
Bedford Charter Market
A vibrant town centre market offering fresh produce, diverse goods, and a lively atmosphere in historic St. Paul's Square.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best selection of produce

Bedford Charter Market
Best Time
Best selection of produce

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant town centre market offering fresh produce, diverse goods, and a lively atmosphere in historic St. Paul's Square.
"Great place for fresh produce at good price, with a good vibe and lots of nearby seating."

🎯 Arrive Early for Produce
Get the freshest fruits and veggies before they sell out! :apple:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Harpur Centre car park is affordable for a few hours. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Produce Galore
St. Paul's Square
Stock up on vibrant fruits, vegetables, herbs, and free-range eggs at incredibly affordable prices.
Diverse Stalls
Throughout the market
Beyond groceries, discover stalls offering clothing, bags, and even unique international food items.
Vibrant Atmosphere
St. Paul's Square
Enjoy a lively market vibe with friendly vendors and a good atmosphere, perfect for a weekend outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Market Days & Times
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Produce
Get the freshest fruits and veggies before they sell out! :apple:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Harpur Centre car park is affordable for a few hours. :car:
🛍️ Explore Diverse Stalls
Don't miss clothing, bags, and international food finds. :shopping_bags:
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
La Plaza offers a great spot to relax after your market visit. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Produce
Get the freshest fruits and veggies before they sell out! :apple:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Harpur Centre car park is affordable for a few hours. :car:
🛍️ Explore Diverse Stalls
Don't miss clothing, bags, and international food finds. :shopping_bags:
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
La Plaza offers a great spot to relax after your market visit. :coffee:
📅 Check Market Days
Charter Market is Wed/Sat, plus Fri (town centre) & Thu (Kempston). :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bedford Charter Market for its excellent selection of fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables, along with a good variety of other goods like clothing and international foods. The market is noted for its pleasant atmosphere and convenient town centre location, though some may find it not overly large.
"I loved that this market had so many fruits and vegetables, all fresh and very affordable priced. They were also selling free ranged eggs for such good price! Everyone living in Bedford should visit this market!"
Bleubirdy99
"Great place for your fresh fruit and vegetables. Good selection of herbs also eggs and fresh bread. Situated in St Pauls square in the town centre. I used the Harpur centre car park for convenience only £2:00 for two hours. Lovely historic square beautiful old Saint Pauls church and statue of John Howard. Grab a coffee at La Plaza before you leave."
Christopher Rumble
"Great place for fresh produce at good price. Alongside groceries ; there are different stalls for bags, clothes etc… you can also find food/restaurants within walking distance from the market."
s. shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located in St. Paul's Square, right in the town centre. It's easily accessible by foot from most parts of Bedford. For those driving, the Harpur Centre car park is a convenient and affordable option, costing around £2.00 for two hours.
Bedford has a bus station and train station within walking distance of the market. Check local bus routes for the most direct options to the town centre.
The Harpur Centre car park is frequently recommended for its convenience and reasonable pricing for short visits.
Yes, cycling is a great option. There are usually bike racks available in the town centre, though it's always good to check for specific locations near St. Paul's Square.
St. Paul's Square is generally flat and accessible. Market stalls are usually spaced to allow for easy navigation with strollers or wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Bedford Charter Market is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the vendors.
The main Charter Market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are also markets on Fridays in the town centre and Thursdays in Kempston. Specific hours can vary, but generally, markets run from morning until mid-afternoon.
For the widest selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs, it's best to visit in the morning, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Yes, the market sometimes hosts special events, such as Christmas markets with additional food and drink sellers and festive entertainment.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local council regulations or market rules regarding pets. Many markets prefer pets to be kept on a lead and under control.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Finds
You'll find a fantastic array of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and free-range eggs. Additionally, there are stalls selling clothing, bags, and even some more obscure international food items.
Yes, many visitors highlight the affordability of the fresh produce and other goods available at the market.
Absolutely! The market is known for offering a good selection of groceries, including some more obscure food items from around the world.
Yes, you can find various stalls selling ladieswear and other clothing items, alongside bags and accessories.
With a variety of goods from fresh produce to clothing and unique items, the market can be a great place to find thoughtful gifts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the market primarily focuses on produce and goods, there are often food stalls offering delicious street food.
Yes, the market is located in the town centre, so you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance.
You can often find stalls selling fresh bread and other baked goods alongside the produce.
Depending on the stalls present, you might find fresh juices, smoothies, or hot drinks available.
The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables makes it a great place for vegetarians and vegans to shop for ingredients.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the vibrant colours of the produce, the historic St. Paul's Square, and the lively market atmosphere offer many great photo opportunities.
Focus on the colourful displays of fruits and vegetables, the interactions between vendors and customers, and the surrounding historic architecture of St. Paul's Church.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the freshness of the produce, while afternoon light can add warmth to the market scene.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is fine. However, commercial photography or filming might require prior permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍎 Foodies & Home Cooks
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Bedford: St. Paul's Square
The market's presence here transforms the square into a vibrant hub of activity. It's a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the lively atmosphere, browse a wide array of goods, and soak in the local ambiance. The combination of historical architecture and the dynamic market life makes St. Paul's Square a must-visit destination within Bedford.
A Feast for the Senses: Produce and Beyond
Beyond the fresh groceries, the market offers a diverse range of other goods. You can find stalls selling clothing, bags, and even unique international food items, catering to a variety of tastes and needs. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone, making the market a comprehensive shopping destination. The presence of different stalls, from fashion to specialty foods, adds to the market's appeal and makes it a place worth exploring thoroughly.
Community Vibes and Local Charm
The market's regular operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays, along with additional markets, ensures it remains a consistent part of Bedford's weekly rhythm. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, the market offers a genuine slice of Bedford life. It's a place where you can support local traders, discover new products, and simply enjoy the lively buzz of a traditional market day.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit