The Kingfisher

Hotels
•
Classic British Hotels
8.4 (1077 reviews)
Cardington Road , Bedford , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Convenient location
Comfortable rooms
Good breakfast
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Outdated furniture
Hard beds
Some amenities can improve

Categories

Cleanliness
7.65
Some guests mentioned cleanliness issues, particularly regarding bathrooms and upkeep.
Service
9.15
Staff were frequently described as friendly and enthusiastic, with many positive mentions.
Location
9.15
The hotel is in a very nice and convenient location by the river.
Room Quality
8.15
Rooms are generally comfortable, though some found the bed hard.
Amenities
8.15
Bar and restaurant were positively noted, although some amenities could be improved.
Value for Money
8.15
While some found the price high, others felt good value for money was received.
Food and Beverage
8.15
Food quality varied; some meals were excellent, while others were average.
Overall Experience
8.65
Overall, many guests had a very positive experience, with a few minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 08:42

Property Description

Riverside Pub with Rooms on the River Great Ouse

Tranquil Setting and Delicious Dining
The Kingfisher offers a tranquil setting with views of the River Great Ouse and a local country park. Enjoy friendly service and delicious food, wines, and cask ales. Relax on the terrace by the river for a memorable dining experience.

Quality Ingredients and Comfortable Accommodation
Championing quality ingredients, the Kingfisher sources locally for a fresh dining experience. Choose from a variety of bedroom options, each with spacious bathrooms and essential amenities like a TV and tea/coffee facilities.

Nearby Attractions and Easy Access
Conveniently located near the M1 motorway, explore attractions like Woburn Abbey and Safari Park. Immerse yourself in nature and culture while staying just minutes away from major roadways.

Book your stay at The Kingfisher for a delightful riverside retreat.

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children from 2 years old to 14 years old stay for £10 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 1077 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.65
Service: 9.15
Location: 9.15
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.15
Value for Money: 8.15
Food and Beverage: 8.15
Overall Experience: 8.65
J
Jayne • solo_traveller • gb
10
Lovely stay
Pros:

Super relaxed vibe in the outside areas. Sat on the side garden for drinks, ate in the restaurant, staff aware of gluten free requirements, stayed overnight before our onward journey. Would stay here again if travelling down South from the North. Lovely temple spa toiletries too.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
E
Elle-Mae • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

I had lunch by the canal which was lovely. The room was cosy and the bed was really comfortable. I had a great night sleep

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • couple • ch
7
2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • gb
6
Reception staff self centred / not engaging or welcoming/
Pros:

Location/ off street free parking/ nice room/ nice restaurant and terrace by river.

Cons:

Lack of basic fans / air con in 36 deg heat. Small inadequate fans were in the room. No fans or cooling in restaurant. Grilled chicken and prawns were precooked then seared on BBQ and were tough and chewy.

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
T
Tom • solo_traveller • gb
5
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jatinder • couple • gb
10
2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
S
Sykes • couple • gb
8
Great place to stay - make sure to hire the boat!
Pros:

Comfortable bed
Boat trip was fantastic.
Breakfast superb

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
K
kim • extended_group • gb
7
Good position on the river
Pros:

Position on the rivet

Cons:

Some of the staff were miserable

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • solo_traveller • fr
9
Pros:

The location on the river - a 25 minute walk to the embankment and 10 mins to Priory Park. Staff are friendly and helpful. Spacious room and good TV.

Cons:

Food is expensive - no mini-fridge in the room. Limited lighting in the bedroom. Kitchen smells in the room.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
S
Serenity12 • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

Near work place attending

Cons:

No access to any aircon or consideration to paying guests or staff in such unbearable heat The eating areas where boiling hot over 35 degrees and no aircon or fans available. Yet in the conference rooms ample aircon very inconsiderate 😒!! No acess to disabled parking as everyone parking in the supposed parking and staff gave instructions to people to park anywhere . Will not be visiting in future expensive for size of bed and room tiny double bed but extortionate price

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sara • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Location, staff overall feel of the hotel was great!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
C
Chemtutor • couple • gb
10
Great place, boujee atmosphere, good food
Pros:

WE were upgraded to a suite. The location was great for us (we needed otbe near the athletics track. Food in restaurant was good and staff were very friendly

Cons:

Room was quite warm, but thats the UK in summer!

2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-07-07 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • couple • gb
9
Lovely pub in a fantastic location by the river.
Cons:

It was a very hot evening and no air conditioning. A fan would have been really helpful.

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
O
Oana • couple • gb
8
Decent hotel
Pros:

Stayed there for one night for a wedding. Wedding venue was great, hotel is nice, staff are friendly and helpful.

2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
P
Pauline • couple • gb
9
Convenient to town free parking
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

It was a shame that the heatwave prevented us from eating outside

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • couple • gb
10
The place was wonderful burger stuff made it truly special
Pros:

Beautiful place - lovely terrace along the River . The staff were exceptional from a warm welcome to helping with bags and directions . They all went that extra mile to make our stay perfect 😊

Cons:

Loved it all

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
R
Richard & Carole • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Really first class, friendly and efficient staff despite being frazzled by oppressively hot weather, lovely river side situation, great food reasonable pub prices. Six foot bed.

Cons:

I would have liked a better choice of British beers as I'm not a fan of lager.

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
B
Barry • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
R
Robin • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Good location, nice and peaceful

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee