The largest park in town, Bedford Park should be first on your list when it comes to getting your park life fix. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, the park comes to life in the summer months when it hosts the Bedford Concerts in August.
A three-day festival that covers pop, rock, jazz, funk, soul and classical music, the park resounds with the sound of music, as families and music fans relax with picnics and lounge on beanbags and deckchairs. Past guests have included Billy Ocean, while the last night of the festival traditionally hosts the Bedford Proms, with flag-waving and uplifting classical music to the fore.
Bedford Park
The shows generally run from 5pm until 11pm across several stages and tents, with under fives free and discounted tickets for children up to 16 years old. You’ll need to buy your own food and drink from the bars and outlets on-site for the Friday and Saturday shows but the Bedford Proms on Sunday is a picnic-style concert, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink for the day.
Aside from the concerts, the park is full of year-round attractions. As well as thousands of trees and flower patches, the park boasts several sports areas, including a full-size cricket pitch, tennis courts, football pitches, a rounders pitch and basketball courts, as well as a bowling green.
There are also several well-kept children’s playgrounds and The Pavilion, a popular café which serves up breakfast and lunch daily. Make sure to do a bit of jogging or exercise before you go so that you can fully indulge in their home-made cakes and tray bakes and not feel too guilty! Plus, they showcase work from local artists in a monthly exhibition.
Bedford Park
