Old Bedford Village
Step back into the 18th century at Old Bedford Village, experiencing colonial life through living history demonstrations and authentic period housing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More interpreters present
Old Bedford Village
Best Time
More interpreters present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into the 18th century at Old Bedford Village, experiencing colonial life through living history demonstrations and authentic period housing.
"A truly cool place to take your children for a fun learning day with so much to see!"
🎯 Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore and listen to QR code info. :clock1:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your own food on the grounds to save time and money. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Living History Demonstrations
Throughout the village
Interact with costumed interpreters showcasing 18th-century crafts and daily life. A truly immersive historical experience.
Period Housing
Various buildings
Explore authentic 18th-century homes and structures, offering a glimpse into early American architecture and living.
Murder Mystery Event
The Village
An annual evening event that transforms the village into a captivating historical whodunit. Highly recommended!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore and listen to QR code info. :clock1:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your own food on the grounds to save time and money. :sandwich:
🚶♀️ Weekend Visits
Weekends offer more costumed interpreters for an immersive experience. :bustsinsilhouette:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your historical adventure! :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore and listen to QR code info. :clock1:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your own food on the grounds to save time and money. :sandwich:
🚶♀️ Weekend Visits
Weekends offer more costumed interpreters for an immersive experience. :bustsinsilhouette:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your historical adventure! :dog:
📱 Use QR Codes
Scan QR codes at buildings for detailed historical information. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Bedford Village for its authentic historical representation and engaging costumed interpreters who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. The affordable admission and dog-friendly policy are also highlights. Some visitors noted that weekday visits might have fewer interpreters, and recommend allowing ample time to fully explore the grounds and information available. +1
"My aunt used to bring me here when I was young and I thought it would be a great place to bring my niece to show her something new we had so much fun. They had people walking around dressed in the times telling us about the past and who they were and what significance they had in that time. The staff is so nice and they love showing you there trade and teaching you about what they are doing. It's definitely a cool place to take your children for a fun learning day. We didn't habe to wait at all to get in and it is very affordable 👌"
Chelsea Miller
"We stopped by this place while on a long back roads road trip. Even though we spent a few hours here, we could have spent much longer. There is so much to see. It was quiet, not a lot of people which is nice, however there weren't many 'period' people either around to talk to about the history."
Just Jana
"We visited for the annual Murder Mystery. It was a really nice evening. I recommend. The grounds are beautiful and the volunteers do a wonderful job."
Natasha Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Bedford Village is located at 220 Sawblade Rd, Bedford, PA 15522. It's about 2.5 hours from Baltimore and D.C., making it a great road trip destination.
Public transport options are limited in this rural area. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Old Bedford Village.
Nearby attractions include Fort Bedford, Jean Bonnet Tavern, and antique shops in town. It's also a reasonable drive from Flight 93 National Memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children aged 5-18, and free for children under 5.
The village is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and from Memorial Day Weekend through October 31st. Hours can vary, so it's best to check their website or call ahead.
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits, and reviewers mention not having to wait at all to get in. However, for special events like the Murder Mystery, booking ahead is recommended.
Old Bedford Village is typically open from Memorial Day Weekend through October 31st. It is closed during the winter months.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the admission prices are considered very affordable by visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore period housing, witness historical crafts and demonstrations by costumed interpreters, and learn about 18th-century life.
Visitors recommend allowing at least 2 hours to fully experience the village and utilize the QR code information. Some could spend much longer.
While not formal guided tours, costumed interpreters are present to share information about their trades and the historical period.
Yes, it's a great place for children to experience history in a fun and educational way, with interpreters who love teaching.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome to explore the village with their owners.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Visitors are welcome to pack a lunch and enjoy it on the grounds. There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the village itself.
For dining, consider historic spots like Jean Bonnet Tavern or explore restaurants in the town of Bedford.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming period buildings, scenic grounds, and costumed interpreters offer numerous picturesque opportunities. A foggy morning can add a unique atmosphere.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the historical ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up, and consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The village is also dog-friendly, so the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the historical adventure together.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The manageable size and engaging content make it ideal for a fulfilling day trip. Allocate at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the village. Consider combining your visit with other nearby historical sites or scenic drives in the Bedford area for a comprehensive regional exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Immerse Yourself in 18th-Century Life
The true magic of Old Bedford Village lies in its living history demonstrations. Costumed interpreters, often referred to as 'period people,' bring the past to life by showcasing traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery. They are passionate about their trades and eager to share their knowledge, answering questions and demonstrating their skills. This interactive element makes the historical experience incredibly engaging and memorable for all ages.
For those seeking a truly special visit, the annual Murder Mystery event is a highlight. This immersive evening transforms the village into a captivating historical drama where attendees can participate in solving a crime, adding an element of intrigue to the historical setting.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the village grounds. This is a cost-effective way to maximize your time on-site, as there are no dining facilities within the village itself.
While weekday visits offer a quieter experience, weekends are generally preferred for the most engaging atmosphere, as more costumed interpreters are typically present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit