Short Walks in Bedfordshire

Descriptions - Videos - Proper parking instructions

Priory Country Park

Description and Walk

This is another park that has come into existence having previously been an area from which gravel was extracted. It is managed by Bedford Borough Council, and comprised lakes, woodland, play areas, and grassland.

Since this is a 360 acre park you just walk wherever you want; there's plenty of space to exercise. If you want to take a stroll around the main lake it will take 25-30 minutes depending on your cruising speed.

There is a fair variety of birdlife in the park, and a hide from which to watch the birds on the water.

Short Video of Priory Country Park

Note: The video is best viewed by clicking on the 'full screen' symbol that appears at the bottom-right of the video box once the video is playing. To exit full-screen hit your escape key or click on the symbol at the bottom-right again.

Parking

Parking is Free.

Parking address: Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ

Priory Country Park has a main parking area and an overspill parking area too. You can normally easily park there for free even on busy days.

Occassionaly there are special events in the park such as fun runs, but even then free parking is normally possible.

Google Map (opens in a new tab)

Main car park at Priory Country Park

Substantial overspill parking is also available.

Place/s to Eat

The Cloverdale Retreat cafe is attached to the Visitor Centre in the park. It serves hot meals, sandwiches, drinks, etc. There is also a Beefeater restuarant (The Priory Marina Beefeater) within the park boundaries which has its own car park.

Priory Country Park Cafe

The Cloverdale Retreat offers hot food, plus indoor and outdoor seating.

Further Information

All links open in a new browser tab.

Bedford Borough Council's park pages here.

The Cloverdale Retreat cafe website, here.

The Priory Marina Beefeater, here.

Google map here.

PDF with details

The pdf, below, contains address and parking location details similar to the ones on this page. Print out the pdf file if you want something to carry with you. Pdf opens in a new tab.