List of museums in Bedfordshire facts for kids

Bedfordshire is a county in England with many cool places to visit, especially museums! Museums are like treasure chests filled with amazing objects from the past or things that teach us about art, science, and nature. They collect and take care of these special items, then show them to the public so everyone can learn and explore.

This list will help you discover some of the fantastic museums you can find in Bedfordshire. Get ready to explore history, art, science, and more!

Museums to Explore in Bedfordshire

Elstow Moot Hall

A view of the Moot Hall in Elstow.

The Elstow Moot Hall is a historic building from the 17th century. It's set up to look just like it would have hundreds of years ago. You can step inside and imagine what life was like back then! It's a great way to see history come alive.

Glenn Miller Museum

The control tower at RAF Twinwood Farm.

This museum is located at the old World War II airfield where the famous musician Glenn Miller took off before his plane disappeared. The Glenn Miller Museum focuses on military aviation and other displays from wartime. It’s a fascinating look into a key part of history.

The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum

The entrance to The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum.

The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum in Bedford is a fantastic place with lots to see. It covers local history, art, culture, and even natural history. You can learn about geology, archaeology, and old coins. It's like several museums rolled into one!

John Bunyan Museum

A model of John Bunyan's cell at the museum.

The John Bunyan Museum in Bedford tells the story of John Bunyan. He was a famous writer who wrote The Pilgrim's Progress. The museum shows what his life was like and how his famous book came to be.

John Dony Field Centre

Located in Luton, the John Dony Field Centre focuses on local history and natural history. It's a great spot to learn about the nature and past of the area.

Leighton Buzzard Railway

The Leighton Buzzard Railway offers exciting train rides! It's also an industrial narrow gauge railway museum. You can learn about the history of trains and how they were used, especially in sand quarrying.

Military Intelligence Museum

Image of the front entrance to the Military Intelligence Museum building.

The Military Intelligence Museum is located in Shefford. It shares the secrets of the shadowy world of intelligence, security, and espionage. You can explore the history and artifacts of the British Intelligence Corps. They also have the Medmenham Collection, which is all about aerial photography. Visits are usually by appointment.

Moggerhanger House

The beautiful Moggerhanger House.

Moggerhanger House is an early 19th-century home. It was designed by the famous architect John Soane. You can explore the historic house and its lovely gardens. It's a wonderful example of old English architecture.

Panacea Museum

The Panacea Museum in Bedford explores the life and writings of Mable Barltop. She was the founder of The Panacea Society. This museum gives you a glimpse into a unique part of local history and belief.

RAF Signals Museum

Located in Henlow, the RAF Signals Museum tells the story of radio and electronics communications in the Royal Air Force (RAF). It's a fascinating look at how technology helped the RAF over the years.

Roman Sandy Story

The Roman Sandy Story in Sandy displays Roman artifacts. It also has artist drawings that show what the town looked like in the past. It's a great way to learn about Roman Britain right in Bedfordshire. You can find this display in the Council offices.

Shuttleworth Collection

A historic airplane from the Shuttleworth Collection.

The Shuttleworth Collection in Old Warden is a must-see for anyone who loves transport. It features an amazing collection of old airplanes, automobiles, and motorcycles. You can see how transport has changed over time.

Stockwood Discovery Centre

The entrance to Stockwood Discovery Centre.

The Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton is a large museum with many different collections. It includes the Mossman Collection of carriages, which are old horse-drawn vehicles. You can also learn about geology, archaeology, social history, and rural crafts.

Stondon Motor Museum

A classic car at the Stondon Motor Museum.

The Stondon Motor Museum in Lower Stondon has a huge collection of vehicles. You can see automobiles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. They even have airplanes, tanks, and a replica of the HM Bark Endeavour, the ship of explorer James Cook!

Tempsford Village Museum

The Tempsford Village Museum focuses on the history of Tempsford village and RAF Tempsford. It has many items and documents related to the area's past, especially its military connections.

Thurleigh Museum

The Thurleigh Museum, also known as the 306th Bombardment Group Museum, tells the history of RAE Bedford during World War II. It's located in Thurleigh and offers insights into the area's role in the war.

Turvey Abbey

Turvey Abbey is a beautiful neo-classical house. It features furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, both English and Continental. You can also see collections of silver, gold, porcelain, and fine art. It's a treat for anyone interested in historic homes and art.

Wardown Park Museum

The historic Wardown Park Museum building.

The Wardown Park Museum in Luton has a wide range of exhibits. It showcases local crafts like lace and hat-making, local history, and culture. It also covers the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, archaeology, art, and natural history. It used to be called the Luton Museum & Art Gallery.

Woburn Abbey

The grand Woburn Abbey.

Woburn Abbey is a grand estate that belongs to the Duke of Bedford. It features beautiful 18th-century French and English furniture, amazing silver and gold collections, and fine art. You can also explore its lovely gardens and a deer park.

Woburn Heritage Centre

The Woburn Heritage Centre in Woburn focuses on the local history of the area. It's a great place to learn about the past of Woburn and its community.

See also

• Category:Tourist attractions in Bedfordshire