Location: Bedford
Top Things to do in Bedford
7 Hidden Gems Things to do in Bedford That You Shouldn't Miss
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire, England. The town has a population of around 80,000, whereas the Borough of Bedford had a population of 166,252 in 2015 together with Kempston.
Restaurants in Bedford
1. Canoe Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Enjoy an authentic rural adventure on our beautiful river. After a little tuition, hop in one of our Canadian Canoes, kayaks, or SUP and paddle your way through stunning countryside, for a half, full, or two-day adventure. Pack a picnic, pack the dog, bring the kids and enjoy your day. Relax by camping in our private woodland beside the water, unwind around the campfire with only the starry skies above you. Our family business has won multiple awards including voted Top 3 places to SUP by RedBull Magazine and Top 52 places in the world by Lonely Planet. Canoe Trail also runs, Kids Birthday Parties, Whitewater Training, Corporate Team Building Events - we have hosted global brands including American Express, RSPB, Ordnance Survey, Best of Scotland canoe trip - a week canoeing based at our Highland private game lodge Duke of Edinburgh and Adventure School programmes for schools Yukon Canoe Expedition canoeing from Whitehorse to Dawson City following the Goldrush route.
2. Edible Ornamentals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 484 reviews
We began selling chilli pepper plants in 2001. The plants, and later pickles and sauces, gained very favorable attention and in 2007 we purchased Cherwood Nursery in Chawston which we renovated. Known for its 'Pick Your Own' chilli tunnel which is open to the public, the nursery has become the destination of choice for European hot pepper enthusiasts. In addition to fresh retail and wholesale chillies we also produce a selection of gourmet sauces, spice rubs, dried, smoked, frozen, and pickled chillies processed onsite in a 5 'Stars On The Doors' production kitchen. We also 'grow-to-order' for many other European hot sauce producers, restaurants, farm shops, delicatessens, and distinguished retailers such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. We host tours and workshops. Our chilli sauces are available from the nursery and local Waitrose stores. Edible Ornamentals has featured in the national daily press, The Economist and leading national trade publications The Grocer and Fresh Produce Journal. Joanna featured as a chilli expert on BBC's 3 Counties Radio, Radio 2's 'Chris Evans Show', and Radio 4's 'You and Yours' and has appeared in many TV programmes including Ready Steady Cook, Economy Gastronomy, Market Kitchen, Countrywise, Gordon Ramsay's 'Ultimate Cookery Course', 'The Hairy Bikers' and ITV's 'Sunday Brunch'. Heston Blumenthol visited and filmed an episode of his Channel 4 series "Great British Food" which featured Shawn and Heston eating a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, hottest chilli in the world at that time. Edible Ornamentals won an extremely prestigious "Grower Of The Year Award" at the annual Horticultural Weekly sponsored event in 2011. That same year we were crowned "Best Chilli Grower UK" at the Fiery Foods Festival in Brighton. We were also named 'Local Food Hero' for East Anglia by the Good Food Channel's Market Kitchen and in 2015 awarded an extremely prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Reviewed By samwH6439GG
A really informative tour from our superb guide, plus a great tasting session. A new chilli connoisseur is born!
3. Birds of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 793 reviews
Reviewed By andysgood - Northampton, United Kingdom
Great afternoon out , thoroughly enjoyable. Arrived for a Birds of Prey experience , quite a few in our group to start with and was not sure how much we were going to be able to do . However the staff were excellent in all people that wanted to handle the birds were given ample time and were able to spend time with different birds , Owls , Falcons and Hawks to mention a few. After a while the group was split into two one group continued with the birds while the others went to a flying display , then the roles were reversed . As for the flying display we were treated to standing in the arena firstly with an African owl flying and landing on your hand then afterwards an eagle do the same great to watch and take part in , again everybody had the opportunity. We also were able to watch the American Bald Eagle fly between the falconers.The staff were very friendly , helpful and knowledgeable and helped to make it a great time.Will come again.
4. Panacea Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community who created their own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford.
Reviewed By RabbitRoamer
If you are of a certain age you may recall the curious newspaper advertisements regarding Joanna Southcott’s Box and a form of spiritual healing ... this peculiar offshoot of Anglicanism and middle-class eccentricity was the source of these ... The Panacea Society itself existed as a religious organisation for nearly a hundred years until the last members died in 2012 ... but in its last years arrangements were made to transfer its work and assets to a charitable trust that became the Panacea Trust of today ... This is their Museum ... A fascinating place that strikes a neutral tone (it does not proselytise) as it guides you on a journey through social, political and religious thought of the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries (via Southcott, Wroe, Jezreel et al.) to arrive at the origins of the Panacea Society, and their surprisingly Feminist flavour of Anglicanism ... … and then there is THE BOX … All of this is excellently presented in various buildings around the Campus, which is a lawn area that the Society considered to be on the site of the Garden of Eden … you are most welcome to rest here in pleasant surroundings. There is a small but peaceful Chapel and a tea shop in the Founder’s House. Recommended for those with an interest in social history … and Edwardian interior design … An excellent visit, allow a couple of hours, there’s more than you expect, and could also be combined with a visit to the Bedford Museum and Art Gallery opposite … An unexpected Gem that is highly recommended ..!
5. The Glenn Miller Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
6. Harrold-Odell Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By JohnnoWFC - Hockliffe, United Kingdom
The park is really beautiful; two lakes surrounded by woodland with a nature reserve thrown in. It also has two playgrounds, which our little one really loved. There are lots of interesting wood carvings of animals and birds dotted around the main walking route. The main reason for writing this review is to counter some of the others that are a bit down on the Dragonfly Cafe. The two ladies working in there were very friendly and helpful and explained all the COVID precautions they were taking. I ordered a toastie which was very tasty, my dad had a ready-made sandwich which looked packed with fillings, and my little one had a kid’s lunch box which was good value. Good selection of crisps, drinks, chocolate etc. too. It seems most people’s gripe is with hot drinks, which we didn’t order, but the cafe exceeded my expectations having read some of these reviews beforehand. Do give it a try as I’m confident you won’t be disappointed if you’re after some lunch!
7. John Bunyan Community Boat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
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