Natural History Museum

Visiting the Natural History Museum

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For the continued safety and comfort of our visitors and staff we request the wearing of face coverings whilst visiting, unless you are exempt.

Please respect others’ personal space whilst visiting our sites, and be mindful when in ‘tighter’ spaces.

Please be mindful that our interactives are for the enjoyment of everyone, so use hand sanitiser before and after use.

Welcome

Did you know that there was an earthquake in Colchester in 1884? Or that mammoths and hippos used to roam this area?

Find out more about local wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change at this much-loved, family-friendly museum. Get up close to nature as you learn about stag beetles – a Colchester success story – and discover the secrets of the drowned world underneath the North Sea.

History

What You Can See

The Building

The museum is housed in the former All Saints Church. The nave and chancel are thought to be Norman, while the windows are typically gothic. The north aisle and tower were added more recently.

The Collections

The Natural History collections focus on Britain and north-east Essex in particular.

Did you know that there was an earthquake in Colchester in 1884? Or that mammoths and hippos used to roam this area?

Interactive Displays

Discover local wildlife, peek in a badgers sett and hear the roar of a mammoth. Even though some of our interactive displays are temporarily unavailable, there’s still plenty to explore!

Our Shop

We’ve got a range of nature inspired treats for every budget. Why not take home a piece of history millions of years old, or make your school stationary the envy of the whole classroom!

Plan Your Visit

Opening Times

Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 5pm

Sunday
11am – 5pm

Mondays
Closed

Children

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Free Admission

Booking not required

Getting Around

Directions

Shop

Our museum shop offers a wide range of products, from craft kits for children to precious stones and fossils, cuddly toys to tools for nature-spotters. Whether you’re looking for a memento or the perfect gift, we have something for all tastes and budgets.

Access

Every effort has been made to make the Natural History 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:

Parking spaces for blue badge holders by Castle Park in Museum Street, and on the High Street.
Level access to the main entrance with double glass doors, which can be opened to allow access for wider wheelchairs or scooters.

Level flooring apart from a slight slope at the entrance and at the far end of the gallery.
Free drinking water available on request.
Accessible toilet with baby changing facilities.
Hands-on interactive and sensory experiences.

Twiddlemuffs(sensory aids) available on request.
Breastfeeding welcome.
Guide and Helping dogs are welcome.
British Sign Language interpretation provided at selected events. Please see our events section for details.