Located in the south of Central Bedfordshire, Houghton Regis is a medium sized town with lots of activities being held all year around. It is easily accessible from both the M1 and the A5 which goes through the neighbouring Dunstable. There are also regular train and bus routes connecting the town to Luton, Dunstable and the surrounding areas, as well as making it easy to visit from London and the counties of Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.
In recent years, the town has seen major redevelopment, but this hasn’t taken away from the town’s rich heritage. You’ll find many of the street names in Houghton Regis still retain clues regarding the area’s history, which dates back to the times of Edward the Confessor. Places of historical interest include the town’s oldest known building, the All Saints Parish Church, which you’ll find next to Bedford Square, where the town’s high street and shopping area is located. The church was first built in the 13th century and still has an active congregation. Houghton Regis is also famous for Houghton Hall, an ancient monument, which was originally built for Dam Alice Milard in 1654. These days the building is used as office, with much of the site in ruins, but it is a popular area for walkers, photographers and history enthusiasts. The Crown Inn is another part of the local history that is worth a visit as it is believed to be the original building.
Today, Houghton Regis is home to various recreational, sport and children’s park facilities including football pitches, multi-use games areas and a bowling green, perfect for relaxing during your trip or entertaining the family. Within the town of sits Houghton Hall Park, ‘the green-lung of Houghton Regis’, a publicly accessible 17 hectare urban park with a rich heritage, which plays an important role in the history, culture and landscape of the local area. The park underwent an impressive transformation after being awarded a grant from Heritage and Big Lottery Funds ‘Parks for People’ grant scheme which has been an opportunity for the park and its heritage to be protected while delivering multiple community benefits, it now features a versatile visitor centre, with bookable meeting spaces, a café with both indoor and outdoor seating, children’s discovery area, and interactive interpretation about the park and other local heritage and all within walking distance from the town centre.
The town’s main shopping centre, ‘Bedford Square’ has a wide range of local businesses and professional services along with a mix of shops offering a variety of products. Those that are passing through the town or travelling around Bedfordshire will also be able to access public transport links at this central location. Houghton Regis operates a town loyalty card scheme which encourages visitors to the town to shop local, on your shopping trip, be sure to ask about the card and collect stamps to allow you access to discounts and free gifts.
Regular events in the town include carnivals and other activities, that helps celebrate the rich heritage, and unique character of Houghton Regis. These occasions bring the community together and showcase to visitors what Houghton Regis is all about.
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