Bedford

Unitary authority in England

Coordinates:	52.19, -0.46
OS grid ref:	TL 05 55

The unitary authority of Bedford covers the market town and a ring of villages in Bedfordshire. The sinuous River Great Ouse runs through the centre, giving long stretches of waterside parkland, boating activity and the prominent medieval castle mound of Bedford Castle.

There’s a strong sense of local history and culture, with ties to the preacher John Bunyan and a compact museum and arts scene centred on The Higgins. The borough stages a popular biennial river festival and has a notably large Italian community alongside more recent arrivals, which adds to a diverse food and high‑street offer.

Economically the area blends local services, light industry and logistics, helped by good rail links into London via Thameslink and close access to the M1. Recent housing growth at places such as the new town of Wixams reflects ongoing suburban expansion while town‑centre regeneration keeps a balance of independent shops, schools and business parks.

Bedford postcode districts

Most populated places in Bedford

Places in Bedford

Backnoe End Built-up area
Bedford Built-up area
Biddenham Parish
Bletsoe Parish
Bromham Built-up area
Cardington Built-up area
Carlton Built-up area
Carlton and Chellington Parish
Clapham Built-up area
Cople Built-up area
Cotton End Built-up area
Great Barford Built-up area
Harrold Built-up area
Kempston Built-up area
Kempston Hardwick Built-up area
Little Staughton Built-up area
Milton Ernest Built-up area
Oakley Built-up area
Pavenham Built-up area
Podington Built-up area
Riseley Built-up area
Roxton Built-up area
Sharnbrook Built-up area
Stagsden Built-up area
Stevington Built-up area
Stewartby Built-up area
Thurleigh Parish
Turvey Built-up area
Upper Dean Built-up area
Willington Built-up area
Wilstead Built-up area
Wootton Built-up area