The Bedford area is rich in the history of the 1820 Settlers and Afrikaans trekboers. Many farms and buildings are of historic interest, such as Glen Lyden church built in 1828, and "Bezuidenhout's Cave", of Slagtersnek fame, both of which lie in the Baviaans River valley.

An extraordinary variety of birds can be found in the district. Bedford is claimed to be the only place in the south of South Africa where the tiny Scops Owl nests. For a list of birds which have been sighted in the area

There are numerous places to walk or hike including two day hikes. Special organised walking tours are taking place during the Gardens Festival.

There are opportunities for both rock climbing and abseiling, both for beginners and the more experienced.

A magnificent collection, some 150 trays, of indigenous butterflies and moths has been put together by one of the locals which is also the largest such collection in the country.

A variety of 4x4 trails caters for everyone from beginners to the experienced.

Anglers can fish for bass and sunfish.

The largest collection of birds eggs in South Africa is to be found here.

Bedford is noted for its Garden Festival every October. The many and varied gardens of the district run from the formal to the park-like to the specialist gardens of cacti and succulents.

There are a couple of places where very nice examples of San (Bushman) rock art can be viewed.