Colchester has three superb city centre museums with lots to offer visitors – whether you are 9 or 90! Read on to discover more!
Colchester Castle is Europe’s largest Norman Keep and is one of the region’s leading heritage attractions. With a unique mix of fascinating displays and the latest technology, there’s lots for your family to explore and discover. Learn about Queen Boudica, race a Roman Chariot, visit the spooky prisons or simply wonder as history comes to life with an augmented reality tablet tour.
Hollytrees Museum
Nearby is Hollytrees Museum, an elegant Georgian townhouse packed with treasures including an amazing dolls house which is an exact replica of Hollytrees Museum and its occupants in 1901. Discover three Centuries of fascinating toys, domestic items and clocks. Home to the Visitor Information Centre its gift shop is packed with local gifts and souvenirs.
Natural History Museum
Housed in the former All Saints Church, discover more about local wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change at this family friendly museum. Crawl through a badgers set and discover mammoth bones and giant prehistoric shark jaws. Free entry.
friendly, Family Quest. Families work together to solve the clues and free one of the Castle’s famous residents trapped in the prison. It’s a fun way for families to get together, have fun and learn more about history!
Hollytrees Museum
Just a short walk from Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum is a delightful Georgian townhouse that offers a glimpse into domestic life over the past 300 years. The museum’s exhibits are designed to be interactive and engaging, making it a hit with children.
Hollytrees also has a beautiful law, sitting in award winning Castle Park perfect for a family picnic with a fun playground a few short steps away. The museum hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, such as craft sessions and storytelling, ensuring there’s always something new to do.
Natural History Museum
Located across the road from Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum is the Natural History Museum. Housed in the former All Saints Church, it explores the local natural environment, with exhibits that showcase the region’s wildlife, geology, and ecosystems. Children can marvel at the life-sized models of animals, discover fossils, and learn about the importance of conservation.
Family-Friendly Amenities
All three museums are equipped with family-friendly amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Facilities include baby-changing areas and accessible toilets. Gift shops at each location offer a range of souvenirs and educational toys, so you can take a piece of your visit home.
Plan Your Visit
Colchester Museums offer a wonderful blend of history, culture, and nature, making them perfect for a family day out. Whether your children are budding historians, nature enthusiasts, or just looking for a fun adventure, Colchester Museums have something to offer.
Visit Colchester Museums | Where History Comes Alive (cimuseums.org.uk)
Visit Colchester Castle | Colchester Museums (cimuseums.org.uk)
Visit Hollytrees Museum | Colchester Museums (cimuseums.org.uk)
