Cities and Towns - Bedfordshire

Ampthill www.midbeds.gov.uk
Ancient market town, under the brow of The Greensand Ridge. Picturesque narrow streets are lined with fine Georgian buildings. Ampthill Park was once home to a
15th C. castle where Henry VIII stayed, and his wife Katherine of Aragon was held during their divorce proceedings - a stone cross now marks the spot.

Bedford www.bedford.gov.uk
Ancient county town, dating back to before Saxon times. Fine buildings and mound of Norman castle. The Embankment is one of the country´s finest river settings, with tree-lined walkways, gardens, bandstand and elegant suspension bridge. Connections to preacher/author John Bunyan (The Pilgrim's Progress); World War II bandleader Glenn Miller; and the former Bedfordshire lace industry.

Biggleswade www.midbeds.gov.uk
Set on the River Ivel, this busy town was once at the heart of market gardening country. During the 18th C. it was an important coaching centre on the Great North Road, and many old inns remain today. Dan Albone (1860-1906), racing cyclist and inventor of the tandem bicycle established the Ivel Cycle Works in the town.

Dunstable www.southbeds.gov.uk
Ancient market town - set at the junction of the 4,000 year old Icknield Way and 'Roman' Watling Street. The Augustinian priory (founded 1131), was chosen by Henry VIII for the divorce proceedings of his first wife Katherine of Aragon.
The town later became a coaching centre, and noted for its straw plait and
hat making industries.

Leighton Buzzard www.southbeds.gov.uk
Situated on the Grand Union Canal, the town has always been famous for its sand. Fine Georgian buildings line the wide High Street, alongside a medieval market cross, 19th C. town hall and charming mews. The 13th C. parish church is noted for its
191 feet high spire. Adjoining Linslade is popular with boaters, anglers and walkers.

Luton www.luton.gov.uk
Situated on the edge of The Chilterns, Luton is a thriving town
with one of the most vibrant multi-cultural communities in the country. From the
17th C. it was noted for its straw plait and hat making industries. St. Mary's Church has one of the finest double arch stone screens in Europe. The Mall Arndale shopping centre, excellent entertainment/leisure facilities and several landcaped parks are other key attractions.

Sandy www.midbeds.gov.uk
Set against a backdrop of greensand hills, with their parklands, woodlands and heath, Sandy is one of the earliest places in the county where market gardening was recorded. Excavations show the town dates back to Roman times. An Elizabethan-style mansion (The Lodge) is now the HQ of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).

Woburn www.midbeds.gov.uk
Surrounded by wooded countryside and parkland, Woburn is acknowledged as one of Britain's most beautifully preserved Georgian towns. This is a great place for antiques and collectables - with 18/19th C. houses and period shop-fronts lining the High Street. The old church is now a Heritage Centre.