Bedford village lies at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains in, what was regarded as, the heart of British Settler country. It is a picturesque little village with tree-lined streets and fine examples of 19th century architecture, lying in the shadow of the Kaga Mountain, which creates the microclimate responsible for the rainforest on its slopes and the grassveld of the surrounding farms.

Established in 1857 and named after the Duke of Bedford, Thomas Pringle, the poet and writer, led the only Scottish contingency among the 1820 settlers who chose to settle in Bedford. Descendents of this group still farm in the area. Bedford was used as a stop-over support centre for migrating farmers and is now a prime cattle and sheep farming area.

Bedford is famous for its flowers and in October every year there is a garden festival. It is an ideal base from which to explore the Amatola Mountain Escape Route, the Marino Route and the Karoo heartlands.