Biggleswade is a thriving market town situated within the Central Bedfordshire area. The A1 Retail Park, opposite Stratton Business Park, is home to a number of well-known high street stores whilst the Market Square is a thriving and lively hub with a tempting range of independent shops, cafés and pubs.
Easy access to London and the countryside
Offering a direct trainline to London, Biggleswade is notable for several parks, open spaces and play areas. Providing sports facilities, walks by the River Ivel and play areas to suit all ages spread across the town, there is never a shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Franklins Park is one of the town’s larger parks. A popular traditional open space, it features a mixture of mature trees, a toddlers play area and multi-goal area for older children. Franklins Park also offers picturesque riverside walks.
In addition to a wide range of facilities managed by Biggleswade Town Council (BTC), it is currently overseeing the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and intends to continue working with its partners to create a new programme of events and services to benefit the community.
The town’s busy events calendar can be found here.
Fascinating local history
Biggleswade holds a weekly market which dates back to the 12th century. However, it wasn’t until 1227 that it was granted full market town status by King Henry III. The Charter Market runs on Saturdays, with an array of stalls ranging from varying fresh food stalls, Cards & Gift Wrap, Haberdashery, Plants & Shrubs, Gifts & Ornaments, Children’s Clothing and Household Items to name but a few. New traders come to the market on a regular basis to add to the eclectic mix of stalls.
There is also a mid-week Tuesday market, as well as visiting food markets periodically scheduled throughout the year.
Biggleswade Charter Market offers the opportunity for local charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to have a market stall stand twice a year. This gives the public the opportunity to meet local not-for-profit organisations from Biggleswade and the surrounding area. Meanwhile, this provides local charities and organisations an outlet to promote their services/work, whilst simultaneously raising much needed funds.
Various activities and events are held throughout the year at Biggleswade’s markets. Some are seasonal like Easter and Christmas, whereas others are visiting food or continental markets.
Did you know?
- On June 16, 1785, the Great Fire started at the Crown Inn and spread rapidly, destroying almost one-third of the town. In response, a national appeal was launched, raising funds for 332 residents who lost their homes and others who lost their livelihoods.
- The area around Biggleswade is thought to have been inhabited from approximately 10,000 BC as arrowheads believed to date back to this period have been found.
- A medieval bridge, first documented in the early 13th century, provided a route for the Great North Road over the River Ivel at Biggleswade.
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