The Higgins Bedford — Attraction in England

Gem of a museum and art gallery, even if you're just visiting for a couple of hours. This is really three things in one. Museum, gallery and cafe. Just revisited, March 2022, still great. Went on a term time Friday and very quiet. Very helpful staff too.

The museum gives you an overview of the history of Bedfordshire, from the geological formation of the rocks which underpin the county through ancient man, the Romans, right up to the modern day. As an adult with a short attention span, it's pitched just right, but this also makes it great for kids. Lots of interactive bits they can muck about it, but not so much detail they get bored. Also, it being local, you can point out places they may well know so it puts history in context. There's even a few cases of strange exhibits gathered from around the world which were previously held by Bedford Modern School Museum, back in the day. Great features on the brickworks, RAE Bedford, and Texas Instruments who used to be based in town. The gallery bit has ceramics, prints and furniture to explore. Again, some real treasures to unearth but not so much detail that little ones will get bored.

Tacked on the side is great little cafe which is often open into the evening serving Italian food.

While you're here, you can visit the castle mound, round the corner, there's an olde lime kiln on display in the basement of a nearby building, so the museum really is in the heart of 'ye olde Bedforde'.

Literally 1 mins walk from the museum is the Panacea Museum which is again a great place to visit. It's a house that was owned by a religious cult who believed Jesus would return and live in Bedford, it's strange, but a charming...

Having been used to the museums in London, I wasn't sure what to expect when we first went to the Higgins. It was incredibly interesting. There is such a variety of displays. From geological to Victorian Bedford, war history to art gallery, and ever changing exhibitions, there is something for everyone at the Higgins. The only issue I have is the layout. Better signage would be most helpful. We kind of got turned around and lost as we were going through it. It was also not obvious where toilets were located and I am not sure if it is very wheelchair accessible. With that said, I wouldn't hesitate to come back any time for a wander and stop in the pantry (the cafe attached to the Higgins) for an absolutely GORGEOUS slice of gluten free chocolate brownie and...

Had a lovely two hours visit on a cold Saturday afternoon with my daughter. Enjoyed gazing and commenting on the paintings displayed in the gallery, where we admired a range of interesting portraits, compositions and landscapes from a wide range of artist rendered in their unique personal styles. Plenty of inspiration from the various materials and techniques we saw. We then took a stroll through the Higgins family house and learned a lot of details about their furniture and interiors taste. All the pieces are beautifully and elegantly crafted Victorian and ornate 'exotic' pieces. Every time we pop in, there is always something new to discover and savour. Well worth visiting time...