Bedford Association of Tour Guides

05/07/2024

In the recent warm temperatures that we have had, it is almost impossible to imagine that a human being can endure such cold that would shatter their teeth. And they still lived to tell the tale! This was the experience of one such Bedfordian. But who was he? 

“The Movers and Shakers of Bedford” will take in places of significance in the growth of Bedford; some you may know and some you may not! Discover more about some of the amazing sons and daughters of Bedford and join us for our newest guided walk on Sunday 7th July.

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you opposite the Prison in St Loyes Street.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee. Bookings up to 4.00pm TOMORROW

15/06/2024

Temperatures are going up and the weather looks dry for tomorrow, so book today and join us on our guided walk following in the footsteps of Bedford’s most famous son.

“The life and times of John Bunyan” will take in places of significance in John’s life in Bedford; some you may know and some you may not! Discover more about this amazing son of Bedford.

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee. Bookings up to 4.00pm TODAY!

22/05/2024

This bank holiday weekend you can walk with us on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May and enjoy two different aspects of Bedford’s history.

On Saturday we will show you things you never knew about our lovely town. Our walk is called “I never knew that” for a reason! This Saturday you will be treated to some real gems!

On Sunday, step back with us to 1224 and discover what happened to our Castle 800 years ago as we plot “The rise and fall of Bedford Castle”

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

09/05/2024

Who are the silent faces of Bedford? Their stories are fascinating and are guaranteed to provide a few surprises!

Join us on Sunday 12th May for a guided walk around Bedford, learning about the silent faces and their famous sculptors.

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

30/04/2024

Did you know that the population of Bedford vastly increased during World War II as we welcomed evacuees as well as some very famous people.

This blue plaque commemorates Bedford’s importance during World War II. But where is it?

Join us on Wednesday 1st May for a guided walk around Bedford, learning about Bedford’s fascinating history during World War II. Booking is essential for this popular guided tour.

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

24/04/2024

Why did 16 year old King Henry III stay in Bedford for 8 weeks in June 1224? Who was the robber baron and what happened to our Castle? Join us on Sunday 28th April for our guided walk “The rise and fall of Bedford Castle” to find out more about a momentous event in Bedford’s history. Come and explore up close, archaeological remains you may never have noticed.

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

22/04/2024

How did a tinkers son, born in 1628 become a best selling author in his own lifetime? Join us on Wednesday, the 24th of April for a midweek guided walk in the footsteps of Bedford’s very own John Bunyan “The life and times of John Bunyan“ provides a fascinating insight into the man from humble beginnings who was a tinker, soldier, preacher, prisoner and pastor. 

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

18/04/2024

Why is this Elizabethan gentlemen wearing Georgian Clothes? Find out by joining us this Sunday 21st of April for our guided tour of the Silent Faces of Bedford!

Book at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

12/04/2024

The tulips are out and our beautiful Bedford Embankment is looking stunning. Why not join us on our first guided walk of the season and find out more about the history of our river and the people whose lasting legacy we see today.

It looks as if the rain is holding off so book for “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” guided walk this Sunday 14th April at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx and we’ll see you at the gold postbox.

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee when you book.

Guided Walks with Bedford Association of Tour Guides

31/03/2024

Happy Easter Bedford!! 🐣

Bedford tour guides are back for 2024!

Starting from the 14th April, we are back with guided walks every Sunday and every other Wednesday.

Whether you are new to Bedford or a long standing resident, there is so much to discover about our town and it’s amazing history. We hope you will join us to find out all the things you never knew about Bedford!

09/09/2022

Patience Johnson might be a name you’ve seen in Bedford before, but can you remember where? 🤔 Find out on our “I Never Knew That” guided walk, this Sunday!
Can you guess how many children she had?! Comment below ⬇️

For more information visit our website:
https://www.bedfordtourguides.org

Book here:
https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx

Use code: HIGGINS30 to remove transaction fee

20/08/2022

Castle Mound is a well known feature of Bedford today, but how did the Baron of Bedford lose Bedford Castle, and leave a lasting legacy on roads throughout the world today?

Find out tomorrow on our guided tour:
The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle

Only four hours left to book!

https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx

15/07/2022

As much as we were looking forward to walking with you this weekend, we have sadly had to cancel this Sunday’s guided walk (The Life & Times of John Bunyan), due to the expected heat wave.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and we’ll hopefully see you next time!

08/07/2022

Making the most of this sunny weather and going for a walk this weekend? Why not walk with us and learn more about our wonderful town while you’re at it!

Book one of our guided walks of Bedford now at https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx

Enter code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee!

It’s here… the only one-stop what’s on guide with the best of everything that’s happening over the next 10 days. From live music to...

01/07/2022

After a two year hiatus, Bedford Association of Tour Guides are pleased to announce that we are back!

With some familiar faces and some new faces, our Tour Guides are excited to be back with a new season of walking tours, every Wednesday and Sunday until October.

Come and find out why we’re so passionate about our wonderful town and it’s rich history!

For more information go to our website:
https://www.bedfordtourguides.org

Book here:
https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Guided_Walks.aspx

12/08/2021

Take a look at this virtual walk around Bedford Town showing the locations of the artwork currently on display at The Higgins

See the locations for some of the paintings featured in the 'Going to Town - 200 Years of Bedford's Art' exhibition in this new Story Map. Each marker shows where we think the artists stood in Bedford to paint their pictures.

View the Story Map here: https://bit.ly/GoingToTownStoryMap

26/10/2020

Here's a link to a self-guided 'Did you know' trail around Bedford Town.
http://mediafiles.thedms.co.uk/Publication/BH-GO/cms/pdf/self%20guided%20did%20you%20know%20trail.pdf

15/09/2020

New Information Board created by Bedford Tour Guide David Fowler...

The latest addition to Bedford Hospital details the background to the historic Victoria Ward tiles which have been on display since 1897. The tiles...

27/03/2020

Bedford Tour Guides programme of walks for this year as published in April's "Beds Life" magazine. Note we will be reviewing this later in the year when the current CV situation is sorted.

18/03/2020

We regret to inform you that, due to the Coronavirus, we are cancelling our guided walks until further notice. Our first walk was due to be on Sunday 5th April. Don't know how long this will be for but we will let you know when they resume later in the year hopefully.

19/02/2020

Our most popular tour takes in The Embankment & Mill Meadows, known as 'The Jewel in Bedford's Crown'. This picture is of the sign that is in the area. Our first 'Jewel' tour this year is on Sunday 19th April plus others are in June, August & October. Check out our schedule of walks on our website & leaflets that will be available within the next month hopefully.

30/01/2020

Our programme of Sunday Walks for 2020 has been published on our website. This year we are running from early April through to late October - excluding Easter & River Festival weekends there are 28 events with 9 different walks. This year there are two new walks, 'In the Footsteps of Makers & Shakers' and 'Anglo-Indian Bedford'. Checkout our website for more details & watch out for more information in the near future.

02/10/2019

Our schedule of walks have finished for this year. We'd like to thank all those people who have attended any of these & hope to see you again next year. Meanwhile if I see any walking activities in the area I will keep you informed.

25/07/2019

Reminder - this weekend is the Medieval Festival where the Tour Guides are doing free tours of the Ice House & Lime Kiln

21/06/2019

We are d**g tours of the historic Ice House & Lime Kiln on the Medieval Festival weekend of July 27th/28th - see this post for details; put a note in your diary 🙂 Also note that on the Sunday 28th we have our walking tour about the rise & fall of Bedford Castle.

31/05/2019

If any of you have been on any of our walks, it would be good to get some feedback/review about what you thought and if you have any photos you may want to share 😀😀. Also to those who say that they are going on or interested in any walk then might they like our page, thanks.

14/05/2019

25/04/2019

Our 2019 leaflets for our schedule of guided walks are available now ... pick up your copy at the Bedford Visitor Information Centre and at other places in town.

17/04/2019

Our walks for this year are featured in a two page spread in the new 'In and Around Bedford' guide.... Our own leaflet to promote these will be available very soon. Pick up both at the VIC inside St.Paul's Church.

13/04/2019

Lovely flowers in The Embankment gardens at the moment - take a walk down by the riverside 😃