There’s lots happening at Colchester Museums this summer, and a great family day out need not break the bank when you visit our free museums.
If you have any budding young conservationists and animal lovers in the family, then a trip to Colchester’s free Natural History Museum is in order. Packed full of displays and exhibits, you can learn more about biodiversity, climate change and the environment of North-East Essex. The museum, housed in the stunning former All Saints Church is just a stone's throw from award-winning Castle Park and includes plenty of interactive exhibits to entertain the children.
Younger family members can take part in a fun animal-themed bingo trail around the museum all summer for just £5, and visitors can drop into a Magical Animal craft session, which will be taking place every Tuesday of the holidays, all completely free.
After lunch (maybe a picnic in the award-winning Castle Park, opposite the museum) you’ll find the stunning Hollytrees Museum, standing proud at the top of Castle Park, surrounded by landscaped lawns.
This free museum, housed in an elegant Georgian mansion, has plenty to occupy young families, with exhibits including toys, costumes, and art that reveal what home life would have been like in Colchester over 300 years ago. Make sure you don’t miss the much-loved Hollytrees dolls house which replicates the house in miniature!
Every Monday throughout the holidays the museum will be running craft sessions for just £5, where families can come together, get messy and create some Victorian themed art. Get as creative as possible and if we have more lovely hot weather, we suggest making a cooling Victorian fan!
Cllr Pam Cox, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage, said: “We are proud that visitors and residents of Colchester have access to wonderful two free museums and events to help occupy families this summer. Colchester has a fascinating history, and we cannot wait to welcome new and returning visitors this summer.”
Both free museums are situated in Colchester’s city centre, just a short distance from each other.
You'll also find historic Colchester Castle within footsteps of both museums that has a packed programme of family friendly events happening over the summer as well as new exhibition Wicked Spirits? Witchcraft + Magic at Colchester Castle which has just opened for the summer.
Find out more at www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
Page last reviewed: 13 July 2022