BBC’s Justin Dealey gets in the picture

Visitors coming from overseas to Bedford, head for the historic Swan Hotel. Dating back to the 1700s the hotel is a dream location for Americans and more who are taking advantage of the well priced pound.

“We bring in millions of pounds worth of business to Bedford town centre every year through overnight stay guests and functions,” explained Swan Sales and Marketing Manager Natasha Trudgill,

“But we want local folk to understand that the Bedford Swan is open to them too - to enjoy drinks in the bar, or coffee and cakes and afternoon teas in our comfortable main seating area, The Terrace on sunny days and evenings, and our luxury spa. So we have decided to team up with Love Bedford to offer a VIP Visitor experience.”

Visitors to the Bedford Swan Hotel will already find glossy local magazines on display to read or take away, they can buy Love Bedford gift vouchers for use in 270 other businesses in the town. Now they can also buy copies of the Love Bedford-sponsored 2017 calendar which has superb photographs of the riverside - a great Christmas present*

“We will also be making available copies of the Love Bedford mini maps for the town centre, editions of Love Bedford magazines such as the Eating and Drinking guide and more.

“We have a close relationship with the tourism success that is John Bunyan Boat and during the summer people can book tea or champagne trips - they are very popular.”

Now the hotel is offering a new menu in the Riverside Room restaurant, popular for Sunday lunches all year round, this location is a great place to enjoy a slightly more special lunch.

“We will be running a draw throughout October in reception here for people to win a lunch for four in the restaurant with a bottle of wine. 

“We want people to Love Bedford as much as our overseas visitors do and to make the most of our VIP experience here at the Bedford Swan Hotel.” 

Christina Rowe, Director of BedfordBID which represents 100s of town centre businesses said: “The influence of this hotel on people’s perception of Bedford town centre should not be underestimated. They have been long standing supporters of the BID, they helped get the John Bunyan Boat really underway and their riverside terrace has a big appeal for people. We think a VIP Visitor experience about sums up the Swan.”

*Copies of the calendar are already on their way to Australia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Lithuania.

** BBC Radio 3 Counties star Justin Dealey popped into the Bedford Swan Hotel to talk about tourism