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Visit Cloverdale Retreat car-free
Travel a greener way and enjoy 10% off in the cafe at Priory Country Park.
It’s easy as the park is just at the edge of Bedford.
Various buses stop nearby. Use our journey planner to find the next one.
Trains run to Bedford from: London St Pancras International (40 mins) and other Thameslink stations, St Albans (40 mins) and Bletchley (45 mins).
Check out our recommended route (below) and then use our journey planner (above) for door-to-door train, bus and walking routes.
Discount: Enjoy 10% off in the cafe with a valid bus ticket. See the details of this and further offers from Bedfordshire Council.
For money-saving tips see our handy guides to trains and buses.
When you travel by train, a Bedford PlusBus ticket is valid all the way to Priory Country Park.
View the forests and lakes from your train window on the Marston Vale Line. or Bedford to St Albans City Line. Collect a symbol spotter pack and look out for Ridgemond Hertiage train station.
Cycle path, National Route 51 runs mostly off-road from Sandy and on-road to Milton-Keynes. Plan your route here.
Footpath trails around Priory Country Park are marked around the park. They each begin at Cloverdale Retreat (marked as ‘Visitor Centre’ in the leaflets). The Ouse Valley Way and the North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail go along the river Ouse through the country park. The John Bunyan Trail can be found beyond the lake, near Tesco.
Taxis can be found at the main Bedford train station taxi rank. There is no taxi rank at Bedford St Johns. Try calling: 24-7 – 01234 262 222, Fastline – 01234 811 811 or A-Line – 01234 330 044.
Find accessibility information for buses and trains and the cafe and park.
Discover more Bedfordshire offers and days out with Good Journey.
Getting to Cloverdale Retreat car-free
Here's our recommended route to Cloverdale Retreat. To get bus and train times and walking routes use our journey planner.
By train
There are direct trains to Bedford from:
- North of London: Bletchley (45 mins), Corby (30 mins), Kettering (15 mins), Luton (15 mins), St Albans City (40 mins), Wellingborough (20 mins).
- London: Blackfriars (75 mins), City Thameslink (70 mins), East Croydon (95 mins), Farringdon (55 mins), London Bridge (80 mins), St Pancras International (40/60 mins), West Hampstead Thameslink (55 mins).
- South of London: Redhill + Three Bridges (110 mins), Gatwick Airport + Haywards Heath (2 hrs), Brighton (2 hrs 15 mins).
Search for train times and cheaper tickets with Good Journey.
- It’s a pleasant 50-minute walk from the train station.
- Cross the road outside the train station. Opposite is Woburn Road. Walk forward along this.
- Turn Right onto Alexandra Road, continuing along Western Street.
- Turn Left at Commercial Road, then Right at the playground onto Soverigns Quay Heron Quay.
- From there, it’s Left all the way along the river footpath and Embankment.
- Follow this OpenStreetMap or PDF history tour.
By bus from Bedford train station
To find your next bus, use our journey planner as there are various options arriving at different times. Bedford bus station is about a 10-minute walk from the train station, starting along Woburn Road opposite the exit.
- These regular buses take 5-10 minutes to reach the South of Priory Park. You will then need to walk across Fenlake Meadows:
- Bus 3 to Bardford Avenue church (frequent, less on Sundays).
- Bus 74 to Tesco superstore & cafe or the Fenlake Anchor (regular, 6 days).
- Bus 20 to London Road Fenlake Road row of shops (weekdays).
Buses 4&10 go to the North side of the park.
Find your way from the bus stop with this map.
About Cloverdale Retreat
The Cloverdale Retreat is located in a prime position in the Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford with extensive free car parking and a children’s play area close by. A warm welcome awaits you within the Café, with splendid views across the main lake and both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Most of our food is handmade and we serve a good range of coffees, teas and cold drinks together with a choice of cakes, savoury snacks and lunches. Our soups, which are always handmade must be tried to be appreciated. If you fancy a more substantial meal then check our Chef’s daily specials.
Please come and enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. On colder days we offer shelter, warmth and comfort, with the great lakeside view. In the warmer months our decking is a star attraction which has attracted much praise. We are currently open 7 days per week until further notice.
For any queries about visiting contact Cloverdale Retreat on 01933 682288 or [email protected]
Address: Cloverdale Retreat, Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9DJ. Visit Website