About Priory Country Park
Let kids run wild across 360 acres of Bedford parkland featuring woodland trails, peaceful meadows and scenic lakes – perfect for family picnics and outdoor adventures.
What's nearby
- Priory Waterside & Marina 250m away
- Premier Inn Bedford (Priory Marina) hotel 350m away
- Priory Marina Beefeater 350m away
- Priory Sailing Club 450m away
- Jewson Bedford 500m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Parking: Entry is free, and there is a large main car park on Barkers Lane, plus an overflow area. Walking Trail: A popular circular route around the main lake is roughly 1.3 to 1.5 miles. Most of it is paved and flat, making it suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.
· via Google
A hidden gem in Bedford! One of the most pleasant country parks in the area. Tucked away behind an industrial estate on the east side of the town - made up of flooded brick quarries, Priory park is very picturesque, lined with mature willow trees and has a set of interesting walks and paths around the lake. The café is a treat. Good food and teas/coffees.
· via Google
Decided to try this country park after coming across it on Google search. There's plenty of parking, with an overflow car park and parking was free, with no time limitations. We downloaded and printed off a map from the website before we left and decided to walk the red 4.5 mile circular route. Lovely area with lakes and rivers. We took a packed lunch with us and stopped on the way round at a bench and had our lunch. We was able to have our dog off the lead pretty much the whole time. Only in the conservation area we had to keep him on the lead. We only managed half the route as we had our 7 year old with us. We found a suitable point on the route to head back to the car. On the way back we stopped in the cafe for a slice of toffee cake and an ice cream. Our son played in the park which was very well equipped. We are already planning to go back and finish the other half of the red route.
· via Google
Priory Country Park is one of those simple places that ends up feeling special. In Bedford, it’s one of the main spots people go to watch the sunset, with a beautiful area where you can sit and enjoy the view right in front of you. It’s great for walks, slowing down for a moment and enjoying nature. The park also has a children’s play area, occasional events and live shows throughout the year, as well as a café inside the park. The café can be a little expensive, but it’s the only one there and I think it’s nice to support local businesses. I just wish there were a few more options on the menu and slightly more attentive service. Still, it remains one of the nicest places to relax in Bedford.
· via Google
Visitors say this park offers picturesque walks around the lake, diverse wildlife, and a well-equipped play area for children of all ages. They also highlight the ample free parking, clean toilet facilities, and the convenient on-site cafe. Others mention the flat, paved paths are suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, making it accessible for everyone.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9DJ Get directions
- Category
- National Parks & Reserves
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (3,983 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Bedford