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We boast many beautiful and award winning parks and open spaces in Bedford Borough.Bedford Embankment with bridge and flowers

Amongst the most popular is the riverside promenade running through the town centre, made up of the Embankment Gardens, Russell Park and Mill Meadows. While Bedford Park is a Victorian gem situated at the end of the imposing De Parys Avenue.  

In addition to our urban parks, we have some amazing country parks and areas of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, grasslands and heritage sites providing fantastic locations for walking, learning and discovery in the great outdoors.

Throughout the year our teams maintain the trees, grass, and flowers in our green spaces to a high standard and create stunning floral displays.

There is something for everyone at our parks and green spaces, from outdoor sports to great food - and many seasonal events throughout the year to enjoy.

In recognition of our continued standard of management, four of Bedford’s parks have been awarded Green Flags. More details about these parks can be found below:

Our wonderful volunteer groups have also been awarded Green Flag Community Awards for Hill Rise Local Nature Reserve, Mowsbury Hillfort and Putnoe Wood. More details about these sites, and our other nature reserves can be found here.

Council park facilities

If you see any damage to any park facility, then please report it on the form below, it should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes.

By submitting the form, you agree that you have read and accepted how we process your personal data.

Use the button to report as a guest:

Report damaged Council park facilities

Alternatively, login to / register for a Council Services account to report damaged Council park facilities. 

Play areas

We inspect and maintain over 120 play areas with facilities for toddlers, juniors and teens. Some include multi-use sports facilities, skate parks and outdoor gyms which are free to use.

If you notice a problem in a Council park play area, then please let us know using the form below, it should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes.

By submitting the form, you agree that you have read and accepted how we process your personal data.

Use the button to report as a guest:

Report a play area problem

Alternatively, login to / register for a Council Services account to report a play area problem. 

Book a sports pitch 

Many of our parks offer a range of bookable sports facilities including, football, tennis, cricket, rugby, rounder’s and bowls. For more information and to book a court or pitch visit the outdoor sports page.

We also have fishing permits available at our country park sites.

Book an event in a park

To apply to hold an event in one of our parks or open spaces, please visit our park events page.

Volunteering in parks

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer in your local park or open space, visit our Get involved pages to see what happening and to register.

Healthy Parks

Being active in the fresh air is good for your health. Our parks provide a whole range of activities for keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors.

Let’s Go Bedfordshire provides information on places to walk, picnic and enjoy.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks (previously Walling for Health) gives more information on how walking can improve your health.

Join a guided walk and learn about the history of Bedford while keeping active.

Approved fitness and sessional activity instructors provides information on fitness instructors, businesses and sessional activities approved to operate on Council parkland.

Drones, radio controlled vehicles and model aircraft

The use of all unauthorised drones, radio controlled vehicles or model aircraft within our parks and green spaces is prohibited. Please read our Drones and Model Aircraft Policy (PDF) for more information.

Tick awareness and Lyme disease

Ticks are small spider-like creatures that can be found in grassy, wooded and countryside areas, including parks and other green spaces.

Most tick bites are harmless, but some ticks can carry Lyme disease. You can reduce the risk by taking simple precautions when spending time outdoors.

Be tick aware

  • Keep to clear paths where possible.
  • Avoid brushing against long grass and vegetation.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and consider using insect repellent.
  • Check yourself, children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
  • Remove any attached tick promptly and safely using a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.

Seek medical advice if you develop a spreading circular or oval rash, flu-like symptoms, tiredness, muscle pain or joint pain after a tick bite or after spending time in areas where ticks may be present.

Further advice on tick bite prevention, safe tick removal and Lyme disease symptoms: