Bedford Escorts

What to See in Bedford

Harrold Ordell Country Park

Harrold-Odell Country Park is located to the north of Bedford set in Bedfordshire's beautiful countryside. Positioned in 144 acres, the main features of the park are two striking lakes, the beautifully kempt river meadows, the peaceful woodland and tranquil banks of the Great Ouse River, offering the visitor a fantastic variety of unique scenery, great walks and an abundance of wildlife, which all adds up to a great day out.

This whole of north Bedfordshire is of immense archaeological importance.
There has been human occupation of this area since the early prehistoric times, with the river valley playing an important part of the communities and the focus of activity. The Park itself prides itself on a rich history of human activity which was discovered and then uncovered in excavations prior to mineral extraction. The remains of an Iron Age farm dating back to the first century AD and evidence of a Roman Settlement have been found within the parks boundaries.

The area was retained as productive farmland until sand and gravel were extracted post the Second World War. Once this extraction had finally completed, the area was restored back to its former use as farmland, there was additional work completed and the two lakes were created, a legacy from the extraction. The lakes attracted much wildlife and rapidly became important areas for conservation within the park. The whole site was eventually acquired by Bedfordshire County Council for use as a Country Park in the 1980's.

Santa Pod Raceway

Santa Pod Raceway is the UK home to European Drag Racing and plays host to the televised FIA European Drag Racing Championships. Renowned as the fastest and noisiest motoring sports event on earth, and includes sensational race action from the unique dragsters and doorslammers to reconstructed beetles and bikes, purpose built to meet the rigors that drag racing presents. Experience the excitement, noise thrills and spills of this high paced motor sport.

Santa Pod plays host to over 50 meetings during the race season which runs from January to November and includes: National drag race meetings, classic car events, modified car shows, VW festivals, Japanese performance car events, specialist events, the infamous Run What Ya Brung (RWYB) public track days and many more motor mania driven events.

Body Flight Skydiving Centre

Bodyflight Skydiving centre is within 10 minutes drive of the centre of Bedford an is reputed to be the world’s largest indoor skydiving facility where you can take part in the fun, excitement and exhilarating sport of Bodyflying in the safety of a custom built and designed vertical wind tunnel.

Learning can be fun and the thought of participating in the adrenaline filled, exciting sport of Bodyflying is extremely rewarding, there is no need to worry about heights or jumping this recreational activity is all ground based. The centre is used by experienced Skydivers as a valuable training tool and often attracts some of the world's top skydiving teams, who use the facility to practicing formation skydiving and freeflying.

Bodyflying is suitable for all age groups and there are no ability requirements. Experience is not required, you will learn as you go along, which all adds to the fun of the day. Bodyflying also makes an excellent gift for that special occasion.

Restaurants in Bedford

Amici Mediterranean Restaurant

Amici is an intimate traditional Mediterranean style restaurant with an Italian influence in the bustling centre of Bedford’s historical town. With its relaxed and warm atmosphere, it is the perfect setting for any event, whether you are looking for a romantic meal for two, a dinner with friends or whether it is for that special celebration.

The menu offers fresh produce locally sourced enabling the food to be presented at its very best. The restaurant specialises in freshly cooked to order cuisine created by our chef, using the finest recipes from the Mediterranean region. Amici cater for the most discerning of dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, gluten-free...etc), please don't hesitate to discuss this with us when either making your reservation or on arrival.

The Restaurant can accommodate parties of up to 40 people and offers an extensive menu to suit every budget. All complimented by the exclusive wine and beverages list to make your visit complete. The welcoming and helpful staff will guide you through this gastronomic experience, making sure your visit is a very memorable one.

The Peking Palace

The Peking Palace was established in 1989, and is located in the busy and historic town centre of Bedford, close to all of the central amenities and very easy to find. The restaurant specialises in Peking and Cantonese cuisine. Fully licensed, with an interesting wine list including a varied beverage assortment, and a menu which boasts over 100 mouth watering and appetising dishes, the cuisine is freshly prepared by our excellent chef’s. Using only the finest locally sourced ingredients and cooked to our very special rural and authentic recipes, this meal will be one you remember with enjoyment.

Providing a friendly service and offering the warmest of welcomes, our policy is to make sure your visit is both relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you are entertaining a party or looking for a special meal for two the Peking Palace will meet with all of your aspirations and deliver a fantastic evening of entertainment.

EatFish Restaurant

Eat Fish Restaurant based in the centre of historical Bedford offers an exclusive menu of fresh Fish produced to delight the connoisseur. Prepared and cooked by our highly trained Chef’s and only using the finest of fresh ingredients, sourced from renown purveyors, safe in the knowledge of knowing exactly where the fish have been caught.. Cooking fish requires special experience combined with flair, our chefs endeavour to retain the fresh delicate flavour of the produce in every dish.

The extensive menu is fully complimented by a superb wine and beverages list which has been selected to flatter the Al a Carte menu. The Staff and Management offer a warm, friendly and efficient service in the contemporary surroundings of this atmospheric and sophisticated restaurant.

Orchard Bay Thai Restaurant

The Orchard Bay is quite possibly Bedford's finest Thai Restaurant. Located in the historic market town of Bedford close to the buzzing centre and easily accessed. Offering its guests a warm and hearty welcome by the ever attentive and courteous staff, the restaurant delivers an authentic and genuine Thai menu accompanied by a hand picked wine and beverages list to fully compliment the experience. The Staff and Management are always on hand to advise on the most enjoyable selections and explain the intricate dishes in detail if required.

The food is freshly prepared by the experienced Thai Chefs and all produced used is locally purchased to ensure its freshness. Authentic Thai cuisine is made distinctive by the incredible ingredients and spices Thailand has introduced and can include coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, chillies, ginger, basil and many more besides. The interiors has been designed to reflect a little of Thailand’s peaceful elegance and evocative ambience to the restaurant.

The Orchard Bay offers an alternative style of cuisine, along with a great atmosphere and a warm and friendly team, the only other ingredient needed to make this a perfect meal is you the Guest.

The Park Gastro Pub

A warm welcome is always guaranteed when as a guest you visit The Park, located very close to Bedford town centre. Having been fully refurbished, this eatery come lively Bar is quite simply conspicuous, modern furnishings compliment the natural surfaces brought to life by dexterous lighting. From the conservatory restaurant, soporific bar to the covered/heated court yard no expense or commitment to detail has been spared. Offering a varied menu and an extensive wine list to meet with every pallet.

The fully trained sophisticated staff are straightforward, extremely attentive & very welcoming. Once inside you’ll discover The Locals Bar, populated by friendly local characters exchanging pleasantries and having a good olde gossip over a drink. The Conservatory Restaurant, light and airy during the day, yet transformed into an ambient, secluded and romantic dining area enhanced by subtle lighting at night. The Long Room, with its relaxed atmosphere augmented by a roaring log burner, the perfect place to relax take it easy ands enjoy the heady atmosphere and last but not least, The Court Yard, while away those long lazy afternoons and evenings under the giant heated umbrellas.

Contact Details:

The Park
98 Kimbolton Road
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK40 2PA

Entertainment in Bedford

Fat Larry's Comedy Club

Fat Larry’s Comedy Bar, is a new and exciting venue offering a night of hilarious stand up comedy with highly acclaimed local talent performing, as well as some well know comedians.

It is located in the village of Olney which is easily accessed from Bedford and is about a 20 minute drive. The venue forms part of the Bull Inn and takes place in the comfortable surroundings of the function room attached to the Inn, full night of enjoyment and merriment can be planned to include a meal and a few beverages, at this very popular Inn.

The comedy nights take place on a regular basis and specialise in inviting up and coming comic talent as well as some of the more well known circuit comedians to perform there sets. Booking is advisable and can be arranged via the website or simply by contacting the Inn directly. A not to be missed night out.

(01234) 261842

AMF Ten Pin Bowling

If you are looking to relax and enjoy an evening of sporty excitement then look no further than the AMF Bowling venue. Situated about 10 minutes from Bedford Town centre and easily reached, the venue has 24 computerised lanes to simplify the evening’s entertainment.

Just arrive, decide how many games you want to play, go to the designated lane and register the player, and then simply begin, it’s that easy. A great place to meet with friends, work colleagues or just for a fun evening, enjoy a night of socialising or just fun. Book a package and get a great deal on bowling, food and drink. As part of the complete package the centre can organise a challenge contest, Xtreme Bowling, prize give-aways and much more, just contact the nearest centre for details.

Timeout Night Club

TIMEOUT is a bar/nightclub located in the heart of Bedford town centre. The Club is all about creating good times, great music and legendary vibes. Come along and join in the party on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday to see how things are done!

The venue comprises of three distinct rooms all playing there own blend and style of Music. Choose from chill out soul Funk, Disco, Party, Chart RnB, including requests and Electro Jackin House, maybe even a retro 80’s night or some indie rock, you choose.

A fantastic venue with friendly staff and a great atmosphere, Bedford’s number one night club / late bar always offering a red hot welcome with a buzz which can not be found anywhere else in this bustling town, try it out for yourself.

The Paradise Club

The Paradise Club is Bedford's ultimate and premiere pole dancing and lap dancing club. Offering a superb and exciting night of entertainment for the more astute gentleman, not forgetting the ladies, who are looking for a more exclusive partying experience for that special occasion. Renowned for its extremely friendly girls and intimate atmosphere the club is a must to visit if you are in the Bedford Area. Offering one of the best pole dancing - topless dancing experiences in the county.

On arrival at the Paradise Club you will be welcomed by professional friendly staff, who are more than willing to assist in any way they can. The promise is an unforgettable evening of extreme entertainment at The Paradise Club with beautiful girls dancing topless in the private area and pole dancing throughout the evening at no extra charge.

The PalmerSport Driving Experience

The PalmerSport experience will deliver a fast paced driving day like no other. You will be encouraged to drive a selection of the world's greatest cars, and push yourself and the machinery, harder than you may have realised you were capable of! The activities take place in an extremely safe environment where your safety is our main concern, and under the supervision of our team of experts. It' will be the experience of a lifetime, memorable and adrenaline driven.

Situated approximately 20 minutes from the centre of Bedford and within easy reach by rail or road, the 380 acre Bedford Autodrome complex was created exclusively for the PalmerSport event group, to provide the most favourable environment for guests to drive cars at speed and safely. The site affords six miles of track arranged over four differing circuits, where the guests have plenty of scope to push the vehicles to there limit and are enthusiastically encouraged to do so by the team of tremendous instructors, many of whom are racing drivers. All activities are timed, with ceremonies and trophies awarded when the day is completed. A must for speed freaks and car enthusiasts alike.

Where to Stay in Bedford

The Embankment Hotel

The Embankment Hotel was originally constructed in 1891 and has recently been fully renovated in keeping with its late-Victorian heyday style, but with careful consideration for the inclusion of all the modern comforts & facilities of a great Pub / Hotel. The ambience is relaxed & welcoming. There is no conventional hotel lobby or residents' lounge, just a team of friendly and attentive staff to look after you during your stay.

The Embankment is an imposing mock-Tudor pub / hotel with 20 en suite rooms in the heart of historical Bedford. It is located as you may have guessed; the clue is in the name! Right in the middle of the towns delightfully -landscaped Embankment area, presenting wonderful views across the River Great Ouse, the pretty boathouses and all the hustle and bustle and buzz of life on Bedford’s fantastic river.

All of the 20 bedrooms have free Wi-Fi access and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. The spacious bar & refectory overlook the river, a lovely shaded terrace, where you can relax and chill and a private dining room for up to 24 guests. With the inclusion of the Therapy Club now at The Embankment you will be able to relax and unwind with a range of specialised beauty treatments to make you feel and look great.

The Innkeeper's Lodge

A warm and friendly welcome awaits all guests at a Innkeeper’s Lodge, a growing new and exciting business with a collection of lodges which provide refreshing budget accommodation to the most discerning of travellers, offering a really great value for money experience.

The Innkeeper’s Lodge at Bedford offers, a high standard of quality, satisfaction and superb budget accommodation. With a atmospheric pub and restaurant located only a few steps away, the Innkeeper’s Lodge is the perfect place to stay whether it is for business or leisure.

The Lodge is located close to Bedford’s Historic town centre where all the main amenities can be found, the main High Street retailers for some retail therapy, enjoyable evenings’ full of entertainment or that special little restaurant for a cosy meal for two.

The Barns Hotel

The Barns Hotel is set by a beautiful riverside location on the Great Ouse. Located amongst three and a half acres of exceptional landscaped gardens, yet it is less than 10 miles from the M1 and within 8 miles of A1 and a short drive to the centre of the busy historical market town of Bedford. The serene setting offers an alternative to town centre accommodation with open views of the great River Ouse and the local country park and astonishing grounds in which to amble and relax.

Extreme assiduousness has been taken during the renovation of this listed property, taking the utmost care and applying a sympathetic approach when retaining the original character of the property, whilst integrating the modern essentials giving a modern feel and touch. Wi-Fi is available in many parts of the hotel and the bedrooms have been designed with the discerning guest in mind offering all the standard accompaniments and more.

The hotel prides itself on its highly trained, polite and welcoming staff who will assist you in any way they can making your stay memorable and totally hassle free. The Hotel boasts a riverside Restaurant, serving very fine examples of classic cuisine, complimented by a very well stocked wine cellar. The Riverside Bar is a great place to retire to after that fulfilling dining experience or just to relax and chill.

The Woodland Manor Hotel

The Woodland Manor Hotel is set in wooded grounds and bedecked by beautifully tendered gardens. This idyllically located and secluded grade II listed manor house is in the heart of Bedfordshire which benefits from a generous reputation as the traditional English country house hotel. The hotel with its elegant and stylish furnishing sustains the feel of an old country house, with its welcoming open fires, cleverly introduced modern comforts and proficient, courteous staff ensures that your stay will be a memorable one

The hotel has more than ample parking and is only two miles from the historic centre of Bedford, midway between the major road networks of the M1 and A1. The Woodlands Manor prides itself on the facilities it provides to its guests and these include Sky television, hospitality tray, direct dial telephones with modem points and trouser presses in all rooms. The hotel offers standard rooms and for that special stay, executive suites including four poster beds.

The strikingly refurbished Autographs is the Woodland Manor Hotel's award winning restaurant, offering a variety of A la Carte dishes and bespoke menus which provide a balance between the traditional English and dishes and the French panache for fresh, light taste, all complemented by an extensive wines selection from the well stocked cellar.

Edwardian House Hotel

The Edwardian House Hotel is centrally located and only a ten minute walk to the Historical Town centre of Bedford. The Hotel is privately owned and prides itself on the staff who are renowned for their warm, polite and welcoming manner. The hotel merges unparalleled style and luxury together with responsiveness to create the tranquillity required to totally relax and enjoy oneself. The staff at the Edwardian House extend there hospitality that little bit further to give your stay that real home from home feeling.

The hotel provides 19 well appointed rooms and is conveniently located for the business, historical and recreational centre of Bedford. Luton Airport is within easy driving distance and the nearby railway station is only a 5 minute walk, making a visit to London very easy.

The Edwardian House Hotel is fully licensed and retains a good selection of beers beverages to suit every pallet. For that special occasion, flowers and champagne can be provided on request.