Welcome to Bought in Bedford
Your essential guide to finding the perfect gifts, experiences, food and drink this festive season.
Welcome to Bought in Bedford - your essential guide to finding the perfect gifts, experiences, food and drink this holiday season.
Throughout these pages, you’ll find inspiration from some of the town’s best independent shops and businesses, as well as a what’s on guide so you don’t miss any of the festive fun in the run-up to Christmas.
Throughout these pages, you’ll find inspiration from some of the town’s best independent shops and businesses, as well as
We’ve also got a spotlight on Bedford’s seasonal markets, the much-loved Christmas Tree Festival and a giveaway to win a £50 gift voucher from an independent retailer of your choice (see more details on page 19).
In the centre pages, you’ll find our ‘shop local’ map, ensuring that whether you’re in the town centre or taking a walk off the beaten track, you’ll find just what you’re looking for.
If you’re coming from further afield, we’ve got essential information about how to get here and where to park - you’ll be shopping like a local in no time!
Bought in Bedford is brought to you by the team behind the Bedford Clanger and the Bedford Independent. We’re passionate about sharing our love for the town and its local businesses all year round and you can find out more at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Spot our #boughtinbedford window stickers
As part of our Bought in Bedford campaign, we have created stickers for our brilliant Bedford indies to display in their shop windows.
Be sure to pop into any shop or business that you see displaying the sticker throughout the festive season and beyond.
Remember, shopping local is for life, not just for Christmas.
Shop local
According to community-led campaigners, Totally Locally, around 80% of each spend in an indie goes back into the local economy. With chains, it’s around 20-30p and with online-only multi-nationals, it’s close to £0.
With that in mind, doing some or all of your Christmas shopping locally will make a huge difference to our local economy and encourage more businesses to open in Bedford.
All that remains is for us to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram of what you have bought in Bedford with #boughtinbedford
Check out our giveaway on page 19 to win a £50 voucher. Whether it is food, drink or gift items, we can’t wait to see!
bedfordindependent.co.uk
Editor: Erica Roffe / erica@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Commercial Director: Julia Course / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Design: Ben Graham / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
Bought in Bedford is published by Progress Publishing
Shop Eat Drink
We are an independent wine merchant and wine bar, with over 100 different wines from around the world on our shelves. From under £10 up to £50 you will find something suitable for a gift or simply for yourself to take home and enjoy.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you choose a wine to suit your needs and a Blueglass Wine Club subscription gives you six bottles of wine selected by us on a monthly or every two month basis.
Our wine bar offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a glass from over twenty still and sparkling wines from our list, as well as locally produced Gin and Rum. Food choices include cheese and charcuterie sharing platters that match perfectly with our wines.
EAGLE BOOKSHOP
Beautiful Loved Books
Most of our 50,000 books are not brand new – and that’s why we love them so much. They are beautiful pieces of history covering all subjects and genres, fiction and non fiction, that have made a journey through time. Some have travelled hundreds of years and delighted generations of readers, while others are only a few months old. Some you can buy for pennies, others may cost many pounds.
What better or more thoughtful gift than to match such a treasure with a new owner? Good for the planet too.
There are so many gems to choose from, laid out in our restful and welcoming bookshop. We would love to see you as you shop for gifts this Christmas – though you may end up buying quite a few presents for yourself!
HARRISON & SIMMONDS
Gentleman's Emporium Tobacconist
h-s.co.uk / 80 High Street, MK40 1NN
MO LEA
Perfect Pet Portraits
Local artist Mo Lea will create the most beautiful artwork of your family's and friends' treasured pets. Pets mean the world to us and are such an integral part of our lives.
Mo would love to be able to create a beautiful portrait of yours or your loved one’s pet. All you have to do is send a range of photographs and Mo will work from these images to make a true-to-life painting. It takes one or two weeks for the unframed art work to be completed and you will receive stunning art to cherish.
If you run out of time before Christmas you can buy a ‘Pet Portraits’ gift voucher to give on the day. All creatures, great and small can be portrayed. Free delivery to your home whenever possible.
A4 size artwork £100-£150
A3 size artwork £200-£250
One of Bedford's oldest retailers, Harrison & Simmonds has been trading on the High Street since 1928 and the business has been in the Simmonds family for five generations.
Originally a Tobacconist and Cigar Merchant, we have diversified over the years to sell flasks and tankards, pens, pocket watches, pocket knives, globes, Cobi and Diecast model cars, aircraft, ships and tanks and we are now holding a range of Airfix plastic model kits.
With over 1,000 products available, you are sure to find that unique gift you have been looking for, with many being customisable with on-site engraving services.
Explore Bedford
Small Business Saturday Saturday, 7 December 10am - 4pm
Despite recent turbulent times for shops and town centres, Bedford’s independent retailers are bucking the trend.
From Castle Road to St Cuthbert’s, Tavistock Street to Mill Street, the town boasts a wide range of independent businesses offering incredible customer service, unique products and experiences. They have created thriving communities - both on and offlineand attract loyal customers throughout the year.
Each December, the nationwide Small Business Saturday campaign is a reminder of the importance of small, locally owned and operated retailers. It is designed to boost the local economy and according to Totally Locally, around 80% of each spend in an indie goes back into the local economy. With chains, it’s around 20-30p and with online-only multinationals, it’s close to £0.
So this Small Business Saturday, take time to explore Bedford’s myriad of side streets, arcades and courtyards with shops, salons and cafes.
It will make a huge difference to our local economy and encourages more businesses to open in Bedford.
Bedford isn’t sh*t
If you were to take the word of the Facebook naysayers, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Bedford was on the brink of collapse.
But look beneath the surface, and this is a town that has a wealth of creativity, diversity, passionate business owners and proud Bedfordians all happily proving them wrong.
Empty shops have been brought back to life by the ongoing Pride in Place (POP) Bedford project and
Esquires music venue regularly hosts soon-to-behousehold-names on their two stages. While you’re there, you could even pick up one of their Bedford isn’t Sh*t mugs, t-shirts or tote bags to really get on board with the sentiment and share the Bedford love.
And finally, if you’re in any doubt that ‘nothing ever happens here’ then take a glance at our weekly online What’s On Guide which is published every Wednesday at bedfordindependent.co.uk
It is bursting with the best of the Borough’s live music, classical concerts, theatre, film, dance, poetry, pantos, festivals, art, culture, markets and more.
Absolute proof Bedford is brilliant!
The Store, St Cuthbert's Street
Small Hours, Mill Street
POP Studio 4, Old Arcade
FESTIVE TABLE
Thanks to Bedford's foodie indies, you can be sure to serve up a festive feast this Christmas. Whether it's a traditional turkey, the evening cheeseboard, a tipple (or three) or unique kitcheware to serve it on, our local Indies have it covered. You can even dine with a conscience when you shop sustainably at The Store.
Bedford Cheese Company @ The Barn
Cheese Deli Cafe
The Barn, Cople Road, Cardington, MK44 3SH thebarncardington.co.uk
The Blue Glass Shop Eat Drink
29-31 St. Peters Street, MK40 2PN theblueglass.co.uk
The Flying Cork Wines & Spirits Galore 4 St Cuthbert's Street, MK40 3JG theflyingcork.co.uk
READY STEADY ROLL
Boardgames Café Cake
Ready Steady Roll is an award-winning board game café and shop with a dedicated area to play games with our guidance, whilst enjoying lunch and cake!
Choose from one of over 500 games in our Board Game Library - a great way to spend the afternoon with family, a group of friends or as a couple.
We have games for every taste, from deep strategy games, to light party games and anything in between. 10% off boardgames when you stay and play. Gift Vouchers available.
We're situated on an unmarked road on the outskirts of Sharnbrook with our own free parking. Please find us on Google Maps before you visit as your sat nav will only take you to the A6. What3words: scary.simulator.speaker
Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
GCH Fishmongers
Fresh Fish Daily 2 Newnham Street, MK40 3JR. gchfishmongers.co.uk
Lingers Butchers
High Class Butchers 1 St Cuthbert's Street, MK40 3JB
The Small Hours
Bakery Pantry Kitchenware 6 Mill St, MK40 3HD smallhoursgoods.com
The Store
Bulk Refill Shop 26 St Cuthbert's Street, MK40 3JG thestoreuk.co.uk
You can see all the town centre shops at lovebedford.co.uk Studio 5, Ivy Lodge, Rushden Road, Sharnbrook, MK44 1ND
CHARISMA
Exquisite Charming
Giftshop
19 The Arcade, MK40 1NS
Charisma has been a much-loved part of Bedford's Edwardian Arcade for almost two decades.
Owner Jan has created an exquisite and charming gift shop in the heart of Bedford town centre.
Charisma is a treasure trove of hand-picked gifts and accessories for any occasion and the perfect place for your Christmas shopping.
Choose from bath bombs, soaps and hand creams, scented candles and diffusers, beautiful jewellery, scarves and socks, baby clothing, ragdolls and soft toys, souvenirs, greeting cards, gift bags and so much more.
Facebook: charismagiftshopbedford
Instagram: charismaofbedford
JOHN MEDHURST
Friendly Family Jewellers
Visit us to experience the warmth and personal touch of our family-run jewelllers.
With generations of experience, Sarah & John are passionate about helping you find the perfect gift that reflects your style and budget. Whether you’re searching for a little gift or looking for a one-of-kind statement piece, our friendly team will guide you every step of the way. With everything from diamonds and gemstones, platinum, gold and sterling silver to fashion pieces plus our selection of watches - we have something for everyone.
Additional services include jewellery cleaning, repair and commissions. We deal with all the major watch houses and can offer watch batteries, servicing and maintenance on all brands. We carry out valuations for all purposes.
Visit us in store or shop online at johnmedhurst.co.uk and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X @johnmedhurstltd
Free gift wrapping plus free delivery or click and collect on all purchases.
Extended exchange period for Christmas purchases until 31 January 2025.
FOOD & DRINK
Amici
27 St Peter's Street, MK40 2PN
Where friends & flavours meet amici-restaurant.co.uk
Bedford Cheese Company @ The Barn
The Barn, Cople Road, Cardington, MK44 3SH
Cheese Deli Cafe thebarncardington.co.uk
Blue Glass
29-31 St. Peter's Street, MK40 2PN
Shop Eat Drink theblueglass.co.uk
Blue Monk
19-21 High Street, MK40 1RY
Ultimate dining experience bluemonk.uk
Brewpoint Brewery
Cut Throat Lane, MK41 7FY
Independent Local Authentic brewpoint.co.uk
Bridges Espresso Bar
Riverside Square, MK40 1AR
Modern Friendly Delicious bridgesespressobar.co.uk
Cellar Bar
75 High Street, MK40 1NE
Cocktails Live music thecellarbarbedford.co.uk
Corner 5
Box End Park, Kempston, MK43 8RQ
Fresh Local Delicious boxendpark.com
Decant
Wine & Cheese Bar
20 Castle Lane, MK40 3US
Wine Cheese bar decantbar.co.uk
Green Earth Cafe
13 St Paul's Square, MK40 1SL
Vegan Cafe
FB: greenearthcafeuk
Higgins Pantry
Castle Lane, MK40 3XD
Delicious fresh Italian thehigginspantry.co.uk
Whether you are looking for a coffee, cocktail, light bite, or dinner, you are sure to find something to tantalise your tastebuds with our pick and for food and drink options in Bedford. What’s more, each month in the Bedford Clanger we review a local eatery so you can be sure you’re going to get treated to something special, whatever your tastes.
The
Kiosk
Russell Park, MK40 3SA
Playful Mini golf Park cafe kioskinthepark.com
The Longholme
Boating Lake, The Embankment, MK40 3QF
Reliable Hospitable Quality thelongholme.com
Nazar Turkish Kitchen & Bar
17 High Street, MK40 1RN Traditional Turkish cuisine thenazarlounge.com
Nomad Cafe
11 Church Arcade, MK40 1LQ
Hungarian cafe Instagram: nomad_cafe_11
Papillon
133 Castle Road, MK40 3RF Fresh coffee & cake papilloncoffeehouse.co.uk
Tana Lounge
15 Castle Lane, MK40 3NT Thai tapas & cocktails tanalounge.com
Tana Thai
20-22 Cauldwell Street, MK42 9AD Best Thai in Bedfordshire tanathai.co.uk
You for Coffee
7 Howard Street, MK40 3HS
Inclusive Inviting Independent Instagram: @youforcoffeebedford
Still feeling peckish?
Beerfly beerflyshop.co.uk Frescoes frescoesbedford.co.uk Cibo Deli and Kitchen @cibobedford Herd herdbedford.com
SAY Doughnuts saydoughnuts.com
Coffee with Art coffeewithart.co.uk
Caffe Crema caffecrema.net No.7 Coffee House no7-coffee.co.uk
New Bombay newbombay.co.uk
Vanilla Tree vanillatreebedford.co.uk
More food & drink offerings can be found at lovebedford.co.uk/food-drink
ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DIRECTORY
Not all businesses can be found on the High Street & there’s more to the internet than A*az*n. Here’s our winter wishlist of the best Bedford indie websites...
Mamma TT Organics
Eco skincare & haircare mammattorganics.com
Mo Lea
Perfect pet portraits moleaanimals.com
Fiona Wilson
Original art & prints fionawilsonart.com
Wilf and Friends
Children's lifestyle shop wilfandfriends.co.uk
And don't forget these...
Helix and Conch helixandconch.com
Indie Fox and Moo @indiefoxandmoo
Neon Marl neonmarl.co.uk
Otter and Moose otterandmoose.co.uk
Petals and Amazons petalsandamazons.co.uk
Wick and Melt wickandmelt.com
Cosmic Workroom thecosmicworkroom.co.uk Fabbi fabbi.co.uk
'Next Chapter' Painting by Fiona Wilson
NOT ANOTHER JUNGLE
Plants Gifts Coffee
Visit Not Another Jungle for much more than just plants this Christmas.
This festive season we have a large range of beautiful gifts from iconic British brands. Choose from chocolates, beauty products, bath and body care, candles, books and lots of DIY kits with the emphasis on British-made quality.
Terrariums are always hugely popular at Christmas and we plant all of ours in-house in a range of gorgeous glassware.
If you or a loved one fancies making one yourself we have DIY terrarium kits or come along to one of our workshops throughout November and December. A workshop voucher is also the perfect gift to use in the New Year.
Last year, owner Tony Le Brittan was lucky enough to create 12 huge wreaths to decorate Westminster Abbey for the Princess of Wales' carol service and this year we will be offering wreath workshops from mid November so you too can make your very own Christmas wreath.
MAMMA TT ORGANICS
Handmade Skincare Haircare
Award-winning luxurious, eco-friendly, plastic-free, vegan skincare and haircare. All the products are made by hand, in small batches, in a local Bedfordshire countryside studio, with organic and fair-trade ingredients, raw butters/oils, local botanicals, pure essential oils and spices.
All the products are wholesome and amazing to your skin, but kind to the environment. The owner, Tiziana, is very passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle and about protecting our environment and its water systems. She never uses any plastic.
All MammaTT products are pure and come in solid form, saving you money. You won’t pay for the water that makes up 60-95% of typical liquid cosmetics. They are easy to use and to transport when travelling, cruelty free and 100% biodegradable. Once you’ve tried them, you won’t want to be without them!
mammattorganics.com / Instagram: @mammattorganics
WIN a £50 voucher in our Bought in Bedford giveaway
As the countdown to Christmas continues, it couldn’t be easier to enter our festive giveaway to win a £50 voucher from your favourite Bedford indie.
To be in with a chance to win, just follow these simple steps:
Make a purchase from one of the brilliant Bedford indies - whether it’s food, drink or gift items
Take a photo of what you’ve bought
Share the photo on Instagram using the hashtag #boughtinbedford by Sunday, 15 December
That's it!
Full terms and conditions can be found on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk/competitionand-prize-giveaway-terms-conditions/
Winners will be contacted through Instagram.
Whether you bought your dad a bottle of red from Flying Cork, your sister a candle from The Arc, or fuelled up on burgers from Brewpoint, we want to see your #boughtinbedford purchases.
The winner will be selected at random and will be able to choose the voucher of their choice to the value of £50.
Good luck!
Fiona Wilson
'Repose'
Venture Games The Arc
The Bedford Clanger and the Bedford Independent
Bought in Bedford is brought to you by the team behind the Bedford Clanger and the Bedford Independent.
Established in 2011, the Bedford Clanger is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the art, culture, heritage and retailers that make the town centre unique. We share those off-thebeaten-track hidden gems, highly recommend becoming a ‘hometown tourist’ and love bringing our readers the best live music, theatre, comedy, film and culture every month.
Copies of the Clanger can be picked up for free from most of the Bedford indies featured in Bought in Bedford, as well as locations in the surrounding villages.
In 2018 we launched the Bedford Independent, an online newspaper that attracts 130,000 unique readers who read around half a million pages each month. As well as publishing the latest unbiased news about politics, crime, sport and anything else that matters to people living in Bedford Borough, we also share a weekly what’s on guide every Wednesday, so you’ll never miss a thing.
Sign up to our daily email to keep up to date on news throughout Bedford Borough via bedfordindependent.co.uk/dailyemail and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.
CELLAR BAR
Cocktails Live Music
The Cellar Bar is an underground entertainment venue on the High Street providing a relaxed, friendly environment, whatever the occasion. All of our cocktails are lovingly prepared by our mixologists who care passionately about your experience - and if it’s not quite right they will happily tweak the ingredients.
From drag queens to comedy nights, karaoke to live music, the Cellar Bar has something for everyone. Every Friday and Saturday from 9pm until very late, check out live music from solo performers to full bands. Forthcoming events can be found on our website thecellarbarbedford.co.uk/ whatson and social media pages.
Sunday’s afternoon chill out is the perfect way to unwind to an acoustic band or Soul/Motown DJ. On Sunday evenings, take part in our highly regarded open mic night. With a full permanent stage, drum kit, backline and full PA, you can literally turn up, plug in and play.
75 High Street, MK40 1NE / thecellarbarbedford.co.uk
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson / Image: Two-D Photography
Festive markets and fairs
Bedford is proudly a town of markets and at this time of year you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Stock up on gifts, decorations and food from many local businesses and enjoy some fun festive shopping.
Saturday, 23 November and Sunday, 24 November My Little Vintage & Homemade Christmas Fair Turvey House, MK43 8EL @ 10am - 4pm
Festive vintage finds and handmade gifts and decorations and a Christmas Pantry.
Thursday, 28 November
Bedford Heights Christmas Market Brickhill Drive, MK41 7PH @ 11am - 3pm
Fantastic food vendors and brilliant Bedfordshire craft and shopping stalls. Open to the public.
Saturday, 30 November and Sunday, 1 December
Forest of Marston Vale Christmas Fair Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR @ 10am - 4pm
Handmade gifts from local businesses, food stalls, and decorations with live music and carols throughout the day. You can even buy your Christmas tree from a local Christmas tree seller.
Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 December
Bedford Christmas Markets
Harpur Suite and Harpur Square @ 10am - 5pm (Saturday) 10am - 4pm (Sunday)
Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats and free festive children’s fairground rides. The traditional charter market traders will be also bringing their festive collections at St Paul’s Square and along Midland Road and Allhallows.
Sunday, 8 December
Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Christmas Market
St Paul’s Square @ 10am - 3.30pm
Visit St Paul's Square for the perfect opportunity to shop small and local this Christmas at Bedford’s ever-popular Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce market.
Discover antiques, vintage and retro in their Flea section. Find an array of talented local artists and skilled makers in Affordable Art, and fill your bags and your bellies with delicious food and drink in Local Produce. There'll be winter wreaths, festive decorations plus plenty of ideas for gifting.
Warm up with mulled wine and hot chocolates and refuel with tasty street food while you enjoy the live music supported by Seeing Eye Rum, which is guaranteed to get us all in the Christmas spirit!
Remember the weekly markets operate all year round in Bedford with the Charter Markets every Wednesday and Saturday and the general market on Fridays.
Kempston holds a traditional market every Thursday at the Saxon Centre.
What's on in Bedford town centre this festive season
Bedford Light Switch-On
Saturday, 23 November @ Harpur Square from noon / Free
This year’s festivities officially kick off on 23 November with the Christmas light switch-on in Harpur Square. The fun starts at noon with choirs and local artists performing on stage throughout the day. At 4pm, Lissie Allsopp will take to the stage singing festive favourites, building up to the grand switch-on at 5pm. DJ Steven Gordon-Wilson will round everything off with the best Christmas tunes from 5.30pm - 6.30pm.
Silver Square which will once again host the free Christmas crazy golf free from noon and Bedford’s craft market will be in town until 7pm.
Love Bedford Express Land Train Ride*
Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December @ Silver Square from 10.30am - 4pm (Sat) 11am - 4pm (Sun) Free
The Love Bedford Express Land Train will be taking friends and families on FREE rides through the town centre, departing from Silver Square Station, complete with Christmas music and fun bubbles. Choo choo!
* weather permitting
Small Business Saturday
Saturday 7 December
The national Small Business Saturday campaign takes place every year to highlight the importance of small, locallyowned and operated retailers. Explore Bedford’s many off-the-beaten-track streets, arcades, and courtyards
with shops, salons and cafes and take the time to explore Bedford’s indies.
Check out our map in the centre pages for where to find some hidden gems or visit the Love Bedford business directory at lovebedford.co.uk
Bedford Christmas Tree Festival
Wednesday, 4 December to Sunday, 8 December
See page Page 27 for full details
Free Christmas fun in Bedford town centre
Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 December @ Howard Centre and the Old Arcade from 10.30am - 3.30pm / Free
Enjoy some family fun times in Bedford town centre with plenty of free activities thanks to Love Bedford. Get your face painted at the Howard Centre, take a selfie with Bedford’s beautiful Christmas tree in Harpur Square or by the enormous wreath at the Silver Faces and visit the Old Arcade for some free balloon models.
Panto and festive theatre in Bedford? Oh yes it is!
The panto is back at Bedford Corn Exchange this year and it’s the fairest of them all - Snow White. Shows run from Saturday, 21 til Tuesday, 31 December tickets are £22/£20/£18/£62 family ticket. Book at bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
For more festive theatrical treats check out The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s with classics including A Christmas Carol and The Snowman. The Place Theatre on Bradgate Road will have a fun take of A Christmas Carol with the Pantaloonslaughs aplenty guaranteed for everyone.
bedfordcornexchange.co.uk / quarrytheatre.org.uk / theplacebedford.org.uk
Live music: Moutlon 77 brass band play Christmas carols Sunday 1 December 2024
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm - 9pm Free entry
For all festive events from the Cellar Bar, check out their website: thecellarbarbedford.co.uk
Enjoy a mulled wine at the Cellar Bar as the Moulton 77 Brass Band perform Christmas carols amid the festive decorations.
VENTURE GAMES
If you’re looking for a unique activity with friends this Christmas, then Venture Games’ Rage Room and Urban Axe Throwing are for you. The Rage Room experience enables you to - literally - smash stuff up in a controlled and safe environment. From electrical items, glass bottles, kitchen appliances, barrels, car panels, computers and TVs - everything’s smashable! If mindless destruction up isn’t your thing, then why not try the art of axe throwing in the purpose-built two-lane urban axe-throwing facility?
Pit your wits against friends and family to see who can master the art of axe throwing and come out on top of the leaderboard. Perfect for groups of up to 10 people and the trained staff will guide you through the experience, ensuring a safe and memorable time for all.
Fancy a challenge? Then you’ve come to the right place! Don’t Get Locked In Escape Rooms, based in Allhallows offers seven escape room challenges including a twohour escape room game and a year-round Christmas room, designed specifically with kids in mind.
Finding activities that cater for all ages can be difficult, but our escape rooms allow for the whole family to be able to play together and, better still, none of our games have been designed to be scary, just plenty of fun. Designed for two people upwards to 26 players at any one time, use your problem-solving skills to solve puzzles, decipher codes and escape the room.
We are open seven days per week. Gift vouchers are available and all games must be booked in advance online.
Santa’s Grotto Opening Times
Meet Santa in his Grotto, receive a special gift on entry and enjoy the chance to buy a photo from EventPhotos with the main man himself.
THE GROTTO WILL BE OPEN:
Every Saturday and Sunday from 23rd November until 15th December Saturdays 10am- 5pm Sundays 10am – 3pm
CHRISTMAS WEEK OPENING:
Thursday 19th 10am- 5pm Friday 20th 10am- 5pm Saturday 21st 10am – 5pm Sunday 22nd 10am- 3pm Monday 23rd 10am- 5pm Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm
Bedford Christmas Tree Festival casts its spell over St Paul's
The annual Christmas Tree Festival returns to St Paul’s Church this December, spreading some festive magic for visitors of all ages.
From 4 - 8 December, 68 glittering trees will be decorated by local community groups, schools and businesses on the theme of ‘The Magic of Christmas’. Against this sparkling backdrop, a total of 42 choirs and other performers will entertain guests throughout the day. On the evening of Friday, 6 December Amici Music will perform music by Handel, Mozart and a selection of seasonal favourites.
Tickets for the concert are £20 and include a glass of wine and a mince pie. Book your tickets at peoplesfundraising. com/concert-tickets
Tickets (£10) are also available for the ‘Fizz at the Festival’ private view on the opening night and can be booked by emailing treefestival@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk or from the church office in St Paul’s Square.
Once again, visitors can vote for their favourite tree and children can win a book token by spotting the magical themes within the festival trees.
The event is a vital fund-raiser for St Paul’s Church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends, with last year’s visitors donating a record-breaking £24,000 for the two charities.
“This year, with your help, funds will go towards refurbishing two dedicated cancer care side rooms on the children’s Riverbank Ward at South Wing,” said a spokesperson for Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends. “These rooms will allow patients to receive rapid specialist treatment to combat infections, without having to travel further afield.
“The Festival requires immense dedication from some 330 volunteers and office staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The Committee is grateful to the Festival's main sponsor, Jayne Beard Associates, and to many other sponsors, businesses and individuals. New volunteers are always welcome.”
Open Wednesday, 4 til Sunday, 8 December at St Paul's Church, St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 10am - 5pm / Sunday 12pm - 4pm Entry £3 / Under 16s go free
Image: St Paul's Church, Bedford
Image: St Paul's Church, Bedford
Make your own Christmas decorations
Follow these simple instructions and with just a pair of scissors, glue and some ribbon you can create your very own Christmas tree decorations!
Step 1: Cut out the these three snowflakes on the outside of the teal line
Step 2: Fold them along the dotted line
Step 3: Glue the reverse of each snowflake and stick them together
You can either add ribbon when gluing the snowflakes together or make a hole in the finished decoration and thread ribbon through.
Step 4: Add to your Christmas tree and await admiring comments from your festive visitors!
IMPAKT INTERIORS
Gifts that Give
Based in Bedford’s Old Arcade, IMPAKT interiors is a destination home, interiors and gifts boutique with a difference.
With every purchase, you're not just getting a beautiful item—you're helping IMPAKT housing & support make a difference for people in need.
With a whole host of beautiful and meaningful gift ideas, they also have the perfect pieces to add a touch of luxury to your own home. The store features handcurated collections of homewares, unique gifts and a newly launched baby and nursery section. Each item is carefully chosen to bring joy to you and your loved ones, but that’s not all.
With every purchase, you’re doing more.
You’re helping IMPAKT Housing & Support provide housing for those without a home, helping them stock the community larder, and to support people rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse.
Visit us in-store, find something special, and make an IMPAKT this Christmas. | Open 6 days a week
Useful info for festive shoppers
Whether you live nearby or are coming from further afield, it’s easy to get to Bedford by car or public transport.
Free parking
Shoppers and visitors can take advantage of four-hours free parking in Lurke Street and Allhallows multi-storey car parks every day and there are two-hours free parking every Saturday in all council-owned town centre car parks. You can park for free all day every Sunday.
How to get here
By car: Bedford is conveniently located between the A1 and the M1 and is well served by the A421 dual carriageway which links both major roads, as well as the A6 and A428.
By train: Bedford is served by three train services. East Midland Railway (EMR) connects with London St Pancras in just 40 minutes, while the Govia Thameslink service runs from Bedford to Brighton. Finally, the Marston Vale line operates between Bedford and Bletchley. You can check train times at trainline.com. It is a short walk from the station to the town centre.
By bus: Timetables of all buses that serve Bedford Borough are available at bedford.gov.uk/businfo. Bedford Bus Station is in the heart of the town centre.
Where to go
In the centre pages you’ll find our useful map with details of many of Bedford’s independent retailers, plus car parks.
While you’re here, why not take a visit to the ‘cultural quarter’ to visit one of Bedford’s museums (the Higgins Bedford, The Panacea Museum and the John Bunyan Musuem), catch a show at the Corn Exchange, Esquires, the Quarry or the Place Theatre or enjoy a bracing walk along the River Great Ouse. The cold weather doesn’t deter Bedford’s many swans or rowers, so you’re sure to see plenty of both!
Lurke Street Car Park / Image: Bedford Borough Council
