Bedford has been named one of the best places to live in the East of England by The Sunday Times, with judges pointing to the town’s schools, parks, growing transport links and the major boost expected from Universal Studios.
While Manningtree in Essex was named the regional winner, Bedford was one of just seven places across the East to make this year’s list. Apart from the winners, the selected places are not ranked and are published in alphabetical order.
The full East of England list is:
- Norwich, Norfolk (national winner)
- Manningtree, Essex (regional winner)
- Bedford, Bedfordshire
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- Chelmsford, Essex
- Saffron Walden, Essex
- Woodbridge, Suffolk
In its entry for Bedford, The Sunday Times said Universal Studios’ decision to build a multibillion-pound resort had “thrust this unsung market town into the global spotlight” and raised the prospect of new jobs and improvements.
Read: Green light given for Bedford Universal Studios theme park
The judges also highlighted Bedford’s strong schools, “lovely parks” and its Victorian housing, noting that prices remain lower than in neighbouring Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
They also pointed to the town’s diversity and to transport links that are expected to improve further as East West Rail develops, eventually linking Bedford more directly with Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes.
Read: East West Rail says final design for Bedford proposals to be made available in 2027
More than a commuter town
For Bedford, the recognition reflects a broader sense that the town is changing.
Universal’s arrival is clearly part of that story, with the development expected to bring jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements.
But the judges’ comments also reflect qualities Bedford already has: a strong sense of identity, an established multicultural community, attractive green spaces and a location that has long made it appealing to commuters and families.
The Sunday Times says its judges are looking for more than famous names or expensive postcodes. The guide says it focuses on places with strong communities, thriving centres and a sense of local pride.
Regional winner and national winner
Manningtree was named the best place to live in the East of England, while Norwich was chosen as the overall national winner.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said the guide offers great insight into places across the UK.
“This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain. It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly, a sense of community.”
She said the judges look at factors including schools, transport, broadband and mobile coverage, green spaces and the health of the high street.
For Bedford, inclusion on the list is another sign that the town and borough are being noticed more widely.
It is easy for Bedford to be overlooked between bigger or better-known neighbours.
But this year’s guide suggests that what the town offers, affordability, connectivity, schools, open space and now the prospect of major inward investment, is becoming harder to ignore.
Do you think the judges are right? We’d love to hear your favourite things about Bedford. Send them to us in a letter via our letters page.
