Bedford Local Information
Practical local information for Bedford: bin collection days, parking, council tax bands and planning, each one linked back to the official source.
Top story
Bedford Christmas bin dates: 2026 list due late November
Bedford moves bins at Christmas, often to a Saturday before it. The 2026 dates are due late November; here are last year's, tree drop-offs and tip closures.
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Schools
Bedford term dates 2026/27: half term 26 to 30 October
Bedford Borough schools break for half term 26 to 30 October and for Christmas on 18 December. Every 2026/27 date, plus the private schools that break earlier.
Half Term
Bedford October half term 2026: 26 to 30 October, what's on
Bedford half term is 26 to 30 October 2026. A Halloween circus, free Higgins workshops, Joseph at the Corn Exchange and a Blues home game, with prices.
Trains
Bedford Christmas trains 2026: Thameslink and EMR changes
No trains run from Bedford on Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve services finish early. What is booked for December, what's still to come and where to park free.
Local Info
Bedford Roadworks: Greyfriars Shut Overnight to 28 October
Greyfriars closes 9pm to 5am from 27 September to 28 October for resurfacing, with bus stops paused. The A421 night closures to Black Cat end on 25 September.
Bins and Recycling
Bedford bin collection days: no bank holiday changes
Bedford collects as usual on bank holidays, and garden waste stays free while Central Beds charges £58.23. Bin colours, bulky prices and the tip's hours.
Parking
Parking in Bedford: 3 hours free at Robinson Pool
Robinson Pool gives three hours free on weekdays and five at weekends. Tariffs for all 14 council car parks, and the free hours the council leaves off its list.
Council Tax
Bedford council tax bands 2026/27: Band D is £2,447.66
Band D in Bedford town is £2,447.66 this year, and the borough charges four different rates by area. The full A to H table, and who takes what off the bill.
Local Info
Bedford house prices: £329,830 average, up 4.4%
Bedford homes average £329,830 and rose 4.4% in a year while England managed 1.8%. May 2026 was the record month. Median sold prices for every borough postcode.
Local Info
Bedford to London trains: 42 minutes, £6,152 a year
The fastest train reaches St Pancras in 42 minutes and an annual season starts at £6,152. Journey times, every 2026 walk-up fare and the Thameslink route south.
Local Info
Things to do in Bedford: free museum, 504 acres of park
The Higgins is free and shuts Mondays, and two country parks add 504 free acres. Bedford days out with 2026 opening times, checked against each venue.
Local Info
Bedford planning: 3.35 years of housing land, no plan
Bedford has 3.35 years of housing land against a five-year duty, and its Local Plan was withdrawn as unsound. What that means if a developer applies near you.