Not so very long ago Kempston was still regarded and governed as a village, but is now very much a town with the population – nearing 20,000 – and facilities in keeping with that status. Sitting at the southwest corner of Bedford it serves as a dormitory town for that larger centre, but with the A421 which passes through the place bringing the north-south M1 (junction 13) A6 and A1 routes within easy reach residents have a relatively easy commute to other regional hubs like Milton Keynes, Luton and Dunstable. What became the town of Kempston was originally a series of smaller settlements, Ends, for example Church End, Hall End and, wonderfully, Bell End. The area was known in the Domesday Book as Camestone, the name denoting a farmstead on a sharp river bend. That river is the Great Ouse, which still provides some pretty stretches through the place. Some of the hamlets are of great antiquity - archaeology has uncovered many Saxon and even Roman remains and artefacts in the district. Architecture in the town is an eclectic mix of remnants of the earlier hamlets and more modern buildings, many from expansion in the late 19th century. The highlight as so often is the parish church, All Saints, the typical jumble of styles blending to a dignified whole: Norman and medieval predominantly, though with later touches too. Another building of note is part of the Victorian barracks (The Keep), all crenellations and square towers reminiscent of the grander sort of prison. Facilities in the town include a retail park, its own fire-station, the full range of schools, and of course plenty of pubs and eateries.
Pub and Bar
Cross Keys
Griffin
Half Moon
Mulberry Bush
Royal Oak
Slaters Arms
Wellington
Taxi
Direct Cars
Town & Country Cars
Shops
The Great British Balloon Company
Greycourt Florists
O’Hair & Body Sculpture
Ebony & Ivory
Abraxax Photography
Places to Stay near Kempston
Park Inn Bedford (1.94 miles)
The Park Inn Bedford is a wonderfully vibrant hotel, set in the busy market town of Bedford. Relax in the Pilgrim Bar before dining in the Terrace Restaurant or work ... More
Bedford Swan Hotel (1.99 miles)
Built in 1794 for the 5th Duke of Bedford this beautiful hotel overlooks the River Ouse in the centre of Bedford. Refurbished and standing in an attractive riverside position. The Bedford Swan ... More
Shakespeare Hotel (2.11 miles)
* 22 En-suite Bedrooms* 5 minutes walk from Rail Station* 10 minutes walk from town centre* Themed restaurant & Bar* Parties, Weddings & Conferences* Drinks at Pub prices* Ample Car ... More
Bethany House (2.17 miles)
Bethany House is a family-run B&B located in a quiet residential area of Bedford, within easy walking distance of the central shopping area, the mainline railway station, and the bus ... More
Embankment Hotel (2.18 miles)
Today the Embankment hotel offers all the modern visitor could want today - 20 bedrooms all en suite and with telephone and television. Room rates include breakfast and a choice of ... More
De Parys Hotel (2.37 miles)
A family-owned inn with a personal touch, De Pary's welcomes business and leisure guests with a beautiful garden, all within easy reach of the M1/A1 motorways.
Hidden away in De Pary's is ... More
Travelodge Bedford (2.72 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Bedford (Priory Marina) (2.87 miles)
Barns Hotel Bedford (2.94 miles)
The Barns Hotel is situated in a beautiful riverside location, within three and a half acres of landscaped gardens, yet it is just 10 miles from the M1 and 8 ... More
Woodlands Manor Hotel (3.16 miles)
Woodlands Manor is a secluded period manor house set in acres of wooded grounds and gardens. Woodlands Manor is situated only 2 miles from the centre of Bedford, being easily ... More
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