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. 

Plan Your Visit

Monday – Saturday
10am – 5pm

Sunday
Closed

 

Children

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Free admission

Booking not required

 

Directions

50 Ways to Play

Who’s up for some fun?!

Check out our amazing ’50 Ways to Play’ challenge sheet. It’s packed full of ideas for things to do as you explore Hollytrees Museum, the Natural History Museum and Colchester’s Castle Park. There’s fun for all the family, from 1 to 100 years old!

 

Shop

Our museum shop offers a wide range of products, from Tiptree jams and chutneys to prints of Colchester, vintage toys to local books. Whether you’re looking for a memento or the perfect gift, we have something for all tastes and budgets.

 

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.

Hidden Histories: Empire

From 6th March 2023

The British Empire ruled over areas across several continents and by 1913, it became the largest in history. Our latest Hidden Histories project explores stories behind some of the objects on display at Hollytrees Museum linked to that empire.

The Bernard Mason Clock Gallery

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

Get Involved

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 Hollytrees Museum, as well as Colchester Castle and the Natural History Museum.

Access

Access At Hollytrees Museum

Whether you want to know when the museum is quieter, what to expect when you arrive or what facilities we have, simply follow the link below to find out more.

If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact us on 01206 282920 or email museums@colchester.gov.uk and our team will be happy to help. 

What's On

Events

Discover something new in Colchester. Browse the diary to find fun, family-friendly events all year round.

Exhibitions + Displays

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

 

Where will your adventure start?