Every spring, the Eastern Cape village of Bedford welcomes visitors into private gardens filled with roses, established trees and carefully tended flower beds. Backed by the distinctive Kaggaberg mountain and surrounded by rolling farmland, this historic settlement offers a slower kind of escape, where a weekend can be spent wandering garden paths, browsing local shops and enjoying the comforts of country hospitality.
Natal laburnum in Bedford/Serban Proches/Wikimedia Commons
The annual Bedford Country Gardens event returns on 30 October to 1 November and 6 to 8 November 2026, opening gardens across the village and surrounding countryside. Now in its 23rd year, the event is a reason to visit, but the appeal of Bedford extends beyond its flowers. Its heritage buildings, farm landscapes and welcoming local businesses make it a destination worth exploring at an unhurried pace.
With 48 hours to spare, there is time to discover both the village and the countryside that surrounds it.
Day one: Discover Bedford’s garden-lined streets
Start with the village’s historic charm
Bedford was established in 1854 and named after the Duke of Bedford. Its history is closely linked to the British settlers who arrived in the Eastern Cape during the 19th century, and traces of that past remain visible in its architecture and streetscape.
Begin your visit with a leisurely walk through the village. Look out for historic homes, traditional buildings and leafy streets that reflect Bedford’s long association with farming and country life. The town is compact enough to explore at a relaxed pace, leaving plenty of time to stop for photographs or chat with local residents.
During Bedford Country Gardens, the village becomes especially lively as private gardens open their gates to visitors. The Town Route is a good starting point, offering the chance to see how individual gardeners have transformed their spaces with heritage roses, mature trees and colourful seasonal plantings.
Follow the garden routes
Bedford Country Gardens features four routes: Town, Mountain, Cowie Valley and Heading West. Together, they reveal different sides of the area, from intimate village gardens to expansive rural properties with views across the surrounding hills and farmland.
Rather than attempting to visit every garden in a single day, choose a handful that appeal to your interests and allow time to enjoy each one. Some are best appreciated for their established trees and shaded paths, while others showcase rose collections, mixed flower borders and carefully planned garden rooms.
The event is also an opportunity to speak to the people who tend these spaces. Garden owners share their knowledge and inspiration, making the experience as much about local stories and gardening traditions as it is about the flowers themselves.
For those with a particular interest in roses, a visit to the South African Heritage Rosarium is a highlight. The collection focuses on older rose varieties and their preservation, offering a quieter experience for visitors interested in horticulture and garden history.
Make time for Hope Street
After a morning among the gardens, head back into the village for a relaxed lunch and a browse along Hope Street. Local shops and small businesses add to Bedford’s character, offering an opportunity to discover locally made goods and enjoy the easy pace of a rural town.
The Duke of Bedford, a restored Victorian-era hotel and hospitality hub, is a natural stop for refreshments or a meal. The surrounding courtyard is also home to local food offerings, including The Apprentice Deli.
Bedford’s food scene draws on the region’s farming heritage, with local produce and country-style hospitality forming part of the experience. Take your time over lunch before returning to the gardens or exploring more of the village.
End the day with a country supper
As the afternoon cools, settle in for dinner and a restful evening. Bedford is a destination for slowing down rather than filling every hour, so leave room for an unhurried meal and a quiet night.
Accommodation ranges from guest houses and self-catering cottages to farm stays in the surrounding countryside. If you are visiting during Bedford Country Gardens, book well in advance, as the festival attracts visitors from across the country.
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Day two: Explore Bedford beyond the gardens
Take a scenic drive into the countryside
Start your second day by heading beyond the village, where the landscape opens into rolling grasslands, valleys and working farms. Bedford lies beneath the Kaggaberg mountain, with the surrounding district shaped by a mix of Karoo vegetation, mountain bushveld and agricultural land.
The Cowie Valley and Mountain routes are particularly appealing for visitors who want to experience the area’s scenery alongside its gardens. Farm roads lead past open fields and rural homesteads, offering a glimpse into the agricultural life that has shaped the region.
Allow extra time for the journey between gardens. Some properties are outside the village, and the pleasure of these routes lies partly in the drive itself, with changing views of the mountains and countryside along the way.
Step back in time at Glen Avon
For a sense of the region’s agricultural history, consider a visit to Glen Avon, a historic farm near Bedford. Its long-established homestead and country garden reflect generations of farming life in the Eastern Cape.
The property is known for its old farmhouse, mature oak trees, garden plantings and historic features, including remnants of its agricultural past. During the open-garden event, a visit offers a different perspective from the smaller gardens in town, combining heritage and horticulture in a rural setting.
Check the current festival route information before setting out, as access and opening arrangements can vary.
Discover more of Bedford’s natural side
Bedford is also a useful base for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking, hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching, while the nearby mountains and open plains provide a scenic backdrop for a leisurely drive.
If you prefer a gentler pace, spend the late morning revisiting a favourite garden, browsing for plants or stopping for coffee. The festival often includes opportunities to buy flowers and plants, making it a good place to find inspiration for your own garden.
The key is to leave enough flexibility in your plans. Bedford’s appeal is in the small discoveries: a garden tucked behind an old house, a conversation with a gardener or an unexpected view across the veld.
Enjoy one last taste of country hospitality
Before leaving, return to the village for a final meal or coffee. Browse any shops you missed on the first day and take one last walk through Bedford’s streets before heading back onto the road.
If time allows, consider extending your stay to explore more of the Eastern Cape’s historic towns and rural routes. Bedford’s location makes it a rewarding stop on a longer countryside journey, particularly for travellers interested in heritage, gardens and the quieter side of South African travel.
Planning your Bedford weekend
Bedford Country Gardens takes place over two weekends, from 30 October to 1 November and 6 to 8 November 2026. The gardens are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, with entry priced at R30 per person, per garden, payable in cash at each garden.
Visitors can choose between the Town, Mountain, Cowie Valley and Heading West routes. Festival highlights include the South African Heritage Rosarium, flower shopping at Floradella Flower Farm, local shops along Hope Street and visits to gardens in and around the village.
Accommodation should be booked early through the official Bedford tourism website at bedford.co.za or by emailing [email protected]. For festival enquiries, contact organiser Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and some cash for garden entry and local purchases. If you plan to visit rural properties, check the route details and access arrangements before departing.
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