Yes, boat hire and river cruises run from the Embankment during the warmer months, right by the town centre.
Discover Authentic Bedford: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Bedford, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as The Higgins Bedford, Bedford Castle Mound and Priory Country Park.
Top 5 Things to Do in Bedford
The Embankment & River Great Ouse
Bedford's riverside is lined with gardens, bridges and pubs, and the town's best excuse to slow down. Hire a boat or take a river cruise in warmer months, or just walk the paths that run alongside it.
Bedford Castle Mound
Little remains of the original 11th-century castle beyond the mound itself, but climbing it still gives you a good view over the town and the river below.
The Higgins Bedford
A museum and art gallery combined, just a four-minute walk from the hotel, covering Bedford's history alongside a genuinely good collection of paintings, ceramics and glass.
John Bunyan Museum
Dedicated to the Puritan preacher who wrote The Pilgrim's Progress while imprisoned in Bedford in the 1670s, one of the earliest novels written in English. The nearby St. John's Church is where he was baptised.
Panacea Museum
One of Bedford's odder attractions: the story of the Panacea Society, a religious community that believed Bedford was the site of the Garden of Eden. Small, strange and worth an hour.
Explore Bedford's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Bedford
We've mapped local spots in Bedford, from medieval history to riverside green spaces.
History & culture
The Higgins Bedford
A museum and gallery in a restored historic building, covering archaeology, fine art, local history and contemporary work, with workshops and events for all ages.
Town centre · Museum and gallery · Perfect for local heritage
Bedford Castle Mound
All that's left of Bedford's medieval motte-and-bailey castle is now a park with views over the town and the River Great Ouse. Read up on its battles and sieges as you climb.
Town centre, by the river · Historic site · Great for views and history
St Paul's Church
A landmark church in the heart of Bedford, with Gothic architecture, stained glass and stone carvings. Drop in for a concert if one's on.
Town centre · Church · Ideal for architecture
Panacea Museum
The curious story of the Panacea Society, a religious community that believed it was preparing for the Second Coming, told through original documents and artefacts.
Town centre · Museum · Made for curious minds
John Bunyan Museum
The life of the author of 'The Pilgrim's Progress', from his early years to his imprisonment for preaching without a licence.
Town centre · Museum · Perfect for literature
Parks & outdoors
Bedford Park
Manicured gardens, a lake, sports facilities, open lawns for picnics and a playground. Bring a blanket and spend the afternoon.
Bedford · Park · Great for families
Priory Country Park
Lakes, meadows and woodland just minutes from the town centre. Bring binoculars – birdwatching here is excellent.
East Bedford · Country park · Ideal for nature and wildlife
Russell Park
Sports fields, tennis courts, jogging paths, a playground and a splash area that's a hit in summer – plus local events and festivals.
Bedford · Park · Perfect for families
The Embankment
A riverside promenade along the Great Ouse, lined with gardens and historic bridges. Walk it at golden hour.
River Great Ouse · Promenade · Made for a stroll
FAQ
Mercure Bedford Centre is within walking distance of the station, and London is roughly 40 minutes away by train.
It's a short drive from the town and a popular half-day trip if you want to get out of the centre for a few hours.
Visit The Higgins Bedford museum and gallery, climb Bedford Castle Mound for views over the River Great Ouse, and walk in Priory Country Park.
Russell Park has a playground and a summer splash area, and Bedford Park has open lawns and a playground.
Priory Country Park's lakes, meadows and woodland are popular for birdwatching, just minutes from the town centre.
Where to Sleep in Bedford
See Mercure hotels in Bedford, all within reach of these picks.