There’s so much to love and enjoy in this historic English county. With its gently rolling downs and ancient woodlands, Bedfordshire is a rewarding country to get to know, and you’ll easily find a new footpath or cycle track every weekend (as well as a choice of pretty villages for a well-earned pitstop).
Bedford itself is a lively and cosmopolitan market town with an appealing waterside location on the River Great Ouse. We’re excited to launch our first Hopkins Homes development near Bedford, in the thriving new town of Wixams.
Bordered by Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire is a sought-after location in the heart of England. You’re also close to London, while the county’s Luton Airport conveniently opens up the whole world to you. But before you hop on a flight, pause to admire the county itself. Bedfordshire is home to some of England’s prettiest scenery, dotted with historic market towns and smaller villages.
County town Bedford is one of the most ethnically diverse towns in the area, creating a vibrant culture and an excellent culinary scene. It’s also worth looking out for the county’s home-grown dishes, the Bedfordshire Clanger (a suet pudding that’s half-and-half sweet and savoury) and Chocolate Toothpaste Tart (not actual toothpaste).
Luton is the county’s largest town with a wider range of amenities, and neighbouring Dunstable is another useful hub. Like Bedford, Leighton Buzzard is a market town with medieval roots, now best-known for its heritage railway and canal walks. Home to the famous safari park and historic Abbey, Woburn is a popular destination, while pretty Ampthill is a much-loved spot for independent shops and beautiful local walks.
There’s further excellent walking at Dunstable Downs, Greensand Ridge and the epic, 86-mile John Bunyan Trail. Explore the 300-acre Priory Country Park near Bedford and the nature reserve at Cooper’s Hill. Look out for fallow deer in the wild while kestrels wheel overhead.
If you’re interested in birds of prey, spend an enjoyable afternoon at Herrings Green Farm. With Whipsnade Zoo and Woburn Safari Park on your doorstep, Bedfordshire is the perfect home for an animal-loving family. History fans will also find plenty of places to visit, from the remains of Bedford Castle to the stately home at Ascott. As a huge boost to the area, Universal Studios will open its first UK theme park near Bedford in 2031.
We love this verdant and varied county, rich in history but with so much to offer today’s families. From walking in the Chilterns to easy trips to the capital, you’ll never be short of things to do if you live in Bedfordshire.
Bedfordshire has exceptionally good transport links across the UK – and beyond. The A1, A6, M1 and M6 all pass through Bedfordshire, as does the historic Watling Street. Like most rural counties, Bedfordshire is also criss-crossed with a network of old lanes.
If you prefer to take the train, three main lines (the East Coast, West Coast and Midlands) have railway stations in Bedfordshire. You can be in London St Pancras International in as little as 40 minutes from Bedford, and the new Wixams station opens in 2026.
Luton Airport offers both international and domestic flights to almost 150 destinations. There’s airport parking, or you could take the train to Luton Airport Parkway, which runs a regular DART shuttle service to the terminal.
At Hopkins Homes, we’re delighted to offer exceptional new build properties in Bedfordshire. Our carefully designed homes take into account both modern living and the existing surroundings, working with the local landscape and vernacular architecture.
If you’d like to find out more about our new build homes in Bedfordshire, please get in touch with the helpful team at Hopkins Homes.
Want to know more about the benefits of purchasing a new build home in Bedfordshire, then discover the Hopkins Homes distinction now.