Situated just 30 miles from London, Bedfordshire offers gently rolling countryside, winding rivers, and lovely villages, as well as many designated Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. Its trails — for walking, cycling, and horse riding — are widely renowned, and its stately homes, nature reserves, and animal parks draw international visitors year-round. its airport, in centuries-old Luton, connects Bedfordshire to the rest of the world, while its excellent rail connections mean that some people commute from villages like Biddenham into London. Woburn and Harrold both made the 2013 Sunday Times list of Britain’s best places to live.
Arlesey is a semi-rural town situated in the north of Bedfordshire, nestled close to the Hertfordshire border. With its origins dating back to the Domesday Book, Arlesey has developed from a medieval village with strong agricultural roots, to a well-connected commuter town while still retaining its tranquil charm. Its setting along the River Hiz and proximity to open countryside appeal to those seeking a quieter pace of life, yet with easy access to urban amenities.
Situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Bedford is a historic market town in Bedfordshire known for its blend of riverside charm, diverse community, and excellent commuter links. The town’s roots date back to medieval times, reflected in well-preserved architecture, ancient streets, and the iconic Bedford Castle mound. As the county town, Bedford enjoys a prominent position both administratively and culturally, offering a variety of amenities and green spaces that attract families, professionals, and retirees.
Biggleswade is a lively market town in Bedfordshire, situated on the River Ivel and surrounded by typical English countryside. Its roots trace back to Roman times, with a long history as a staging post town due to its strategic position on the Great North Road. Today, Biggleswade is well-known for its strong sense of community, heritage buildings, and excellent amenities for residents, blending the convenience of town life with quick access to peaceful rural settings.
Dunstable is a historic market town situated in Bedfordshire, approximately 30 miles north of central London. With its proximity to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the town's rich history dating back to Roman times, Dunstable offers residents a blend of heritage and modern lifestyle amenities. Well-known as the crossroads of old major coaching routes, Dunstable still retains many echoes of its past, including the renowned Priory Church of St Peter and the historic Dunstable Downs as an iconic natural landmark.
Henlow is a historic village in Bedfordshire, lying close to the border with Hertfordshire and surrounded by picturesque countryside. Nestled on the banks of the River Ivel, it blends rural charm with convenient access to larger towns like Hitchin and Biggleswade. With its tree-lined streets, traditional cottages, and green open spaces, Henlow maintains a distinctly village character even as it grows in popularity with families and commuters.
Leighton Buzzard is a historic market town located in Bedfordshire, nestled between the larger centres of Milton Keynes and Luton. Situated near the Chiltern Hills, the town is known for its unique blend of period architecture, bustling high street, and proximity to natural landscapes such as the Grand Union Canal and surrounding countryside. With its roots dating back to the Domesday Book, Leighton Buzzard has evolved into a thriving commuter town while retaining its traditional charm and community feel.
Luton, located in the county of Bedfordshire, is a large and culturally diverse town situated approximately 30 miles north of London. Enjoying a prominent position on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Luton is particularly recognised for its historic connection to hat making, and the town still celebrates this heritage today. With a notable blend of urban convenience and access to surrounding countryside, Luton offers residents a mix of bustling town life and green escapes.
Sandy is a small market town located in the heart of Bedfordshire, to the east of the county. It is nestled between the historic county town of Bedford and the Cambridgeshire border, providing residents with a blend of rural charm and convenient connections to surrounding towns and cities. Sandy is renowned for its welcoming community, historic market traditions, and the rich landscape of the neighboring RSPB The Lodge nature reserve, which serves as the headquarters for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Shefford, a small market town located in Bedfordshire, offers a blend of rural charm and emerging modern amenities. Positioned strategically between Bedford and Letchworth, it stands out for its strong sense of local heritage, historical market roots, and close-knit community feel. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and maintains its traditional character with a blend of older cottages, contemporary estates, and attractive period properties along its quiet streets.