Arranging car hire in Bedford couldn't be easier. Use the TravelSupermarket search tool to find a great deal and then simply pick up your vehicle from downtown locations before hitting the road.

Situated within the commuter belt, the town of Bedford has much to offer visitors. If you're hoping to indulge in a little history during your visit, the Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, the Eagle Gallery and the Panacea Museum are just a handful of the town's offerings.

Other highlights include Bedford Castle Mound, which is all that remains of the town's castle. It has been redesigned and now includes an archaeological park, a lime kiln vault and restaurants. 

The Embankment is a great place to go and relax. A mile long, it runs along the banks of the river and through the town centre and is filled with pretty gardens. The town's war memorial is also located here. 

Similarly, Bedford Park is the place to head when you want some time out. Dating back to the Victorian era, it has a bandstand, cricket pavilion and outdoor swimming pool. 

The town has a large Italian community and as such, you won't go short of great eateries to feast in in the evening. Boasting a large number of Italian restaurants, cafes and bars, you'll be spoilt for choice. 

Just over 90 minutes away is historic Oxford, home to the world-renowned university, fantastic shopping and great nightlife. Known as the 'city of the dreaming spires', there are a number of free museums to visit, a botanic garden and the fantastic Blenheim Palace. Harry Potter fans may also like to visit Christ Church College as many of the scenes in the films were shot here. 

Alternatively, Cambridge is a fantastic day out from Bedford. Also home to an iconic university, one of the highlights of a trip here is to go punting on the River Cam. You will pass by some of the fantastic architecture of the university's colleges and can enjoy a bite to eat and drink at one of the riverside pubs afterwards. 

Finally, it will take you around an hour and a half from Bedford to reach London. There is so much to do here that you may want to take a couple of days to explore. Major sights include the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. You might fancy shopping on Oxford Street or watching a play in the West End. For quirky buys, head to Portobello Market on a Saturday and Camden on a Sunday. By night, there is a wealth of bars, clubs and nightlife to enjoy across the city to suit every taste.