Marston Vale Line
Bletchley - Bedford
Nearby train routes
Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community that created its own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford. This museum tells the story of the Panacea Society, a group founded by Bedford resident Mabel Barltrop in 1919.
The main Museum building is 'Castleside', a beautiful Victorian house that was part of the community's headquarters. The 'Founder's House' features original arts and crafts furniture, furnishings and 1930s artwork. The Museum has a number of temporary exhibitions each year showcasing textiles, cembroidery and handmade items from the collections as well as community exhibitions.
The campus also includes a cosy Tea Room, stunning well-tended gardens and other restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
Good to know
The Museum is open 11am-5pm, Thurs- Sun during Spring & Summer, and 10am - 4pm during Autumn & Winter. Find out more: www.panaceamuseum.org
Directions:
The Panacea Museum is 0.9 miles from Bedford Midland Railway Station. Follow the sign posted route to the Town Centre and Art Gallery & Museum, about 20 min walk. When you reach Castle Lane and The Higgins, carry on through the Castle Gardens to Newnham Road where the Museum is located.
There are frequent services from London (St Pancras International) with trains arriving and departing every 30 mins. Train services run from Brighton, Gatwick Airport, London stations, St Albans and Luton through to Bedford.
Take the train for a picturesque way to arrive, take the Marston Vale Line from Bletchley to St John's Station, Bedford calling at local stations.
Follow the signposted route from the station to the Town Centre, and to the Art Gallery & Museum. Connections are available at Bletchley from Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard.
Further details can be found on the Marston Vale Community Rail website.
