RETIREMENT LIVING IN BEDFORD

Enjoy riverside walks, eclectic restaurants and a vibrant arts scene in this small but cosmopolitan town

For a tranquil small town in one of England’s smallest counties, Bedford is diverse, cosmopolitan and has a lot going on: sports, culture, history, the arts, festivals restaurants and shopping. As well as an idyllic riverside setting on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Bedford also boasts some truly beautiful green spaces like Goldington Green Park, Bedford Park and Bowhill Park. With the added bonus of its close proximity to London, Bedford is a fantastic option for retirement living.

Retirement Homes in Bedford

Lifestyle in the area

Retirement living in Bedford

Bedford offers scenic walks by the River Great Ouse and around the Saxon Bedford Castle Mound and Embankment Gardens. You can also relax on the river with the John Bunyan cruiser.

The 17^th Century preacher, John Bunyan plays a big part in Bedford history – his book, The Pilgrim’s Progress is thought to the first English language novel. You can learn all about him at the John Bunyan Museum. Culture vultures will also enjoy the Southbank Arts Centre, the Higgens Bedford, the remarkable Panacea Museum, Bedford Corn Exchange – for theatre, music and comedy – and the new Quarry Theatre.

Foodies will love Bedford’s Charter Market and the variety of places to eat in Bedford, from the popular Deshi Spice to the contemporary St Helena or the warming Caribbean gem, Jemz. Or why not unwind at the upmarket Swan Hotel Bedford?

Bedford is a community-orientated town with plenty of opportunities to meet up and make new friends.

Festivals are popular and frequent, for example, there’s the town’s answer to Edinburgh, Bedfringe, the Taste food festival and the huge biannual Bedford River Festival.

If sport’s your passion, you’re in for a treat. Cheer from the stands at Bedford Town FC, Bedford Blues Rugby Club or Bedford Cricket Club. Enjoy a round at the prestigious Bedford & County Golf Club, or a day on the river with Bedford Rowing Club.

For more cerebral meet ups, the Basement at Bunyan offers a creative and spiritual space for community get togethers.

If you are looking for retirement homes in Bedford, it’s good to know 83% of McCarthy Stone homeowners experience a sense of community in their retirement property.

Well connected Bedford is blessed with an excellent bus service and not one but two train stations: Bedford Midland Station and the smaller Bedford St John's. The bright lights of London are just 46 miles away and there are regular trains from Bedford to St Pancreas. The Bedford to Luton train takes around 23 minutes.

Bedford to Milton Keynes takes just 30 mins by car. And you can travel from Bedford to Birmingham in an hour and a half via the M1 and M6.

You can reach London Luton Airport in around 40 minutes making Bedford an ideal base for European holidays. London Heathrow Airport is also easily accessible giving you endless options for international travel.

All McCarthy Stone retirement apartments in Bedford are designed to be close to the attractions and amenities.

Bedford offers easy access to the buzzing cities of London, Cambridge and Oxford as well as the ultra-modern Milton Keynes with its impressive shopping centres, ski centre and the Victorian estate of Bletchley Park – famous for its World War II codebreakers.

But Bedford is also surrounded by a myriad of quaint villages that are ideal for picturesque days out. Like Bromham with its spectacular bridges, working 17th century mill and annual Bromham Mill Apple Day. Then there’s the Domesday village of Stevington where you can visit Kathy Brown’s gardens. Or the pretty Tudor village of Elstow with it’s abbey and Moot Hall Museum.

Another must see is the nearby English Heritage French Revivalist mansion of Wrest Hall with its glorious formal gardens and tranquil woodland walks.