With summer underway and further spells of very hot weather forecast, Bedford Borough Council is working with partners to develop a Cool Spaces network of venues where local residents can go to take shelter from the sun, stay cool and enjoy some company.
The Cool Spaces Network will continue to grow as more venues sign up.
See Beat the heat: hot weather advice on GOV.UK for tips on staying safe this summer.
Have a Cool Space to offer?
If your organisation is offering a Cool Space and would like it included on the Bedford Borough Cool Spaces Network please contact edith.ekpa@bedford.gov.uk.
We are offering organisations grants of up to £250 to help with the associated costs of running a Cool Space.
Cool Spaces - our libraries
Our libraries are open to offer a cool space - see the opening times for your local library here.
Cool Spaces - other venues
The Cool Spaces below are offered and operated by third parties and are not affiliated to Bedford Borough Council (with the exception of The Higgins Bedford).
| Venue | Opening times | What's available |
|---|---|---|
|
Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8LJ Tel: 01234 822681 |
Monday: 8:30am – 5pm |
Free ice creams, milkshakes, tea, coffee, and craft activities for children and young people, wellbeing lounge, toddler group, scrabble club, Knit & Natter group Also available: Free parking, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, free charging points for devices. |
|
Church of the Transfiguration, 132 Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8BQ Email: andrea@transfigchurch.org
|
Tuesday: 12pm – 5pm Thursday: 12pm – 5pm |
Tea /coffee, cold drinks, snacks and cakes. Free lunch available 12pm– 2pm (Tuesday and Thursday). Hot snacks available only on Tuesdays. Free parking, toys for children, baby changing facilities, accessible toilets and play area. |
|
Great Denham Community Hall, 86-88 Saxon Way, Bedford MK40 4GP |
Monday: 11am – 4pm Wednesday: 1pm – 4pm (May vary but generally open on stated days and times) |
Activities, family films, board games Also available: Free parking, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, free charging points for devices People can bring their own refreshments. |
|
The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD Email: thehiggins@bedford.org.uk Tel: 01234 718618 |
General opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11am –5pm Sunday 2pm – 5pm |
Air conditioned galleries showcasing temporary and permanent exhibitions and displays drawn from The Higgins’ own extensive art and museum collections. Also available: Accessible toilets. Adjacent museum café at The Higgins Pantry. |
|
Jubilation Action Group, Scott Hall Community Centre, Barford Ave, Bedford, MK42 0DX Tel: 0774 2016465 |
Tuesday: 9:30am – 12pm |
Teas, coffees, cakes, biscuits, reading books Also available: Accessible toilets, baby changing facilities and free charging points for devices. Money courses will be provided from September 2023. |
|
Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7BN Tel: 01234 853262 |
Tuesday: 9:30am – 12pm |
£1 for tea/coffee and a piece of cake. Air- conditioning and Wi-Fi. Also available: Free parking, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, free charging points for devices. |
|
St Mary’s Goldington PCC, St Mary’s Vicarage, Church Lane. Goldington, MK42 0AP Tel: 01234351920 Email: heather.dommett@gmail.com
|
Monday: 1pm – 4pm |
Drinks, snacks, play equipment and toys. Venue is dog friendly. Also available: Free parking, Wi-Fi, disabled toilets, baby changing facilities and free charging points for devices. |
|
St Vincent’s @Holy Cross Church Bedford, 355 Goldington Road, Bedford MK41 0DP Tel: 07971849135 |
Tuesday: 1:30pm – 4pm |
Hot and cold refreshments, cakes and biscuits, board games, knitting club, bingo and sing-along sessions. There are occasional guest speakers. Also available: Free parking, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, free charging points for devices. |
|
Stevington Church Room, Church Road, Stevington, Bedford MK43 7QB Tel: 01234 825212 |
Monday – Friday 10am – 12pm midday and 3pm–5pm Saturday: 10am – 12pm |
Drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, book swaps, work spaces and toys Also available: Free parking, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities and free charging points for devices. (If temperatures become excessive it might be necessary to move into the church where it is cooler but fewer amenities/activities) |