The council is based in Bedford, the borough's namesake and principal settlement, which is the county town of Bedfordshire.

The Bedford built-up-area is the 71st largest in the United Kingdom and also includes Kempston and Biddenham.

The borough is also the location of the Wixams new settlement, immediately south of Bedford, which received its first residents in 2009.

[8][9][10] The council is based at Borough Hall on Cauldwell Street on the banks of the River Great Ouse in the centre of Bedford.

The parishes are:[12] The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Borough of Bedford.