The Higgins Bedford

The Higgins Bedford is the town’s main art gallery and museum, bringing together Bedford’s history, archaeology, social history and an impressive collection of fine and decorative art. Housed within the historic buildings of the former Higgins family home and brewery, the building itself is part of the attraction.

The collections range from local history and archaeology to paintings, prints, ceramics, furniture and decorative arts. Highlights include works by artists such as Turner, Constable, Picasso and Goya, alongside important collections featuring designers William Burges and Edward Bawden.

There is plenty for families too, with interactive displays, family activities and school-holiday events designed to make the collections accessible to younger visitors. The museum also runs temporary exhibitions, talks and workshops throughout the year, so there is often something different to discover on return visits.

Best of all, general admission is free, making The Higgins an excellent option for a budget-friendly day out. Its location on Castle Lane also puts it close to Bedford Castle Mound, the River Great Ouse, John Bunyan Museum and the town centre, making it easy to include as part of a wider day exploring Bedford.