Location: Bedford
Top Things to do in Bedford
Top 10 Museums in Bedford, England
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire, England. The town has a population of around 80,000, whereas the Borough of Bedford had a population of 166,252 in 2015 together with Kempston.
Restaurants in Bedford
1. Wood End Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
2. Rogan's Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Independent children's bookshop, original artwork gallery and welcoming space for book lovers! Specialises in books on feminism, LGBTQ+ and social issues.
Reviewed By HMDo70 - Bedford, United Kingdom
Rachael talks to every customer to understand the age, needs and interests of the children you're buying for. She has a particular interest in books with strong social messages and helping kids make sense of things so excellent for children with differences or going through challenging times in life. The shop also hosts other events so is really part of he community. Have a magical time and support a fantastic local business by spending your time and £££s here.
3. 306th Bombardment Group Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
This is amazing encapsulation of the airfield and the surrounding area as it was in WWII. It is one of the most impressive memorials to the US aircrew who flew from the UK I have ever visited.
Reviewed By croozn33 - Gilbert, United States
I have not seen this mentioned here, but potential visitors should be interested to know that RAF Thurleigh and the 306th Bombardment Group were the inspiration for the 918th (3 times 306) Bomb Group at "RAF Archbury" (which did not exist) in the novel, the movie with Gregory Peck and the subsequent TV series in the US.
4. The Higgins Bedford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
The Higgins Bedford is Bedford's art gallery and museum. It's a place to explore collections of fine & decorative arts, world-class watercolours, local stories and find out about great Bedfordians. Changing exhibitions mean there is always something new to see. There is lots to do for all the family.
Reviewed By debrichgil - Bedford, United Kingdom
Should be nationally recognised. Firstly you have the rooms celebrating the history of Bedford from prehistoric to present. Then the exhibitions displaying the recent histories of immigrants to the town. Then a fantastic art gallery/rooms with pictures by Turner , impressionists, modernists, contemporary Art, etc. Then upstairs rooms of fantastic glassware, and pottery. Can take a few hours to browse your way round, then a look round the shop, before dining at the very highly rated Higgins Pantry. If you have any time left a visit to the next door Bunyan Museum, and .......Panacea museum. Three treasures in the centre of Bedford.
5. Panacea Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community who created their own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford.
Reviewed By RabbitRoamer
If you are of a certain age you may recall the curious newspaper advertisements regarding Joanna Southcott’s Box and a form of spiritual healing ... this peculiar offshoot of Anglicanism and middle-class eccentricity was the source of these ... The Panacea Society itself existed as a religious organisation for nearly a hundred years until the last members died in 2012 ... but in its last years arrangements were made to transfer its work and assets to a charitable trust that became the Panacea Trust of today ... This is their Museum ... A fascinating place that strikes a neutral tone (it does not proselytise) as it guides you on a journey through social, political and religious thought of the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries (via Southcott, Wroe, Jezreel et al.) to arrive at the origins of the Panacea Society, and their surprisingly Feminist flavour of Anglicanism ... … and then there is THE BOX … All of this is excellently presented in various buildings around the Campus, which is a lawn area that the Society considered to be on the site of the Garden of Eden … you are most welcome to rest here in pleasant surroundings. There is a small but peaceful Chapel and a tea shop in the Founder’s House. Recommended for those with an interest in social history … and Edwardian interior design … An excellent visit, allow a couple of hours, there’s more than you expect, and could also be combined with a visit to the Bedford Museum and Art Gallery opposite … An unexpected Gem that is highly recommended ..!
6. John Bunyan Meeting House and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
This museum tells the story of the humble Bedford man who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the greatest novels in the English language. During his remarkable life Bunyan was a soldier, tinker, preacher and dissenter, spending 12 years in Bedford prison for illegal preaching. Explore Bunyan’s life and times; see 17th Century Bedford, hear Bunyan tell his story, and discover more about how one man’s story touched the world. With family trails, holiday activities, and exhibitions there is plenty to see and do. See the artwork at the Basement at Bunyan Gallery, with a programme of community art exhibitions and workshops. Visit Bunyan Meeting church, built in 1850 it stands on the site of Bunyan’s original church where he was minister from 1671 to 1688. Scenes from The Pilgrim’s Progress can be found on the bronze entrance doors and stunning stained glass windows.
Reviewed By 907docl
If you are at all interested in the history of Christianity, you should visit the Bunyan Museum - while it is not large, it chronicles the life and ministry of John Bunyan - whose Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most published and read books in the world. One of the displays is the pulpit that Bunyan preached from during his life as the pastor of the Bedford meeting. The staff is really knowledgable and willing and anxious to share their knowledge of John Bunyan!
7. The Glenn Miller Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
8. Eagle Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Welcoming and vibrant, the Eagle Gallery is unique in the region, being run by a non-profit making collective of 45 local artists, who are all directly involved in all aspect of the running the gallery. Now in its fifteenth year, the gallery takes great pride in exhibiting and selling only original artwork. The collective includes award winning and internationally renowned artists as well as nurturing fresh talent in the community. Embracing a wide range of artistic styles and practices, the gallery exhibits painting, prints, photography, mixed media, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more. No two visits are the same as every day will see different artists in the shop, available to talk to visitors about their work and offering a fresh perspective on whatever is currently on show. Exhibitions change every month with up to eight solo or group one-week shows in the year.
9. Art Centre & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By kimdR8299SM
Found this little Gem while researching real Sourdough bread. Popped in this morning to buy some bread from the Companions bakery which is behind the Cafe. Though the Cafe could not serve at the moment I bought some delicious bread and locally sourced Honey and Jam. The Gentleman who served me was very polite. I will certainly be back
10. Twinwood Museum
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