Marston Vale Line in the sunny countryside, Scenic Rail Britain

Photo: Richard Crane

Train crossing the Grand Union Canal along the Marston Vale Line

The River Great Ouse in historic Bedford

Inside the Tea Rooms at Ridgemont Station, along the Marston Vale Line

Combine wonderful countryside with plenty of history along the Marston Vale Line.

Please note as of February 2023 the Marston Vale Line is running a rail replacement bus service along the full length of the route. Find out more through Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership here.

Stretch your legs and walk between stations and grab a pub lunch before returning to the train to take in the rest the varied line has to offer.

Explore beautiful Bedford town centre, take a walk along the riverside or indulge in an afternoon tea at The Swan, the oldest hotel in Bedford, overlooking rowers practising on the Great River Ouse.

Learn more about this charming scenic rail route and what to expect as you listen to the fascinating audio journey: On Track in Greensand Country. Join Terry Lee and Lawrie Hallett as they take the 45 minute journey by rail along the Marston Vale Line. Terry and Lawrie chat to locals beyond the railway, discovering some of the local greensand landscape, history and characters along the way. Brought to you by Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership and University of Bedfordshire.

Discover more about outdoor adventures in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with Let's Go!

Highlights

Experience the captivating Bletchley Park – the home of the Code Breakers - receive 2 for 1 entry for rail passengers

Explore Bedford Cultural Quarter & Riverside and learn about one of the world's greatest authors, John Bunyan

Step back in time at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre

Find out more

Local line website

Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY-88ol7oaQ

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Parking available at the following stations:

• Bedford Midland - MK40 1DR

• Bedford St Johns – MK42 9AN

• Ridgmont – MK43 OXP

• Bletchley – MK3 6DZ

Please note as of February 2023 the Marston Vale Line is running a rail replacement bus service along the full length of the route. Find out more through Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership here.

There are frequent direct train services from Brighton, Gatwick Airport, London St. Pancras & Luton Airport Parkway to Bedford.

There are also frequent direct services to Bletchley from Milton Keynes Central, Coventry, Birmingham New Street and stations in the West Midlands. Look up times.

BY BUS

Regular bus services to Bedford from St. Neots, Cambridge & Oxford. Also regular services to Bletchley from Luton & Dunstable. Plan your journey on the Traveline website.

Route

Bletchley - Bedford

Cost

£7.90 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

Mon-Sat | all year (except Bank Holidays)

Journey time

44min

Distance

17 miles | 27 km

Time from London

0:45 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the train from London St Pancras to Bedford. Trains are regular (look up times) and take approximately 40 minutes.

The Marston Vale Line offers an opportunity to view some wonderful countryside at your leisure and there is plenty of history along the way too! Travelling along the Line you will see where John Bunyan gazed down on the men, women and children in the brickfields which inspired a number of his works. Walk between stations and grab a pub lunch before returning to the train to take in the rest the varied line has to offer.

Click here to discover more about Bunyan's Bedford here...

Start your journey in Bedford where there is a great range of accommodation including family run guest houses and a Premier Inn. Why not try the Swan Hotel for a special occasion? It’s the oldest hotel in Bedford with many of the rooms having superb views over the River Great Ouse.

In Bedford take a walk along the Great River Ouse or discover its wide range of speciality shops and markets. In the heart of Bedford there is the fabulous The Higgins Bedford, John Bunyan Museum & Panacea Museum. All offer activities for all the family and are free entry!

Bletchley, at the other end of the Marston Vale Line, is a real enigma, but with Bletchley Park on the doorstep of the station you will easily break the code! 2 for 1 entry for rail passengers! Also in Bletchley there is a good range of shops and markets.

Break your journey at no extra charge at either:

• Millbrook - Gateway to the spectacular Millennium Country Park at the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale. Pleasant walk or cycle ride on surfaced paths to the Forest Centre. 10% discount for rail passengers on tea, coffee and cake in the Lakeside Café! (valid April - September). There is a large adventure playground, wetland reserve and 5 miles of traffic free cycle paths and walks in the spectacular Millennium Country Park.

• Ridgmont - Home of Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre. Enjoy afternoon tea in the original Ladies Waiting Room, a guided visit of the Victorian Booking Office & browse in the Gift Shop. Plus circular & linear walks to suit all abilities. Free entry and 10% discount in the Tea Room for all rail passengers. Open April - December.

Groups & school parties welcome all year by prior arrangement. Tea Room open daily except Mondays & Bank Holidays. Booking recommended – call 01525 287120.

• The beautifully restored former Station House at Ridgmont, now home to Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre.

• Walks between stations and circular walks from Ridgmont – find out more.

Plus much more – visit Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership's website for a full list.