Guided walks

You will know of the 'mugshot', but did you know it was first introduced into the criminal justice system by Robert Evan Roberts, a reforming governor of Bedford Prison in Victorian times? Join us on this walk and meet Roberts and others who made a difference in Bedford and in the world; an astronomer, a polar explorer, the first woman county councillor and discover how some of the most attractive private dwellings in Bedford came to grace this area of town.

Please note that this tour starts opposite Bedford Prison, at the top of St. Loyes Street, Bedford, MK40 1HG. The What3Words location is “resort.brings.copper”.

• Sunday 21 May
• Sunday 16 July
• Sunday 20 August
• Sunday 15 October

St. Paul's and St. Peter's churches have a fascinating history and many stories to tell. Join us on a brief tour of each church and discover why they have played such an important and integral part in the development and history of the town itself.

• Wednesday 28 June
• Wednesday 26 July
• Wednesday 6 September
• Wednesday 27 September

The most commonly heard phrase after the completion of a Guided Walk. This Walk encompasses all that information about Bedford and its many features that YOU never knew!

• Sunday 16 April
• Wednesday 3 May
• Sunday 28 May
• Sunday 9 July
• Sunday 30 July
• Sunday 17 September
• Wednesday 25 October

The Jewel in Bedford's Crown is undoubtedly the River Great Ouse and its Embankment. Find out how the construction of this part of the town came about and hear about the many important features which stand on either side of the river and which can easily be overlooked.

• Wednesday 7 June
• Friday 23 June
• Sunday 3 September
• Sunday 24 September
• Sunday 29 October

The Normans were swift on their arrival in this country to build a castle of great size in Bedford. Discover the castle's story and why it was demolished.

• Sunday 18 June
• Sunday 13 August
• Sunday 8 October

A popular walk revealing the secrets and mysteries of life in Bedford during World War II. What famous people were here and why? What was meant by the BBC during the War when announcing a programme from "Somewhere In England"? And why has Bedford been called “the Spy Capital of the World”?

• Sunday 30 April
• Sunday 11 June
• Sunday 2 July
• Wednesday 30 August
• Wednesday 4 October

Bedford has many impressive statues and memorials. They cannot tell their own story – but we can and do!

• Wednesday 26 April
• Wednesday 31 May
• Sunday 25 June
• Wednesday 2 August
• Sunday 10 September
• Sunday 1 October

Bedford's most famous son. Born in Elstow parish but spent much of his life in Bedford and, in particular, in Bedford gaol. Visit the site of the cottage in which John and his family lived, the churches in which he worshipped and the site of the gaol in which he spent 12 long years and wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress.

• Sunday 14 May
• Sunday 4 June
• Wednesday 5 July
• Sunday 6 August
• Sunday 22 October