Shefford is a small market town located in Bedfordshire between Hitchin and Bedford. For local government purposes it forms part of Mid Bedfordshire District council and is within the Mid Bedfordshire parliamentary constituency, whose MP is currently Nadine Dorries of the Conservative Party.

The river Flit and the River Hit run through the town. The Flit runs from Flitwick and joins the Ivel on the edge of Shefford. The Ivel eventually joins the Great Ouse just north of Sandy.

The name Shefford is derived from Sheeps Ford due to the previous sheep market and the ford over the rivers.

Shefford incorporates a fire station, bowls club and a brewery. As well as this, it has various Pubs and restaurants, including Chinese takeaways, Indian Takeaways and eat-ins and a Fish and Chip Shop. There is a scout group there too, and a local Army Cadet Force hut at Chicksands on the Army Intelligence corps base, which is part of Bedfordshire ACF, in A company.

Shefford is also close to Samuel Whitbread Community College, named after Samuel Whitbread the Second. Although this is often claimed by Shefford, it is actually within the borders of the village and parish of Clifton. It comprises Bedfordshire's second most prestigious 6th form college, and over 1400 students.

Shefford also boasts a hedge maze which is open to the public.