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
