New walking tours launched in Bedford for 2023

The 2023 guided walking tours with the Bedford Association of Tour Guides are now available to book. There are eight different tours for visitors and residents of Bedford Borough to discover, each full of history and fascinating stories.

The different tours are an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed and entertaining journey through the thousand-year history of Bedford, led by qualified members of the Bedford Association of Tour Guides. Subjects include John Bunyan, Bedford in World War II, The Embankment, and the rise and fall of Bedford Castle.

Two new routes have been added this year: Bedford's Movers & Shakers and Tales of the Tower & Steeple. The first offers the opportunity to learn about individuals from the past who have made a significant impact on Bedford and the wider world. The second gives a brief tour of St. Paul's and St. Peter's churches that includes some of the fascinating history and stories of these buildings.

Each tour costs just £3 per person, or £1.50 for children over eight years old. It is also possible to book bespoke tours for groups.

A Bedford Borough Spokesperson, said, "We are excited to be able to announce these new walking tours, they are a fantastic way to enjoy some exercise outdoors and discover some of the histories of Bedford Borough."

"These walking tours are always popular and book up quickly so we advise people to book early to avoid disappointment."

The walks last around an hour and a half to two hours and cover a distance of one to two miles. This season's tours are already underway and continue up to Wednesday 29 October, each tour must be booked in advance.

Other than the Bedford's Movers & Shakers tour, each walking tour starts at the gold post box opposite St. Pauls Church. This is close to Bedford's Old Town Hall, MK40 1SL and the What3Words location is "lanes.snake.gone".

Find all the details and how to book each walking tour at; www.bedford.gov.uk/guidedwalks.

For those who prefer to go at their own pace, a free 45-minute self-guided tour of untold stories of Bedford High Street is available at www.izi.travel/en/d94d-the-invisible-folk-walking-tour-of-bedford-high-street/en. This tour was developed in partnership with Bedford Borough Council as part of the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone project. Free printed maps are also available from The Higgins Bedford, MK40 3XD.

There are also a number of walking, cycling and riding routes available right across Bedford Borough, these can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/walkingroutes.