Bedford
Properties and events in Bedford
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
'Memories of Vauxhall's factory floor' hosted by Luton Made: Vauxhall
Join us on Sunday 14th September to celebrate Vauxhall Motors' legacy in Luton. Share your stories, shape our exhibition, and be part of the journey.
A Guided Tour of Grove House
Dunstable Town Council will be celebrating Heritage Open Days by opening up some of its most historic buildings. Explore Grove House, one of Dunstable’s most historic buildings on a guided tour - you might even encounter one of its past residents.
Ailesbury Mausoleum and Crypt
Ailesbury Mausoleum and Crypt was built by Thomas Bruce, the first Earl of Elgin in 1656 as a memorial to his second wife, Diana.
All Saints Church
We have trained volunteer guides to carry out tours of the church and tower. Display panels in a designated heritage zone. The tower will be open and viewing from the roof will be allowed; weather permitting and risk assessed.
Cainhoe Castle
Join us for a day of historical discovery at Cainhoe Castle at Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve. Discover what life was like in a Norman castle and medieval manor house.
CWGC Tours 2025 - Cranfield (St Peter and St Paul) Churchyard
Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a free tour of Cranwell (St Peter and St Paul) Churchyard.
CWGC Tours 2025 - Kempston Cemetery
Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a free tour of Kempston Cemetery
Design a Roman Mosaic Tile
On Saturday 13 September at 10.00 am children will be welcomed to Sandy Library to design and make a Roman tile to take home.
Dunstable Middle Row Market
Dunstable Town Council will be celebrating Heritage Open Days at the Middle Row Market on Ashton Square in Dunstable on Saturday 13 September from 0930 to 1530 with its fantastic Middle Row Markets.
Foster Hill Road Cemetery, burial records and guided tree walk
Discover Bedford’s first municipal cemetery opened in 1855. Both the gatehouse and chapels were designed in the Gothic revival style. Every type of headstone design popular in the Victorian period can be found in the cemetery.
Foundations of Biggleswade
Explore the architectural story of Biggleswade, from historic landmarks to modern transformations. Discover how the town’s buildings have shaped its past, present, and exciting future. Join us for a glimpse into Biggleswade’s evolving landscape.
Guided Walk : Secrets of High Town Side Streets
A 90 min guided walk of High Town taking in heritage features of North, Reginald and Frederick Streets as well as upmarket Clarendon Road.
Hidden in Plain Sight - Photography Open Call
To mark this year’s Heritage Open Days (12–21 September), we’re inviting you to capture the often-overlooked details that make Luton’s architecture special. From old tiles to curious cornices – what hidden stories will you uncover?
Houghton House Tour
Houghton House today is the shell of a 17th-century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
Houghton Regis Heritage Day at Houghton Hall Park
Join us to celebrate and experience Houghton Regis' past.
Jordans Mill Heritage Tour
Come along and explore Jordans Mill; a food heritage attraction with a lovingly restored historic water Mill, beautiful gardens, gift shop and Riverside Cafe. During a short tour, you'll discover how flour was once produced.
Lets Not Forget - A walk In the Past community consultation
Join us for Let’s Not Forget – A Walk in the Past, a community consultation event using art, AR, and AI to explore local heritage. Visit 7 interactive stands, meet artists, experience digital displays, and share your views. Fun for all ages
Live calligraphy in the Hat District with Abu Yahya
The Culture Trust Luton has commissioned acclaimed local artist Abu Yahya to create a new series of large-scale calligraphy works in the Hat District, as part of Heritage Open Days 2025. The works will unfold live across the week.
Look to the Rooftops
A workshop exploring Luton’s hidden history through creative writing during Heritage Open Days 2025 at the Hat District.
Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Visit the Walled Garden at Luton Hoo Estate, designed by Capability Brown in the 1760’s for the 3rd Earl of Bute. The Garden has changed and evolved under owners and management over the years and is now the focus of a dynamic volunteer project.