The Kingfisher, Bedford – Luxury 5★ Hotel from 123$| HotelBest.net

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Key details

About the Hotel

Cardington Road, Bedford, United Kingdom, MK44 3SA

Close to Bedford town centre

Great

8.4

8.6

/10

2.5

4.1

Accommodation Options

The Kingfisher offers a variety of room options, including doubles, kings, and three unique suites. Each suite, such as the Dragonfly and the Kingfisher Suite, features distinct characteristics like riverside views and original fireplace designs. Guests can experience luxurious TEMPLESPA bath products and comfortable bedding for a restful stay.

Dining Experience

On-site dining at The Kingfisher is centered around quality dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The pub's restaurant serves seasonal dishes, with meat traveling under 20 miles from farm to plate. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring items like traditional Sunday lunches and locally sourced ales.

Event Spaces

The hotel hosts various event spaces, including the historic Tithe Barn, available for weddings and private events. This 800-year-old barn can accommodate up to 90 guests, offering a rustic charm for celebrations. Meeting rooms such as Northill and Southill cater to smaller groups, seating up to 40 attendees.

Leisure Activities

Guests can engage in activities on the River Great Ouse, including boat rentals for leisurely exploration. The hotel is located near retail areas and tranquil parks, perfect for walking and outdoor leisure. Additionally, The Kingfisher offers engaging live entertainment with scheduled performances.

Location Advantages

Situated along the picturesque River Great Ouse, The Kingfisher is easily accessible, just a short drive from Bedford town center. The hotel is well-connected with transport links to Milton Keynes and London, with Luton Airport only 40 minutes away. Nearby attractions include Priory Country Park and the charming market town of Ampthill.

Highlights

Dining: Seasonal dishes from local ingredients

Accommodation: Double, king rooms and suites available

Events: Historic Tithe Barn for weddings

Activities: Boat rentals on River Great Ouse

Must-do experiences

Stroll the picturesque Embankment Gardens for stunning views.
Savor a traditional Bedfordshire Clanger at a local café.
Visit the John Bunyan Museum to learn about local history.
Explore the vibrant Bedford Market every Saturday for fresh goods.
Take a scenic walk along the River Ouse to spot wildlife.

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Select your room type

The Kingfisher offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Double or Twin Room Seasonal

2 persons

240 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Junior Suite

2 persons

240 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Suite River View

2 persons

345 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

River view

Shower

Heating

room details

Executive Double or Twin Room

2 persons

240 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Kingfisher offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Kingfisher invites guests to experience a delightful array of dining options that blend family-friendly environments with a touch of romance. Offering a diverse selection that caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences, every meal becomes an opportunity to indulge in authentic flavors within a warm and inviting setting.

The Kingfisher

Traditional and Modern Cuisine

Ambiance

Family-friendly with cozy corners, ideal for gatherings and intimate dinners alike.

Key Offerings

Savor hearty Continental breakfasts, leisurely brunches, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, with meat traveling less than 15 miles to the plate. Enjoy high tea and a special offering of one free child's meal with each full-price adult meal.

Reservation

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with breakfast and high tea available.

The Kingfisher Location

Cardington Road, Bedford, United Kingdom, MK44 3SA

Map view

Cardington Road, Bedford, United Kingdom, MK44 3SA

City landmarks

Park

Priory Country Park

1.5 mi

Park

Russell Park

1.6 mi

Park

Bedford Park

2.1 mi

Landmark

Oasis Beach Pool

1.1 mi

Museum

Panacea Museum

1.5 mi

Landmark

Bedfordshire Boer War Memorial

1.2 mi

Landmark

Cardington Cross

2500 ft

Landmark

Priory Wall

2700 ft

Museum

The Higgins Bedford

1.6 mi

Landmark

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

4300 ft

Landmark

Embankment Bridge

1.2 mi

Landmark

R101 memorial

3900 ft

Gallery

The Eagle Gallery

1.3 mi

Square

Aspects Leisure Park

4200 ft

Landmark

Cineworld

4400 ft

Landmark

St Micheal's and All Angels

1.1 mi

Event hall

Christ the King Church Hall

4700 ft

Landmark

Bedford Castle

1.6 mi

Museum

John Bunyan Meeting House and Museum

1.6 mi

Church

Catholic Church of Christ the King

4900 ft

Landmark

RAF Cardington 1936-2000

5200 ft

Church

Saint Paul's Church

1.7 mi

Church

Priory Methodist Church

1.0 mi

Monument

Statue of John Howard

1.7 mi

Landmark

Howard Memorial Church

1.1 mi

Landmark

The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum

1.6 mi

Landmark

National Trust

2.1 mi

Landmark

Statue of John Bunyan

1.8 mi

Landmark

Holy Cross Catholic Church

1.1 mi

Landmark

Bowen West Theatre

1.2 mi

Nearby

Cardington Cross

2800 ft

R101 memorial

3800 ft

Restaurants

The Cafe at W&H Peacocks Auction Centre

2200 ft

Eastcotts Park Wallis Way

Explore Bedford

Local Highlights

Priory Country Park

30 minutes' walk

Scenic park with lakes, woodlands, and trails. Ideal for picnics and birdwatching.

Russell Park

30 minutes' walk

Victorian park featuring beautiful gardens, a playground, and a café for family fun.

Oasis Beach Pool

20 minutes' walk

Indoor water park with slides and a wave pool. Perfect for family entertainment on rainy days.

The Higgins Bedford

30 minutes' walk

Art gallery and museum showcasing local history and art collections. Free admission on certain days.

Cycling along the River

30 minutes' walk

Bike rentals available nearby. Scenic cycling routes along the River Ouse for all skill levels.

Relaxing at Bedofrd's Parks

30 minutes' walk

Tranquil walks in Russell and Priory Parks. Ideal for relaxation, exercise, and enjoying nature.

Birds of Prey Centre

13-minute drive

Exciting displays with hawks and owls. Offers interactive experiences for animal lovers.

The Cafe at W&H Peacocks Auction Centre

8 minutes' walk

Casual café serving hearty breakfasts and lunch options. Perfect for a quick meal before exploring.

Cinnamon Kitchen

10-minute drive

Charming Indian restaurant with modern flair. Signature dishes include lamb curry and vegetarian options.

The Olive Tree

3-minute drive

Family-friendly Italian eatery known for pizza and pasta. Reservations recommended on weekends.

Cineworld

15 minutes' walk

Multiplex cinema showing the latest blockbusters. Great option for family outings or date night.

The Bedford

5-minute drive

Live music venue hosting local and national acts. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and weekly events.

Lush Lounge

10-minute drive

Trendy bar featuring craft cocktails and a lively ambiance. Perfect for socializing with friends.

Getting around

City Centre

Bedford35 min · 1.8 mi

Airports

London Luton (LTN)55 min · 22.4 mi

Cambridge (CBG)78 min · 32.3 mi

Train

Bedford St Johns Train Station32 min · 1.6 mi

Bedford St Johns Railway Station32 min · 1.6 mi

Bus

Bus stop6 min · 1700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, Dutch, Romanian, Latvian

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Former name

barns hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Kingfisher from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 482 verified reviews

8.1/10

Great

81%

Recommend

Breakfast

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.7/10

Comfort

8.9/10

Facilities

8.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Location

8.9/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Staff

8.9/10

Value for money

8.2/10

based on 1096 reviews

4.5/5

Elaine from United States

Business traveller

Standard Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 12, 2026

6/10

okay breakfastcarpet stainmissing cover

breakfast was okay, though not really good.

i was disappointed to find a significant stain on the carpet in my 'standard double or twin room'. it really detracted from the overall impression (especially since i'm quite particular about cleanliness). i also noticed the television remote was missing its battery cover.

0 Helpful

Andrew from United Kingdom

Group of friends

Executive Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 14, 2026

9/10

rainfall showergood selection

the room was very super clean and cozy! it had two separate sinks and a rainfall shower, awesome! i also liked the restaurant! the menu had a good selection, and the food was cooked perfectly!

the tea and filter coffee were included in the breakfast price! but barista coffees cost extra, a bit unexpected.

0 Helpful

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double or Twin Room Seasonal

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 07, 2026

9.5/10

a good experience

white linensoft towelsfood order

the room, a standard double or twin room seasonal, was immaculate. the crisp white bed linen added to the fresh feel (i slept like a log!). the bathroom featured large soft towels, a real treat after a long day.

the food order took longer than expected. i waited approximately 50 minutes for my meal, which slightly affected the dining experience.

Location

9/10

the surrounding gardens were beautifully kept and maintained. walking round to the sluice gates into priory country park via the business park was a very nice stroll.

Service

10/10

the staff demonstrated attentiveness and helpfulness consistently. special deals were accommodated. every staff member i encountered was friendly and efficient (a real highlight).

0 Helpful

Jordan from Canada

Couple

Standard Double or Twin Room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 17, 2025

9.0/10

riverside retreat

restaurant foodgreat locationcomfy roomsfair amenities

the restaurant food was very nice and the prices seemed fair. the location is quite fine, a canal and a lake sit just behind the hotel, ideal for an early morning run (i love them). the breakfast was good, the rooms were comfortable, and there were enough amenities to satisfy my needs. i also enjoyed a lovely evening walk.

reception staff seemed a bit uninterested and slow. i mentioned a small issue in my room, yet it didn't seem to get fixed.

Service

9/10

the bar staff were attentive and provided all the drinks needed. raquel was very friendly, always ready to help. the breakfast staff was attentive at breakfast and always available when i needed something.

Rooms

9/10

the room was spacious with great facilities (and very clean!). the king room was a good size. a smart tv allows access to youtube and the beds are very comfortable. i found everything to be very neat and clean.

Location

9/10

the riverside setting has a wonderful view of the river. the spot near the canal and lake is perfect for walking and exercise. the outdoor terrace is quite attractive. the location gave me opportunities for a romantic walk.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offers many separate spots that are ideal for events. the attractive outdoor terrace is also a plus. i found several places to unwind. there are facilities for weddings.

Dining

9/10

the breakfast included a good selection and the staff kept replenishing items. i had a pleasant evening eating dinner at the restaurant. (the food was very tasty!). the food tasted of high quality.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Kingfisher

What are the breakfast hours for guests staying at the hotel?

20 November 2024

Breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 9:30 am on weekdays, and from 7:30 am to 10:30 am on weekends and bank holidays.

Can guests bring their dogs to the hotel? If so, what are the charges?

2 December 2024

The hotel welcomes dogs in designated rooms, charging an extra £15 per night. This fee includes essentials like a water bowl, bed, and treats.

Is there a shower stall available in the accessible room for disabled guests?

15 January 2025

The accessible room features a shower over a bath setup; there is no separate shower stall available.

Are there any dining options available in the evening on a Sunday?

12 February 2025

Yes, food is served until 9:30 pm in the evenings, including Sunday.

What kind of breakfast options are included for guests who choose the bed and breakfast package?

14 March 2025

Guests can opt for either a full English or continental breakfast, both included in the package or available for purchase on the day.

Is there a designated area to secure bicycles during a stay?

28 March 2025

Unfortunately, there is no secure location to lock bicycles on-site, but guests can store bikes in their rooms if they request ground-floor accommodations.

How can guests contact the hotel for special requests regarding disabilities?

10 April 2025

The hotel has one accessible room equipped with special features, including a larger bathroom and support handles. For specific needs, it's recommended to contact the hotel directly.

Is there parking available at the hotel, and do you cater for accessibility needs?

5 May 2025

Yes, there is ample complimentary parking including designated disabled spaces. The hotel also features ground-floor rooms and accessible facilities.

What is the travel distance from the hotel to local attractions, like the athletic stadium?

22 May 2025

The athletic stadium is approximately 8 kilometers away, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes by car.

Can guests expect live music or events during their stay?

1 June 2025

Yes, the venue hosts live music events, particularly on Friday nights, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the pub.