Outdoors & parks
John Bunyan river cruises on the Great Ouse in Bedfordshire
The John Bunyan boat offers trips along the river Great Ouse from the beginning of April until the end of October.
Our cruise programme offers a wide variety of trips including Public Standard afternoon cruises towards Kempston and Cardington from Priory Marina and Sovereigns Quay, which are available with a selection of pre bookable catering (Ploughman’s Lunch, Cream Tea, etc.). There is also an on-board Café and licensed bar. Our Public Special cruises, include cruises to the Anchor public house at Great Barford, evening music cruises from the Barns Hotel, evening fish and chip supper cruises and cruises to the Barns Hotel for afternoon tea, etc.
The boat is also available for private hire for occasions such as wedding drinks reception, birthday or anniversary celebrations, club or workplace outings, corporate or charity events and educational trips, to name but a few.
For information on the John Bunyan Boat scheduled public cruises, as well as group charter hire, please visit the website: www.johnbunyanboat.org or phone 03301 239511 for charter hire or 01946 690301 for public cruises.
The John Bunyan Boat is operated by Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterways Enterprises Ltd. on behalf of Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterways Trust, Registered Charity no 1114294.
Bedford Castle Mound & Embankment Gardens
The Embankment, Bedford
The remains of the Saxon Castle Mound were given a facelift in May 2004 and offers visitors stunning views over the River Great Ouse and the Embankment. The traditional formal Victorian gardens provide a colourful array of flowers and foliage along one of England's finest river settings.
River Great Ouse
There is little doubt that Bedford's river is the jewel in her crown. The River Great Ouse winds its way through the town giving Bedford what has been described as one of the finest riverside settings in England and is the setting of the Bedford River Festival which takes place every two years.
For details of attractions and events telephone Bedford Tourist Information Centre (01234) 718112.
Russell Park
Russell Park situated on the picturesque Embankment in Bedford Town Centre is a large open park offering football pitches, tennis courts, children's play areas and Pitch and Putt, as well as the friendly Kiosk serving fantastic coffee and tasty homemade snacks.
Priory Marina Country Park
Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9DJ
Tel. 01234 351931
Fax. 01234 273086
300 acres of beautiful country park just one mile from Bedford Town Centre. This pleasant country park features a 200-berth marina with it’s own gift shop situated next to a pub, restaurant and hotel. The Priory Marina offers riverside walks, cycle tracks, boating facilities and more.
Bedford Park
Park Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7SS
Tel. 01234 359469
A beautiful Victorian design with mature trees and a children's playground. Other facilities include tennis courts, football goals, basketball court and cricket pitch.
Woburn Abbey
Woburn, Bedfordshire
Tel. 01525 290333
Website. www.woburnabbey.co.uk
One of the finest houses in England, Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Dukes of Bedford for more than 450 years. Set in a 3000-acre deer park, it was built in the mid-12th century and extensively altered by Henry Holland, the Prince Regent’s architect, in the mid-18th century. The Abbey contains an important and extensive art collection including paintings by Canaletto, Rembrandt, Holbein, Velazquez and many others.