Join Kevin the Platypus this half term for five fun trails inspired by the weird and wonderful objects at The Higgins Bedford (remember to book your ticket in advance)*

Each trail contains an I-Spy activity alongside fun facts and craft sheets based on a theme, including toys and games, creepy crawlies, hats and Halloween. 

The trail will be available throughout half term week and four more trails will be released each day from Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th October.

The Higgins Bedford has included a ‘Kevin’s Create at Home Challenge’ at the end of some of the trails, offering the opportunity for children to get creative in the comfort of their own home. Challenges include creating a spectacular hat, making your own toy or game from ordinary items at home, designing your own Roman, Saxon or Viking outfit and turning yourself into a fantastic creepy crawly. After completing a challenge, families are invited to send in their photos to be displayed at The Higgins Bedford, by emailing thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk or by posting on their social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). 

All trails are suitable for 4 to 11 year olds and are free to take part. You can access them by visiting The Higgins Bedford or by downloading a copy from their website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk.

In addition, visitors will also be able to enjoy a new sculpture display drawn from the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery collection to celebrate it featuring on Art UK as part of its online showcase of publicly owned sculpture. Ranging from the 18th century to the present day, visitors can explore the work of artists such as Henry Moore, Auguste Renoir and Richard Guino, Jacob Epstein, John Gibson and more. The display is free to visit and will run until May 2021. 

The Higgins Bedford has introduced a number of measures in line with Government and public health guidance, to help ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Limiting visitor numbers will allow everyone to maintain a two-metre social distance from others not from the same household. There is a one-way system in operation with separate entrance and exit routes, and hand washing and sanitising facilities are available throughout the building. Visitors will also be required to wear a face covering while inside the premises. 

Customer toilet facilities are open with clear queuing systems in place, and cleaning has been increased. Interactive displays have been removed as well as shared information folders about the displays, but visitors can access these on mobile devices by scanning new QR codes. 

Staff and volunteers are on hand to help visitors have a safe and enjoyable time, while measures such as screens are in place to help ensure everyone’s safety. In addition, The Higgins Bedford will be collecting contact details for visitors to support NHS Test and Trace in the prevention of further local COVID-19 outbreaks.

* Visitors must book a free timed entry ticket in advance by visiting www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk. Visitors who are unable to book online can book over the telephone on 01234 718044 Monday – Friday from 11am to 3pm.