The Kingfisher Bedford Room photoThe Kingfisher Bedford Exterior photoThe Kingfisher Bedford Exterior photo
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From123US$ /night
Check-in
05Jun2026Select date
Check-out
06Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Cardington Road, Bedford, United Kingdom, MK44 3SA
-
Close to Bedford town centre
Great
8.3
8.6
/10
2.5
4.1
/5

Riverside Pub with Rooms and Historic Charm

Dining

The Kingfisher offers a diverse menu using locally sourced ingredients with dishes created from suppliers within 20 miles. Guests can enjoy meals featuring grass-fed beef, seasonal vegetables, and dishes such as beer-battered haddock and traditional Sunday lunches. Unique dining spaces include riverside views and an inviting atmosphere complemented by cask ales and fine wines from nearby vineyards.

Rooms

The Kingfisher provides a range of room options to accommodate various needs, including double rooms and sumptuous suites. The suites, located in the historic part of the building, offer unique features like four-poster beds and riverside views. Each room is equipped with luxury TEMPLESPA bath products and tea and coffee making facilities.

Location

Set along the picturesque River Great Ouse, The Kingfisher is a short drive from Bedford town center. The location offers easy access to outdoor activities and scenic walks in areas like Priory Country Park. Guests can reach the hotel within 40 minutes from train stations and are conveniently located near major roadways.

Weddings and Events

The Kingfisher is home to the historic Tithe Barn, an 800-year-old venue ideal for weddings and celebrations. This barn blends rustic charm with modern amenities, accommodating up to 90 guests for various events. A dedicated team ensures personalized service while catering to specific needs and preferences.

Entertainment

Guests can enjoy live music events showcasing performances from local talents, enhancing the experience at the pub. The Kingfisher frequently hosts themed nights and special events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. For additional adventure, guests can book a self-drive boat on the River Great Ouse, perfect for gatherings.

Highlights

Dining: delicious dining and relaxed service

Weddings: The Tithe Barn hosts up to 90 guests

Location: Rivers edge, short drive from Bedford

Entertainment: live music and self-drive boat hire

“This riverside hotel strikes me as a relaxing retreat, not least for its access to the River Great Ouse. The thoughtful touches-locally sourced cuisine and the unusual 800-year-old Tithe Barn-set it apart for events, while also pointing to a commitment to both comfort and sustainability. From what I've gathered, it's a place where the welcome is as genuine as the setting is picturesque.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The Kingfisher offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double or Twin Room Seasonal
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Junior Suite
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Suite River View
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Executive Double or Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Kingfisher offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Kingfisher offers a delightful dining experience that caters to a range of dietary preferences, ensuring that each guest finds something to savor. With a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and options that span throughout the day, it presents an inviting space for all occasions.
The Kingfisher Bedford Restaurant photo
The Kingfisher Bedford Restaurant photo
The Kingfisher Bedford Restaurant photo

The Kingfisher

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Ambiance
Family friendly, Traditional, Modern, Romantic
Key Offerings
Satisfying full English breakfasts and a complimentary child's meal with each full-price adult meal. Seasonal dishes featuring locally sourced meats within a 15-mile radius create a genuine connection to the area's culinary heritage.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 07:00 to 21:00; 08:00 to 21:00 on weekends.

The Kingfisher Location

Cardington Road, Bedford, United Kingdom, MK44 3SA
Map view
Cardington Road, Bedford, United Kingdom, MK44 3SA
Nearby
Cardington Cross
2800 ft
R101 memorial
3800 ft
Restaurants
The Cafe at W&H Peacocks Auction Centre
2200 ft
Eastcotts Park Wallis Way
Explore Bedford
Experience Bedford
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Oasis Beach Pool
Oasis Beach Pool
20 minutes' walk
Indoor aquatic center featuring pools, slides, and a wave machine perfect for family fun.
Priory Country Park
Priory Country Park
30 minutes' walk
Beautiful park offering walking trails, wildlife viewing, and picturesque lakes for relaxation.
The Higgins Bedford
The Higgins Bedford
30 minutes' walk
A local museum showcasing art and history, with unique exhibitions and educational programs available.
Bedford River Valley Park
10 minutes' drive
Offers scenic walking and biking paths along the river, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Birds of Prey Centre
Birds of Prey Centre
25 minutes' drive
An exhilarating experience observing falconry displays and learning about various birds of prey.
The Cafe at W&H Peacocks Auction Centre
The Cafe at W&H Peacocks Auction Centre
8 minutes' walk
Casual dining with locally-sourced dishes, famous for its hearty breakfast options and homemade cakes.
Café Moca
15 minutes' walk
Charming café known for its coffee and vegetarian options, with a cozy atmosphere suitable for all ages.
Cineworld
15 minutes' walk
Modern cinema featuring the latest films with comfortable seating and convenient snack options.
The Eagle Gallery
The Eagle Gallery
25 minutes' walk
Local art gallery showcasing exhibitions from regional artists, often featuring community events and workshops.
Getting around
City Centre
Bedford35 min  ·  1.8 mi
Airports
London Luton (LTN)55 min  ·  22.4 mi
Cambridge (CBG)78 min  ·  32.3 mi
Train
Bedford St Johns Train Station32 min  ·  1.6 mi
Bedford St Johns Railway Station32 min  ·  1.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop6 min  ·  1700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Dutch, Romanian, Latvian
Year renovated:
2011
Number of rooms:
67
Former name
barns hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Kingfisher from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Kingfisher is known for its lovely riverside setting and a Jetty bar, easily accessible with a short taxi ride to Bedford High Street. Guests frequently praise the good food served in the restaurant, with the buffet-style breakfast on weekdays being a highlight. The 'Classic double rooms' are often described as spotless, though some guests have noted the absence of AC. The hotel is also conveniently located for exploring Priory Country Park via the sluice gates, with a scenic walk with the best view of the hotel and restaurant.
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Review score
Based on 655 verified reviews
8.2/10
Great
81%
Recommend
Comfort
8.9/10
Location
8.9/10
Breakfast
7.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Pros
River location
Comfy beds
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Electric charging
Cons
Cold plates
Damaged carpets
Noisy guests
Guest reviews
based on 655 reviews
8.2/10
based on 1096 reviews
4.5/5
based on 774 reviews
8.3/10
Stella from United Kingdom
Standard Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 02, 2026
8.7/10

fantastic stay, was pretty good!

river viewsattentive staffgood selection
I loved the river views from the restaurant. It added such charm! breakfast was good, especially the good selection of items available each morning. the staff were very attentive, replenishing items and always ready to help if i needed something. the location really shines!
the bar closed earlier than advertised one evening (around 9pm instead of 11pm), seemingly due to staffing issues, i found that a bit inconvenient, but it didn't spoil my stay.
Location
9/10
the location boasts a beautiful setting alongside the river (i just loved it!). the hotel is tucked away from busy roads. it also has ample parking facilities for all guests.
Service
9/10
The staff was cute and friendly throughout my stay. the restaurant service was attentive. Staff addressed all requests promptly. the manager even offered a complimentary bottle, it was very nice.
Rooms
8/10
my room was spacious and well-kept to an excellent standard. it featured great facilities that enhanced my experience. the bed was very comfortable.
0 Helpful
|
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Layla from Germany
Family with children
Standard Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
8.8/10

surprisingly Pleasant Stay

coffee facilitiesample parkingslow service
the room included coffee and tea making facilities, which i really appreciate. a large, flat screen television provided entertainment. i found ample parking spaces available throughout my stay, a real PLUS. the hotel's location by the river allowed for scenic walks and views.
the bar service was slow one evening, it required a considerable wait for drinks.
Rooms
9/10
my 'standard double or twin room' featured included coffee and tea amenities. a flat screen tv was present. the room temperature was easily adjustable, a HUGE plus.
Facilities
8/10
i saw that the hotel provides ample parking. there IS a restaurant. the building featured very clean, well maintained venues. it seems that the hotel has function rooms.
Location
10/10
the hotel sits by the river, and it had a beautiful setting. the surroundings were nice. the location allowed me to enjoy scenic walks, something i VERY enjoyed.
Service
9/10
the staff were always polite. they seemed helpful . i was offered a complimentary drink when there was a small issue, something i found VERY thoughtful.
Dining
8/10
the breakfast IS a standard buffet. the menu offers various options. portion sizes seemed generous, something i always consider a great PLUS.
0 Helpful
|
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Andrew from United Kingdom
Family with children
Standard Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 06, 2025
9/10
tasty breakfastfilter coffee
i loved my room it was a standard double or twin room! the breakfast was very tasty even though only tea and filter coffee were included. it would have been nice for barista coffees to be included in the price
The music was quiet loud. After three songs it did get turned down.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Kingfisher
What time is breakfast served at The Kingfisher?
15 February 2024
Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 9:30am on weekdays, and from 7:30am to 10:30am on weekends and bank holidays.
Can I bring my dog to stay in the guest rooms?
18 March 2024
Yes, The Kingfisher has designated dog-friendly rooms for an additional charge of £15 per night which includes a water bowl, bed, and treats for your pet.
Is there a shower stall available in the disabled room?
5 April 2024
The disabled room features a shower over the bath, but there is not a separate shower stall.
Are there options for river access at The Kingfisher for canoe enthusiasts?
20 April 2024
The Kingfisher does not provide direct river access for launching canoes from the hotel grounds.
How far is The Kingfisher from Knebworth House?
12 May 2024
Knebworth House is about 45 kilometers away, which typically takes around 40 minutes to reach by car on the A1.
Are there disability accommodations available including parking?
30 May 2024
There is one accessible room located on the ground floor, equipped with a larger bathroom and assistive features. Complimentary disability parking is also available.
Is an early check-in option available?
28 June 2024
Early check-in can be requested, but it is subject to availability. If the room is ready before 2pm, there is a £10 fee for early check-in.
What dining options are available for guests in the evening?
15 July 2024
Dinner is served until 9:30pm daily for guests wishing to enjoy a meal in the evenings.
Can I expect a full English or continental breakfast during my stay?
22 August 2024
Guests can enjoy either a full English breakfast or a continental breakfast included in their room rate if booked as bed and breakfast.
Is there a secure place to store bicycles for guests?
10 September 2024
Unfortunately, there is no secure indoor bike storage, but bicycles can be brought inside rooms if you request a downstairs room during your booking.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room