Shakespeare Hotel Bedford 27 Shakespeare Road Online Booking

Ideal for those wishing to explore the surrounding area with all its attractions or commute in to London - just a 40 minute train ride away.

Fabulous sights to be enjoyed within a short drive away include Woburn Abbey, Whipsnade Zoo, Knebworth House and Silverstone Race Track. An hours drive away are Oxford and Cambridge and closer to home you can enjoy a day at Wrest Park Gardens at Ampthill with their Chinese, Baroque and Classical themes - displaying formal gardens and water features. The village of Elstow on the south side of Bedford is very pretty and is the place where John Bunyan was born - you can visit the Moot Hall where there are exhibitions about his life and works.

Bedford itself is lovely for shopping - The Harpur Centre houses 30 quality shops all under one roof. There are two theatres in the town and the Aspect Leisure Centre is where you will find six screen cinema, ten-pin bowling alley and laser activity centre - great for the family.

An evening wining and dining followed by musical concerts at the Bedford Corn Exchange is another idea.

A little down river you will find Priory Country Park with its wildlife trust - wonderful place to walk and take in some air.