Museums & Galleries · Bedfordshire
The Higgins
📍 MK40 3RP
Photo: Simon Speed (Public domain), via Wikimedia Commons
- Edward Bawden exhibition of his linocut work
- Exhibition celebrating 150 years of Wells & Co brewery
- Hexagonal Gallery housing the William Burges collection
- Free Puggle Club creative activities for young children
- Decorative arts, watercolours, furniture and print collections on display
The Higgins Bedford brings together a former brewer's house, brewery buildings and a Grade II listed gallery to tell the story of the Higgins family alongside Bedford's wider history. You can explore decorative arts, watercolours, furniture and prints, including the William Burges collection in the historic Hexagonal Gallery, plus changing exhibitions such as Edward Bawden's linocuts and a show marking 150 years of Wells & Co. There's free drop-in Puggle Club for under-fives on selected dates. It suits anyone interested in art, local history or a relaxed family visit. Open Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday afternoons, closed Mondays. Bedford St Johns station is just 0.5 miles away, and with 17 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays, it's an easy addition to a short break in Bedford.
Practical details
- Open
- Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm; Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday 2pm-5pm; closed Mondays
- Booking
- New exhibition entry is free
From the attraction's own website on 17 Oct 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Cafe
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
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🎪 What's on near The Higgins
Events from
Skiddle
Fri 13 Nov · 10:00
The Shoosmith Gallery Presents: 'Echoes Across Borders'
Delapre Abbey, Northampton · 19.1 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
Northampton Audio Tour: From Castles to Cultural
Northampton Castle, Northampton · 20.0 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 4 Dec · 09:00
The Frequency Room
Club Sixes, Bedford · 0.2 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 5 Dec · 19:30
Queenergy - Queen Tribute Live at The Weatherley Centre
The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade · 9.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to The Higgins into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
🚆 Or come by train
- Bedford St Johns 0.5 miles
- Bedford 0.7 miles
- Kempston Hardwick 3.5 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page