Car Rental - Bedford
Bedford is a traditional market town with excellent links to London and the south-east countryside. Perched on the banks of the River Great Ouse, this English location is the perfect base for exploring the stately homes and parks that dot the surrounding region.
Book a rental car in Bedford to really make the most of your time in the UK. There’s a vehicle to suit every type of vacation or business trip in our collection. There’s plenty of room for all the family in our spacious SUVs or, if you’re on a romantic couple’s break, there are plenty of compact city cars to choose from. Both stick shift and automatic rental cars are available, depending on your preference.
There are no hidden extras to pay and our pick-up location team are on hand to answer any questions you may have about driving in Bedford and the UK.
Bedford Locations
A Quick Guide to Bedford
Surrounded by stately homes and scenic countryside, Bedford is the ideal place to rent a car and make the most of a trip to this idyllic region of England.
Meet Bedford’s Most Famous Hero
Bedford’s roots stretch back to the Middle Ages, when Saxon kings ruled the land. Set in a small, woodland park, the remains of a 12th century motte and bailey castle can still be seen. Wander along the River Embankment and a mound rises up from the earth, evidence of the town’s rich heritage.
Visit the John Bunyan Museum in the heart of the town. It houses a vast collection of artefacts and books relating to John Bunyan, famed author of Pilgrim’s Progress and pastor of the area. The exhibitions here recount the tales of his life, including his imprisonment. Wander through the displays and experience a sense of life as it was in 17th century Bedfordshire.
From Stately to Safari
Built in the style of Buckingham Palace, Woburn Abbey is the epitome of the classic English stately home. Although open to visitors, this grand estate is the family home of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and has been so for nearly 500 years. Here you can discover a unique art collection, a treasure trove of silver and antique furniture. If the sun is shining, strolling through the vast gardens is a must. No visit to Woburn Abbey is complete without a spectacular drive through the extensive deer park. Get face to face with nature and spot different species as you roll through the peaceful woodland landscape.
Families will love nearby Woburn Safari Park, where you can cruise past a pride of lions and playful and curious giraffes. For more adrenaline-fueled fun, test your nerve in a maze of tree-top obstacles and zip wires at the Go Ape experience, perfect for teenagers and adults.
Inhale the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers as you explore the sprawling gardens of Wrest Park. Established in the early 14th century, this grand estate is the perfect spot for peaceful woodland walks. Roam around and you’ll spot sculptures among the manicured grounds and a Chinese temple and bridge. On rainy days, park up your rental car and head inside to see the opulent rooms of the house which boast historic paintings and sculpture.
Walking in the Chilterns
Visit the quintessential, unspoiled English countryside when you take a trip to the Chilterns. This stunning area of natural beauty on Bedford’s doorstep is a hiker’s paradise. More than 2,000 miles of footpaths cover the stretch from beyond Dunstable in Bedfordshire to Goring in Oxfordshire.
Take in miles and miles of scenic hills, before visiting the idyllic villages peppered among the rural spot. Amersham is a highlight. Park up your Bedford rental car and amble down the high street, passing half-timbered houses, pretty cottages and independent shops. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants for you to refresh and refuel after a day spent discovering the countryside.
Whether you’re visiting Bedford for business or pleasure, take your time, explore the surrounding hills and stately homes and return home with your luggage full of new memories. Book your Bedford car rental today.
Driving In and Around Bedford
Bedford sits between London and the Midlands, a location that makes it perfect for exploring England’s south and heartlands in a car rental. Park up your holiday rental car and take a picturesque walk in the English countryside, you can also take a day trip to nearby cities.
While in the UK, you’ll drive on the left-hand side of the road and pass on the right. However, there are some driving rules here similar to those in the U.S. All passengers must wear a seat belt and the use of cell or mobile phones while behind the wheel is banned.
Speed signs on this island are also displayed in miles per hour. On motorways, the British equivalent of freeways, the top speed is 70 mph, which will reduce to 30 mph in most urban areas. There are some areas, usually close to schools, where this will drop to 20 mph.
Parking is readily available across Bedford for your holiday or business car rental. On-street parking can be found throughout the city center and is free after 6pm Monday – Saturday, and all day Sunday in certain lots. Two multi-story parking lots can be found in the town center at Lurke Street and River Street as well.
Historic Cambridge is less than an hour’s drive from Bedford in your car rental when you drive along the A428. Meander along the cobbled streets to see its famed ancient university buildings and take a punt, the iconic boat ride, down the glittering river.
Some of the finest stately homes of Bedfordshire are within easy driving distance of Bedford. Take the A6 south to reach Wrest Park, set in perfectly manicured gardens, or follow the A421 south to reach Woburn Abbey in half an hour.
Regal palaces, world-class museums and sprawling parks await you in London. To see the legendary sights of the UK capital, it’s a straightforward drive in your rental car along the M1.
