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With a unique mix of fascinating displays, the latest technology and hands-on activities, there is lots for your family to explore and discover across Colchester Museums’ three sites.

  • Explore the national story of Roman and Norman conquest, Boudiccan revolt and Civil War at Colchester Castle.
  • Enjoy the family friendly displays in Hollytrees Museum, a Beautiful Georgian townhouse set within the stunning Castle Park.
  • Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change at the nearby Natural History Museum.

Where will your adventure start?

Venues

Colchester Castle

A visit to Colchester Castle is better than ever before with interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Gladiator Vase and Fenwick Hoard of Roman treasure. 

We are working hard and following Government guidance to protect our visitors and staff, so some things might look a little different when you visit.

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Hollytrees Museum

Enjoy 300 years of history in this beautiful Georgian townhouse through hands-on exhibits and displays. Discover what family life was life for the rich and the poor.

Due to current restrictions we are not able to reopen Hollytrees Museum at this time. The Colchester Visitor Information Centre, located at the ground floor entrance to Hollytrees, will reopen from Thursday 23rd July.

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Natural History Museum

Get up close to the natural world and find out more about local habitats, biodiversity and climate change at this family-friendly museum. 

Due to current restrictions we are not able to reopen the Natural History Museum at this time.

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Subscribe

 

Keep up to date with our latest exhibitions, events and projects by subscribing to our museum mailing list. You’ll receive regular emails with the latest news from Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum.

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Museum From Home

 

Looking for things to do? We have a wide variety of activities to educate and entertain all ages. Inspired by the collections across Colchester and Ipswich, from art to nature, archaeology to social history, let us bring the museum to you!

You can follow us on social media for new ideas or find our library below.

#MuseumFromHome

Visit The Library

Ancient Colchester App

 

The Ancient Colchester App allows you to wander around Colchester Town Centre on a Heritage Trail and bring historic sites to life.

Allowing you to explore and delve deeper into the rich heritage and historic sights of Colchester, the Colchester Heritage app is a handy guide, companion and fun-filled way to enrich your visit and bring the history to life.

Including a walking trail, augmented reality, 360 degree panoramic reconstructions, a fun based camera feature and a wealth of historical information there’s pretty much something for everyone.

What's On

Events

Discover something new in Colchester.

Browse the diary to find fun, family-friendly events all year round. 

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Exhibitions + Displays

Our programme aims to showcase the variety of the collections from art to archaeology, costume to clocks.

Saved for the nation, ‘Walton Bridges’ will be on display at Colchester Castle from the 26 September 2020 – 28 March 2021.

View All Displays

Colchester Museums Development Foundation

Colchester Museums look after some of the most important historic buildings and museum collections in the country

The CMDF is a new charitable foundation that will enhance the work of the museum service by fundraising and instructing where new investment will best serve audiences. This investment will not replace existing core funding from the Council, but will be entirely supplementary. It will allow the museums to reach new audiences and further support their work preserving the wonderful heritage of Colchester.

Find Out More

Where will your adventure start?