Bedfordshire is a relatively small county in the southern Midlands. It is largely low-lying, though its southern parts rise into the Chiltern Hills.
The Great Ouse is Bedfordshire’s chief river, snaking through the county, producing very fertile country, and on its banks stands the county town, Bedford.
In area, most of the county is agricultural. However there are several large towns and industrial development around many towns. The main town is Luton, an industrial town with a major airport. Bedford itself, is smaller, but a thriving town nevertheless. While no “New Towns” were planted in Bedfordshire, Bedford, Luton and several towns have been the subject of similar planned expansion, influenced by the A1, which runs through the centre of the county, and the M1 in its south. Nevertheless, away from the main towns Bedfordshire has rich agricultural land, rolling rural scenery and pretty villages.
County Facts
County Town: Bedford
Main Towns: Ampthill, Luton, Biggleswade, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Sandy.
Main Rivers: Flit, Ouse, Ivel, Hiz, Ouzel, Lea.
Highlights: Woburn Abbey Safari Park; Luton Hoo; Whipsnade Zoo; Wrest Park.
Highest Point: Dunstable Downs, 801 feet.
Area: 465 sq miles
Flower: Bee Orchid
