Bedfordshire
Move to Bedfordshire
Bordering Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire is the county of Bedfordshire. Perhaps not as ‘posh’ as its neighbours, but with some gorgeous open countryside views and excellent fast rail and road links, this area presents some wonderful properties at very affordable prices. Here is a county where you really can up-grade. If you have almost anything to sell in London and want more space, you will do well to look in and around the Bedfordshire villages. Many attractive, often thatched villages nestle within this agricultural heartland. Rivers such as the Great Ouse and the Ivel and the lakes and areas of open water give great opportunities. Kayaking, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, open water swimming and pleasure boating are just a few of the things you can do. Plenty of places are set are aside for wildlife too, so perfect for walkers and keen ornithologists. The larger towns in Bedfordshire have less appeal for those wanting a rural life but do have good retail centres and the all important train links.
Most schools in the area operate a three stage education system of Lower, Middle and Upper schools with children moving at age 9+ and 13+. This suits some children well, but it is worth doing your research if this is relevant to you.
With its central position, excellent links and even its own airport for sunshine getaways, the quieter parts of Bedfordshire are not to be overlooked. Both the East Coast Mainline and Thameslink rail service run through the county into Kings Cross as do the M1, A1, A5 and A6 making it very well connected indeed.
Some of the lovely Bedfordshire and Central Bedfordshire villages are: Northill, Ickwell, Old Warden, Southill, Pavenham, Wingrave, Aspley Guise, Stewkley, Barton Le Clay, Elstow, Silsoe, Willington, Great Barford, Ampthill and areas around Biggleswade or Woburn.
What part of Bedfordshire is right for you?
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Some of the most delightful Bedfordshire homes are thatched cottages. Either in brick or timber and brick with white painted infill. When dotted around a village green they give a true picture book feel. Larger villages and small towns have charming market squares, evidence of a long agricultural tradition. Much new housing is found in this well linked county too, but it is the 18th and 19th century that produced some real gems.
Commuter Stations for rural Bedfordshire
To Kings Cross
St Neots 40mins
Sandy 48 mins
Biggleswade 31 mins
Arlesey 38 mins
To St Pancras
Wellingborough 51 mins
St Pancras & Thameslink
Bedford 51 mins
Flitwick 49 mins
Harlington 42mins
Change at Bletchley or Bedford for trains to Euston or St Pancras from the following stations, with total journey times between 1hr5mins and 1hr 20. Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Millbrook, Lidlington, Ridgmont, Aspley Guise, Woburn Sands
Something for the weekend ...
Visit the Shuttleworth collection of ancient bi-planes or see Woburn Abbey or the Safari Park. There are more animals at Wipsnade Zoo or for something more native, the RSPB has its headquarters at The Lodge Reserve. For walkers Dunstable Downs, the Three Sires Way and Ivinghoe Beacon give stunning views. There are plenty of river based activity centers or perhaps try a sky dive. Manybe a bit of tea and cake with a riverside view might suit.
