Bedford factfile

How to get to Bedford
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire, around 60 miles north of London. Bedford can be easily reached from the M1 motorway, and has excellent rail links into the capital and to the rest of the country. Bedford offers convenient access to both Luton and Stansted airports too.

How Bedford got its name
Bedford probably takes its name from a Saxon chief called Beda, who settled the site where the River Great Ouse was fordable, around 1300 years ago.

Shopping in Bedford
Bedford's market traditions continue to flourish. Bedford has a twice-weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and there are also monthly farmers' markets. The Gourmet Food market takes place every Thursday, and on Fridays the town hosts its Flower and Plant market.

The focal point for shopping in Bedford is the pedestrianised town centre, which has over 300 shops including department stores, major chains and smaller niche retailers.

Things to see and do around Bedford
Every other year the town hosts the two-day River Festival, featuring sports and live music events. Attracting around 250,000 visitors, it is one of Britain's largest outdoor events. The yearly Bedford Regatta, which takes place in May, is Britain's largest one-day rowing regatta.

All in easy walking distance from the Bedford's central Castle Mound are the John Bunyan Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the author; the Bedford Museum and the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery. The latter offers an impressive collection of paintings by Warhol, Turner, Moore and Picasso.

Famous people from Bedford
Bedford has produced its fair share of well-known faces, including comedians Ronnie Barker and John Le Mesurier, Chariots of Fire inspiration Harold Abrahams and boxer Matt Skelton. Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown and comedian Al Murray are both alumni of Bedford School too.

Natural beauty spots around Bedford
Situated on the River Great Ouse, Bromham Mill is a restored working 17th century watermill where you can watch demonstrations of flour milling and baking, as well as other crafts. There is a small restaurant overlooking the river, and the surrounding area has some picturesque walks. Longholme Boating Lake and Priory Country Park are great for walking and watersports.