Bedford’s Green Spaces are second to none. Russell Park is situated on the picturesque Embankment in Bedford Town Centre and is a large open park offering tennis courts, football pitches and play areas for children as well as The Kiosk, a very popular outdoor cafe serving fantastic coffee and great homemade cakes. Grab a blanket and a chair and enjoy a hot chocolate while the kids enjoy the books and games and a natural fruit juice.
For more information on Bedford Parks contact – Simon Fisher (Parks and Countryside Officer) on 01234 718453
Priory Marina Country Park
Priory Marina Country Park is 300 acres of beautiful country park within walking distance from the Embankment and Town Centre. This gorgeous country park features a marina with it’s own gift shop situated next to a bar, restaurant and a Travel Lodge.The Priory Marina offers many riverside walks, cycle path routes, boating facilities, bird watching huts and much more. It’s a fabulous place to walk your dog and your kids at the same time. Plenty of wildlife to see, beautiful flora and fauna and in the summer it is a favourite paddling spot for the whole family.
Bedford Park
Bedford’s café culture has expanded in the last few years so coffee and cake lovers can enjoy a variety of independent cafes, great food, homemade cakes in a great atmosphere.The Pavilion in Bedford Park Café has recently restored the old Pavilion building, and set in stunning surroundings, you can enjoy a well-earned fair trade coffee as well as hot and cold food and homemade soups and cakes while the kids play and the dogs socialise.
Image by Angelo Marin.
Addison Howard Park, Kempston
Addison Howard Park in Kempston sits in the grounds of Grange House, which was donated to the people of Kempston by the Howard family. The park has superb sports facilities including tennis courts and basketball courts.There are also activities in the park throughout the year such as fun fairs, Kempston Fun Day and Chill in the Park.
Image © Bedford Borough Council.
Allen Park
Allen Park is accessed from Old Ford End Road and lies between the allotments and the Hockey Centre. It is also used by several local schools in the Queens Park area.Facilities include a toddlers’s play area, tennis courts, basketball courts, a bowling green, and seasonally, football and cricket pitches.
Image © Bedford Borough Council.
Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park is central to the Kingsbrook Ward. Facilities include children’s play areas and sports pitches.
Image © Bedford Borough Council.
Harrold Country Park
Harrold Country Park is on Carlton Road between Harrold and Odell. There are 144 acres of fabulous award winning parkland to explore, including two lakes and a nature reserve. The reserve has clear paths and a hide for bird watching. The River Ouse also runs through the park.
The park is served by Tea-Zels Café, which is open 9am – 4pm every day (except Christmas & New Year) for breakfast, coffee or lunch. There are also picnic areas (no barbecues).
Contact Park Office & Tea-Zels Café: 01234 720016
Image © Bedford Borough Council.
Mowsbury Park
Mowsbury Park has more outdoor sports pitches than any other park in the borough as well as a neigbouring municipal golf course and squash centre. There are also dedicated age specific play areas and BMX biking facilities.For the more peaceful minded, Putnoe Wood is accessible from the rear of the park.
Image © Bedford Borough Council.
The Embankment and River Great Ouse
Bedford’s stunning Embankment is one of the most beautiful places in the centre of town. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, you can get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a countryside walk. The recently restored Victorian bandstand is a stunning landmark in the middle of the beautiful tree lined walk along the riverbank. Until quite recently, open air concerts were held in the bandstand most afternoons.
The River Ouse has many iconic bridges, the Suspension bridge probably being the mot famous. Opened in 1888, it links the Embankment and Mill Meadows.
The Bedford River Festival is held every two years, with the bandstand in constant use, and there i also an annual regatta on the river.
The Embankment is a very popular part of the town, enjoyed by ramblers, dog walkers, joggers and pinickers alike.
Image © Dragontree, Waymarking.com.
Russell Park
Russell Park on the Embankment provides sports pitches, open space for play and beautiful herbaceous gardens. It was opened as a recreation ground at the end of the 19th century about 10 years after the widening of the river and opening of the Suspension Bridge.The Kiosk in Russell Park is a little oasis on a cold rainy day – beautiful coffee, fabulous cakes and even a blanket for your knees.
Image © Bedford Borough Council.
Danish Camp
Ironically, the Danish Camp is a Norwegian log cabin onthe banks of the Ouse surrounded by woodland walks and nature trails. Situated in Willington about 4 miles east of Bedford, it is the perfect stopping point for walkers and also cyclists using Route 51. There is also a great café with hot and cold food.
Chapel Lane, Willington, Bedford MK44 3QG
Phone:01234 838709
Image © Bedford Borough Council.