and kids will love a trip on the <a href="https://www.bedfordmes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summerfields Miniature Railway</a>. </p>



<p><a href="http://www.shuttleworth.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shuttleworth Collection</a> is another family favourite a short drive away in Old Warden, with its collection of vintage aircraft, regular air shows and Swiss Gardens to explore. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="939" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/higgins-bedford-from-facebook-Fotor.jpg" alt="The Higgins bedford" class="wp-image-71753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/higgins-bedford-from-facebook-Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/higgins-bedford-from-facebook-Fotor-800x501.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/higgins-bedford-from-facebook-Fotor-1000x626.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/higgins-bedford-from-facebook-Fotor-839x525.jpg 839w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Home.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Higgins</a> is an exhibition space, museum and community learning hub housed in a former brewery. The <a href="http://panaceamuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panacea Museum</a> is dedicated to the history of the Panacea Society – a local religious community formed in the early 20th century, and there&#8217;s also the <a href="https://www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Bunyan Museum</a>, which tells the story of the local legend and author of <em>The Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</em>. </p>



<p>Theatre wise, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.theplacebedford.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Place Bedford</a> and <a href="https://www.quarrytheatre.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Quarry</a> with packed programmes of performances, as well as the <a href="https://www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Corn Exchange</a> for comedy and music. You can catch all the big screen hits at the Vue Cinema. The <a href="https://www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eagle Gallery</a> exhibits and sells affordable art. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>You can purchase wonderfully grand mansions and well-positioned Victorian terraces (many doer uppers) with 4+ bedrooms at pretty reasonable prices here. The average house price for the town falls just shy of £325,000, with semi-detached homes fetching around £350,000 and terraces £280,000. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/detached-house-bedford-artistry-1000x667.jpg" alt="Detached five-bed house Bedford Artistry unique properties" class="wp-image-81237" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/detached-house-bedford-artistry-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/detached-house-bedford-artistry-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/detached-house-bedford-artistry-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/detached-house-bedford-artistry.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 5-bed detached house within walking distance to the station. <a href="https://artistryproperty.co.uk/property-details/?pid=26437831" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £765,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://childbasepartnership.com/nursery/lavenders-day-nursery/">Lavenders Day Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.kiddicaru.com/our-nurseries/bedford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiddi Caru</a> are both rated Ofsted Outstanding, while <a href="https://marstondaynursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Marston Day Nursery</a>, <a href="https://www.aristotots.com/bedford-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aristotots</a> and <a href="https://www.cheekymonkeystwodaynursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheeky Monkeys Two Day Nursery</a> are among the Good rated options. There are also Pre-schools at <a href="https://prioryprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory Primary School</a> and <a href="https://castlenewnham.school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Newnham School</a>, as well at <a href="https://bedfordgreenacre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Greenacre</a>, and <a href="https://www.pilgrims-school.info/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pilgrims Pre-Prep</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s Good-rated state primary <a href="https://prioryprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.castlenewnham.school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Newnham School</a>, which goes all through, while <a href="https://www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Free School</a> is an Outstanding secondary. Plus you&#8217;re spoilt for choice with fabulous independents, including <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/bedford-girls-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Girls’ School&nbsp;</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bedfordschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford School</a>, <a href="https://bedfordgreenacre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Greenacre Independent School</a>, <a aria-label="Pilgrims Pre-Prep (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.pilgrims-school.info/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pilgrims Pre-Prep</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bedmod.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Modern</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.polamschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polam</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Thousands of people descend on the town for the <a aria-label="River Festival (opens in a new tab)" href="https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Festival</a>, which takes place every other year (the next one is in 2026). It features live entertainment, family friendly activities, dragon boat racing, and tonnes of bunting and communal cheer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Just 56.5 miles to London. Trains take 50 mins to an hour from Bedford to St Pancras.</p>



<p><em><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</em></p>


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