Bedford is a thriving market town situated on the banks of the beautiful river Ouse. With an indoor shopping centre, arcade shopping centres, regular markets and lots of independents as well as popular larger chain stores there is something for everyone!
Bedford is twinned with Bamberg in Germany, Arezzo in Italy, Rovigo in Italy and Wloclawek in Poland.
Shopping Centres
The Harpur Centre is Bedford’s premier indoor shopping centre. It is open seven days a week with 36 stores trading over two levels and is currently undergoing a huge redevelopment to turn it into a lifestyle and community hub for busy shoppers looking for great retail stores or somewhere to relax. The Howard Centre is linked to the Harpur Centre and is easy to find, only a few metres from the bus station and a 10-minute walk from the train station. On Saturdays you can enjoy your first 2 hours parking for free and all day on Sundays at the Bedford Borough Multi Storey Parks and all day on Sundays in the Harpur Centre Car Park.
The Arcades
There are 2 Arcade shopping centres in Bedford, Church Arcade, a popular ‘‘cut through’’ between Church Square and Harpur Street and The Arcade which was opened in 1905. Both house an array of independent shops offering unique products and great customer service. Among them is the Arcadia Sweet shop which has been trading since it 1905.
Cafes & Coffee Shops
Bedford’s café culture has expanded and flourished in the last few years so coffee and cake lovers can enjoy a variety of independent cafes offering great food, homemade cakes and a great atmosphere. Meet up with friends or take a break from your retail therapy.
Markets in Bedford
A thriving market town, Bedford hosts a number of speciality Markets throughout the months.
Bedford Town Centre
Charter MarketWednesday and Saturday
Bag a bargain, buy fresh produce or just soak in the atmosphere
Farmers Market
Second and fourth Thursday of the month. Local produce including fruit, vegetables and flowers
Gourmet Market
Every Thursday
A wide range of quality food and food-related products handmade in Bedford
Second Saturday of the month (March-Dec)
Traders display unique and unusual goods they have made or produced themselves and all are local to the Bedfordshire area.