Is Biggleswade A Nice Place To Live?

A charming market town situated on the River Ivel in Bedfordshire, England, Biggleswade has a great deal to offer. Its rich history dates back to Roman times and its contemporary appeal combines convenience for commuters with an array of charming attractions. 

Best neighbourhoods in Biggleswade

Biggleswade offers some fantastic areas ideal for families. Kings Reach is a modern development with a friendly community and good amenities.Attraction for families here include Kings Reach Play Park, as well as proximity to schools. 

The Fairfrield development is also very family friendly. It is located in the catchment area of Edward Peake CofE Upper School, a well-regarded secondary school with many modern facilities including a new sports hall and multi-use games area. The Fairfield development has a community feel with easy access to schools and local amenities making it a preferred choice for families wanting a balanced lifestyle.

Transport in Biggleswade

Biggleswade is a well-connected location, making it highly convenient for commuters and frequent travellers. The train station offers services to London St Pancras in 44 minutes and to Peterborough in 34 minutes.

Road connections ensure that Biggleswade is also convenient for drivers - the A1 bypasses Biggleswade, with links to London and the north, while the A421 provides routes towards Milton Keynes and the A428 offers connections to Peterborough.

And within Biggleswade, residents have access to several bus routes in and around the town, and as well as a number of scenic cycling and walking routes. Amongs the most popular, the Biggleswade Green Wheel, a walking route launched in 2015 that spans approximately 12km in a circular path, and over 90% of the route is suitable for cycling. Additionally, Kingfisher Way Walk is a nearby 21-mile walk that offers beautiful views and a chance to experience the local countryside.

Best schools in Biggleswade

Biggleswade offers a range of educational options that cater to families with children of all ages. The town is home to several primary schools, including Lawnside Academy, St Andrew’s CofE VC Lower School, and Biggleswade Academy. These schools are known for their strong academic programmes and supportive learning environments.

For secondary education, Stratton Upper School and Edward Peake CofE VC Middle School provide excellent options. These schools offer a broad curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

Local shopping, markets and dining

Biggleswade offers a mix of high street and independent shops, as well as major supermarkets, catering to a wide range of shopping needs. The A1 Retail Park is a major shopping hub home to popular retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Boots, Superdrug, Hobbycraft, Matalan, Poundland, TK Maxx, Mountain Warehouse, Go Outdoors, Robert Goddard, Benson for Beds, Halfords, and Pets at Home.

In addition to the retail park, Biggleswade's town centre boasts a selection of independent stores that add a unique charm to the shopping experience. Notable shops include Pedals, a cycling store; JR Goldthorpe and Son, a hardware store; and Buttons, a haberdashery.

Biggleswade is also a market town with market days every Tuesday and Saturday in the Market Square from 08:00 to 15:00. These markets feature a variety of traders offering plants and shrubs, food stalls, clothing, gifts and ornaments, a fishmonger, and even American sweets.

For those looking to enjoy a drink or a night out, the town offers several pubs such as The White Hart, The Crown Hotel, The Kings Reach, The Rose, The Wheatsheaf, The Yorkshire Grey, The Whistle and Flute, and The Golden Pheasant. And The Venue nightclub is a popular spot for a more lively evening.

Café enthusiasts will find plenty of options to relax and enjoy a coffee or a light meal. Popular spots include Jones Café, Café Eight, Surfin Café, Millers Coffee House, Café Mocha, Vamos Latin Café, Mama Rich Café, Sorrell Café, and Costa Coffee, which is conveniently located inside Next at the Retail Park.

When it comes to dining out, Biggleswade offers a diverse range of restaurants. Rosso Lounge provides a casual dining experience, while Biggles Lounge and Indian Monsoon offer delicious Indian cuisine. For those craving Chinese food, Jade Garden is a great choice. Pera Kitchen serves up Turkish delights, and The Shack specialises in burgers. Italian food lovers can enjoy a meal at Ristorante L’Olivio, and Thai Rice offers flavorful Thai dishes. For a taste of tapas, Gardeners Arms is the place to go.

Sports and outdoor spaces 

Biggleswade offers a variety of leisure activities to cater to all ages and interests. The town is home to several gyms and specialist facilities, ensuring residents have ample opportunities to stay active and engaged.

For fitness enthusiasts, Saxon Pool and Leisure provides a pool, gym, sports hall, and fitness classes, while Jones Gym and Café offers a welcoming environment for workouts and relaxation. Chilli Pilates and The Studio, which specialises in bungee fitness, add unique options for those looking to diversify their exercise routines.

Sports lovers can enjoy the facilities at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Sutton, or join one of the local sports clubs such as Biggleswade Rugby Club, Biggleswade United FC, and Biggleswade Town FC. The town also boasts Play for Free tennis courts at Drove Road Recreation Ground, catering to tennis enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Additionally, Biggleswade Town Bowls Club and Biggleswade Cricket Club provide opportunities for residents to engage in more traditional sports. 

For families, Franklins Recreation Ground is a popular spot, with a toddlers' play area and a multi-goal area for older children. This park is a great place for outdoor activities and family outings. 

Kitelands Play Area, which has recently been upgraded with new play equipment, is another excellent option for families with young children. The play area provides a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy.

Nature enthusiasts can visit Baulk Wood near Henlow and Deepdale Wood near Potton, both of which provide serene woodland settings for leisurely walks and wildlife observation.

Things to do in Biggleswade

Local activites include The Shuttleworth Collection, a museum showcasing historic aircraft and vehicles and The Swiss Garden a serene and picturesque haven of flora and fauna perfect for a leisurely stroll. This garden is a hidden gem in Biggleswade and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Shortmead House, a historic estate used for events and weddings, is another notable attraction. This beautiful estate offers a glimpse into the town's rich history and is a popular venue for special occasions, while Jordans Mill, with its riverside cafe and gardens, is a great place to learn about the town's industrial heritage. The mill offers guided tours and has a lovely cafe where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views.

St. Andrew’s Church, a medieval church with stunning stained glass windows, is another significant landmark in Biggleswade. The church's architecture and history make it a must-visit for those interested in religious and historical sites.

For arts and culture, The Bigg Theatre is a creative space that hosts regular music, theatre, comedy shows, and workshops, providing entertainment and cultural enrichment. 

The Cock Pub in Broom is a historic pub dating back to the 1830s, is known as "the pub with no bar" where beer is served directly from the cellar, offering a unique pub experience. The Biggleswade Totem Pole, which features the history of the town, and the Biggleswade War Memorial are notable landmarks that reflect the town's heritage, and nature enthusiasts can visit RSPB's lodge in Sandy, a nearby nature reserve that offers opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the outdoors.

Local community

Biggleswade boasts a vibrant and active community with a variety of groups and clubs catering to diverse interests. For young people, there are Sea, Air, and Army Cadets, as well as Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts groups, providing opportunities for adventure, learning, and personal development.

Fitness enthusiasts can join one of the local running clubs such as Zone 2, Good Vibrations Run and Coffee, Jones’ Run Club, and Biggleswade Social Run Club, which offer a supportive environment for runners of all levels. The Biggleswade Amateur Dramatic Society provides a creative outlet for those interested in theatre and performance.

Social groups like the Biggleswade WI (Women's Institute) and Biggleswade Ladies Circle offer opportunities for socialising and community involvement. History buffs can connect with others through the Biggleswade History Society, while photography enthusiasts can join the Biggleswade and District Camera Club to share their passion for capturing moments.

Overall, the community in Biggleswade is diverse and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities for residents to engage, connect, and contribute to the town's vibrant social fabric.

How is the Biggleswade housing market faring in 2025?

According to Rightmove, house prices in Biggleswade have an overall average of £343,902 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in Biggleswade during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £305,065. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £376,242, with detached properties fetching £464,003.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Biggleswade over the last year were 3% up on the previous year and 1% down on the 2022 peak of £347,509.

Considering making Biggleswade your home? 

View Biggleswade properties to buy or let, or contact our Biggleswade branch for more information today.