Shopping
Bedford's
Town Centre
Downtown Bedford is home to about 300 shops with many of England's favourite
shops on High Street.
Traffic Free Shopping
The street markets and most of the downtown shops are located in pedestrian
zones. Harpur
Centre is an attractive mall with 30 shops, the Boulevards is a
haven for browsers looking for small shops selling specialty items with
everything from chocolate to musical instruments.
Exploring some of the alleyways and smaller arcades can also be fun
and very rewarding.
Truly a Traditional Market Town
Bedford’s twice-weekly Charter Market literally put the town on
the map when King Henry II granted the charter in 1166 allowing Bedfordians
to hold their own market.
Other than for a brief spell in the last century, St. Paul's Square
has been home to the traditional Bedford market since the 1500s. The
present day market is now hosted by Harpur Square as well as St. Paul's.
Today Bedford offers a mix of mall and traditional street shopping including
specialty street markets.
Bedford Charter Market -
General Market
Whether you want to bag a bargain, buy fresh produce or just soak in
the atmosphere, Bedford’s busy, vibrant and exiting Charter Market
is the place to be.
Location: Harpur and St Paul's Squares Wed & Sat
8:30am - 4:30pm Apr - Dec
Closes at 4:00pm Jan - Apr
Bedford
Gourmet Food Market
Experience the sensual delights of the Gourmet Food Market in Bedford's
picturesque Harpur Square each Thursday.
The market offers a wide range of quality food and food-related products
including; quality sausages, chilly sauces, Mediterranean delicacies,
speciality seafood, cheese, Fair Trade products, bread, rolls, cakes,
exotic fruit and vegetables, nuts, etc.
Lunchtime
Enjoy speciality Asian food, roast pork baguettes, hot rolls and takeaway
coffees, or sit under the trees with a fresh peculated coffee and soak
in the atmosphere.
Location: Harpur Square Thursday 9:30am - 4:00pm
Farmers' Market
On the 2nd Thursday of each month the gourmet food market also includes
a Farmers’ Market with local produce and WI cakes.
Location: Harpur Square 2nd Thursday 9:30am - 4:00pm
Flower
and Plant Market
If you enjoy gardening you really should visit the Flower and Plant
Market on Fridays. The market traders offer bedding plants, cut flowers,
hanging baskets, shrubs, ceramic pots, garden tools, garden furniture,
books relating to gardening and quality Arts and Crafts.
Location: Harpur Square Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm
Antiques, Arts, Crafts and
Collectors Fair
The Antiques Fair takes place in the Harpur Suite adjacent to
the square, where you will find antiques, collectibles, jewellery, porcelain,
and the like.
Location: Harpur Suite Thursday 9:30am - 4:00pm
Access to Shopping and Facilities in Bedford
If you or a companion need help with your mobility while in bedford
you may wish to call Shopmobility
at 01234348000 or download this pdf.
Bookings: Call 01234
353844 or write to Mervyn@bedfordbedandbreakfast.com
