Kempston

Kempston is home to the earliest known relic from the Anglo Saxon rule in Britain making it an incredibly fascinating place to visit and stay.

Once the largest village in England, Kempston is now recognised an a town but it has managed to retain its village atmosphere, giving it a real warm and community feel, which is welcoming to visitors and residents alike, so whether you are here for a few days or just passing through, be sure to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Kempston on your travels.

The people of Kempston has always been proud of its independent sense of community and character and with its history and open green space, it is easy to see why.

Kempston has always been a thriving and peaceful community evidence of which was found a Saxon Cemetery which was unearthed in the town. The site is now the present day Saxon Centre where visitors can learn all about the history and heritage of the town, from its days as a village to now. The earliest known relics uncovered in the excavation were dated back to the 6^th century and provide a real insight into what life was like for the earliest settlers in the region.

Many of the streets in the town are named after historical figures with a connection to Kempston, so be sure to keep an eye out for some of the interesting names to help immerse yourself into the rich history. The town has a number of fascinating country estates and historical buildings including the King William IV pub, which is a timber framed building in a traditional Tudor style. The exterior is believed to contain many of the original medieval features and the Kempston Barracks, which were created in the 1800s. Other buildings of interest include the All Saints Church and the country estates of Grange House, now flats, Clapham Park and Biddenham Manor. The pretty Addison Howard Park forms parts of the grounds of Grange House and is open to the public for walks and outdoor games.

If you don’t fancy a history lesson while you’re away, there are plenty of other ways you can keep yourself entertained while in Kempston. The town has everything from riverside walks, expansive parks, 3 golf courses, a countryside park and opportunities to take part in canoeing, bowling, swimming and more.

For the nature lovers, you’ll love the wide green spaces that can be found around Kempston, but don’t forget to take a trip to the nearby butterfly farm where you can find details on a whole range of interesting British butterflies.

Because of its proximity to Bedford and the transport links that are available across the town, Kempston is a popular place for people looking for accommodation and as such there are a whole host of places to stay around the town that suit everyone’s budget. Be sure to look at our accommodation pages to find out more about what hotels are available in Bedfordshire. Kempston also has a range of places that are suitable for conferences or other events. It’s accessibility makes it an ideal location for those of you with colleagues that are based around the country.