Bedford

Bedford is the home to 17th century writer John Bunyan, most known for writing The Pilgrim's Progress, which remained the best-selling book in the world for centuries.
Discover the fascinating life story at John Bunyan Museum. Nearby, explore the site of where the 11th century Bedford Castle once stood and be sure to pay a visit to The Higgins Bedford, home of the towns museum and art gallery.

The River Great Ouse in historic Bedford
Bedford Embankment at night. Photo: TheOtherKev from Pixabay
Photo: TheOtherKev from Pixabay

Take a peaceful stroll along the tree-lined Embankment, hire a rowboat or peddle boat and enjoy a bite to eat along the riverside. For even more outdoor adventure head to Priory Country Park with 360 acres of green space made up of lakes, meadows and woodland, it's an ideal place for a quiet walk, nature watching, fishing and boating.

Extend your visit and explore Bedford as part of our Romans to riverside itinerary.

Getting to Bedford by train
Frequent direct Thameslink trains run from London Blackfriars (1hr 10) and London St Pancras (55 mins). If you're in a hurry, you can catch an EMR service from London St Pancras (35 mins). North of Bedford you can catch a direct service from Nottingham (1hr 10).

Accessibility at Bedford Railway Station

Step-free access is available to all platforms via lifts.

A staff-operated ramp is required for step-free access between train and platform at this station. For more information and to book passenger assistance for your journey visit Thameslink assisted travel website.

For more station facilities please see Bedford Station website.

Accessibility assitance at the station. Photo: GTR
Photo: GTR
map

Ways to save

You can often save money on your train tickets by booking them in advance. Look out for Super Off Peak and Off Peak tickets, offering great value for money when traveling outside peak times. Tickets can be purchased online from Thameslink or at the station. Consider buying a railcard (Senior, 16-25, Family & Friends, Disabled Persons, Two Together), to save 34% for most journeys.

Save money with 2 for 1 Days Out Guide. Download and print your vouchers from the Days Out Guide website, travel by train and show your voucher and train tickets when you arrive to get 2 for 1 entry into some of Britain's most favoured attractions.

To make your days out as enjoyable as possible, we encourage you to plan your trip in advance and check for disruptions before you start your journey. Visit our travel safe page to see what you can do to make planning easy.

More days out by train nearby

More places to explore by train

Bletchley

Bletchley Park. Photo: Julie Clarke from Pixabay
Home to the iconic Bletchley Park, where the top-secret World War II Enigma Codebreakers made history, Bletchley has lots to offer.
35mins

Luton

Luton countryside in the sunshine. Photo: Paul Gallimore from Pixabay
Although most commonly known for its international airport, the large town of Luton has so much more to offer.
25mins
close