Background

Brigg Heritage Centre: A Journey Through Brigg's Rich Past

Discover Brigg’s ancient heritage and vibrant community spirit at the historic Angel Building’s Brigg Heritage Centre.

4.4

Located on the first floor of the historic Angel Building in Brigg’s Market Place, Brigg Heritage Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s heritage, anchored by the Bronze Age Brigg Raft dating back to 800 BC. This free-admission museum showcases interactive displays, local artifacts, and hosts community events, making it a cultural hub that celebrates Brigg’s evolution from ancient times to the modern era.

A brief summary to Brigg Heritage Centre

  • 1st Floor, The Angel Building, Market Place, Brigg, DN20 8LD, GB
  • +441724296771
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm for access to all galleries and activities.
  • Engage with the knowledgeable volunteers, the 'Heritage Angels,' who offer insightful stories and guidance.
  • Explore the ‘Little Shop’ for unique Lincolnshire products and support local artisans.
  • Check for special pop-up exhibitions and children’s craft workshops, especially on market days.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Brigg’s Market Place to enjoy its independent shops and cafés.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    Local buses from Scunthorpe and surrounding towns serve Brigg Market Place, with stops within 300 meters of the Angel Building. Services run approximately every 30-60 minutes. A single fare typically costs £2-£5 GBP. Check local timetables for seasonal variations.

  • Train

    Brigg railway station is about 1.5 km from the Heritage Centre. From the station, a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride (around £5 GBP) is required. Trains connect Brigg with Scunthorpe and Gainsborough, with journey times around 15-25 minutes.

  • Car

    Visitors arriving by car can use nearby public parking facilities in Brigg town centre. Parking fees vary but typically range from £1 to £3 GBP per hour. The Angel Building is a short walk from parking areas. Note that Market Place is pedestrian-friendly but accessible for drop-offs.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying in central Brigg, the Heritage Centre is easily reachable on foot via paved, flat streets suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Walking times vary but generally take 5-15 minutes from most central accommodations.

Brigg Heritage Centre location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Brigg Heritage Centre

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Brigg Heritage Centre

Historic Roots and the Angel Building

The Brigg Heritage Centre is housed in the Angel Building, a former 17th-century coaching inn that has served various roles over the centuries, including council offices. This iconic structure stands at the heart of Brigg’s Market Place, anchoring the town’s historical narrative. The Centre occupies the entire first floor, providing ample space for exhibitions and community activities. The building itself is a testament to Brigg’s enduring heritage and architectural charm.

The Star Attraction: The Brigg Raft

At the core of the Heritage Centre’s collection is the Brigg Raft, a remarkable Bronze Age artifact dating back to around 800 BC. Discovered in 1888 during clay digging at Island Carr, the raft is a sewn-plank boat that highlights the town’s ancient connection to the River Ancholme and its maritime history. After careful excavation and conservation, the raft was brought back to Brigg, where it now forms the centerpiece of Gallery 1, captivating visitors with its historical significance and craftsmanship.

Exploring Brigg’s Timeline

Beyond the raft, the Centre’s second gallery guides visitors through Brigg’s development from Tudor times to the 20th century. Exhibits include medieval artifacts such as pottery, coins, brooches, and models of local deserted villages, illustrating the town’s evolution. The displays also cover Saxon churches, monastic houses, and Brigg’s role in more recent history, including links to World War II aerodromes. This chronological journey offers a comprehensive understanding of the town’s cultural and social heritage.

Community Engagement and Educational Activities

Brigg Heritage Centre is more than a museum; it is a vibrant community hub. It hosts pop-up exhibitions, craft workshops, and children’s activities, including discovery packs and dressing-up stations that engage younger visitors. The Centre’s volunteers, known as the 'Heritage Angels,' provide warm welcomes and insightful guidance. Meeting rooms and multi-functional spaces support educational programs, talks, and local events, fostering community involvement and lifelong learning.

Supporting Local Culture and Economy

The Centre’s ‘Little Shop’ offers specially selected Lincolnshire products, supporting local artisans and producers. Donations and shop sales help sustain the Centre, which operates under the Ancholme Valley Heritage Trust. Nearby, visitors can enjoy Brigg’s independent shops, cafés, and markets, including the award-winning farmers’ market, enriching the local economy and visitor experience. The Heritage Centre also manages The Buttercross, a Regency-style venue licensed for weddings and events, further embedding itself in Brigg’s cultural life.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

The Heritage Centre is fully accessible, with facilities designed for disabled and less agile visitors. Large print guides and friendly staff ensure an inclusive experience. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, admission is free, encouraging broad community participation. The Centre’s location in the bustling Market Place makes it a convenient and enriching stop for anyone exploring Brigg’s historic town centre.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Brigg Heritage Centre

Popular Hotels near Brigg Heritage Centre

Select Currency