The Bedford Association of Tour Guides has launched eight new walking tours for Bedfordians and visitors to Bedford Borough.
Led by knowledgeable members of the association, each tour promises to be packed with fascinating stories and insights about Bedford’s thousand-year history.
From the life of John Bunyan to the impact of World War II, these tours aim to offer a relaxed and entertaining journey through Bedford’s past.
This year, two brand-new routes have been added to the roster.
- Bedford’s Movers & Shakers
- Tales of the Tower & Steeple
The former delves into the lives of notable Bedfordians who made a significant impact on the town and beyond, while the latter takes you on a brief tour of St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s churches, uncovering some of the hidden history of these iconic buildings.
The tours costing £3 per person (or £1.50 for children over eight years old) last between an hour and a half to two hours, covering a distance of one to two miles. Booking in advance is a must, but bespoke tours for groups can also be arranged.
Most of the tours start at the gold post box opposite St. Paul’s Church, close to Bedford’s Old Town Hall. But be sure to check the website for details, as the starting location for Bedford’s Movers & Shakers is different.
To book your spot on a tour, head to bedford.gov.uk/guidedwalks.
If you prefer to take things at your own pace, you could also try the free 45-minute self-guided tour of Bedford High Street.
Developed in partnership with Bedford Borough Council as part of the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone project, this tour uncovers the untold stories of one of Bedford’s most historic streets.
Printed maps are available for free from The Higgins Bedford, so you can take your time and explore at your leisure.
And for those who love getting out and about, Bedford Borough has a wealth of walking, cycling, and riding routes just waiting to be explored. Head to bedford.gov.uk/walkingroutes for more information.
