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Hollytrees Museum

What you can seePlan your visit

Welcome

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. Then be transported back to the days before washing machines to try out a dolly peg and dress up as a servant. 

Explore Hollytrees in miniature through the dolls’ house or discover Bernard Mason’s fascinating collection of Colchester clocks. You can even learn all about the origins of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, loved the world over and written in Colchester. 

History

What You Can See

The Building

Situated within Castle Park, Hollytrees Museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Built in 1718, this Georgian House was home to Charles Gray, an attorney, a Justice of the Peace and a Member of Parliament for Colchester.

The Collections

Hollytrees Museum houses a range of collections, including toys, art, costume and clocks.

Discover what family life was like for the rich and the poor. Then be transported back to the days before washing machines to try out a dolly peg and dress up as a servant.

Changing Displays

From temporary displays showing-casing stored collections to projects involving local communities, one of our galleries regularly changes, providing something new to discover each time you visit.

The Bernard Mason Clock Gallery

See star examples of Bernard Mason’s collection of clocks made in Colchester, from long cases to lantern clocks.

 

Colchester Museums was a winner in the 2019 Hoop Awards, scooping Best Holiday Workshops in Essex!

See What's On and come experience our range of family-friendly activities for yourself!

 

Upcoming Events

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

30/05/2019
Hollytrees Museum
Arts and Craft, History
View All Events

Exhibitions and Displays

And What Came Of It?

22/02/2019 - 15/09/2019
Hollytrees Museum
History
View All Exhibitions

Plan Your Visit

Opening Times

Monday – Saturday
10.00am – 5.00pm

Sunday
Closed

Directions

Free admission

Hollytreees

Natural History

Ipswich Art Gallery

Mansion

Access

Every effort has been made to make Hollytrees Museum a great place to visit for everybody.

If you have any access queries please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Facilities include:

  • Automatic sliding doors.
  • Disabled parking available nearby.
  • Lift – Please note no more than two wheelchair users allowed on the first floor. If there are more than two wheelchair users in your group, please contact us.
  • Display cases and text are at wheelchair height.
  • RADAR accessible toilet.
  • Hearing induction loop.
  • Inductive couplers for hearing aids fitted to sound phones.
  • Display sound transcripts.
  • Twiddlemuffs (sensory aids) available on request.
  • Tactile RNIB ‘Maps For All’ floor plan.
  • Hands-on interactive and sensory experiences. 
  • Display sound commentary.
  • Guide and helping dogs are welcome.

Where will your adventure start?