Brightlingsea Museum

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Brightlingsea Museum Brightlingsea: a small town with a big history. Open Sat 10:30-4:30,
Sun 1:30-4:30,
Bank Holiday Mon 10:30-4:30, School holidays Wed-Fri 1:30-4:30.
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Established in 1989 the Brightlingsea Museum reopened in 2020 in new premises after a major project to install new exhibitions and facilities. Prepare to be amazed! This is no quiet museum with glass cases, here information is presented in a variety of formats, precise text, stunning images, a wide range of artefacts, audio visual presentations and a range of interactives, some that will certainly make you think and contribute to an experience that you will long remember. The significant support of the National Heritage Lottery enabled the Museum to construct exciting and ambitious exhibitions depicting the story of the town’s links with the sea and River Colne. From its unique role as a Limb of the Cinque Ports, the only one north of the Thames, and its support for the nation as a Naval Base, in Tudor times and in both World Wars. Exhibitions reflect how the town developed from a small village to a thriving community where men earnt their living in the shipyards, building vessels that saw service all over the world, or were involved with the ancient oyster trade or stowboating (fishing for sprats), skills that lead them to become highly valued captains and crew members of majestic cruising and racing yachts from Victorian days to the mid twentieth Century. With a programme of temporary exhibitions and activities, together with facilities for research this is indeed a museum you will need and want to make many return visits.

The last weekend of the Mayor's exhibition - not seen it yet? Then do call in - a selection of Ric's paintings and remi...
17/10/2026

The last weekend of the Mayor's exhibition - not seen it yet? Then do call in - a selection of Ric's paintings and reminders of Chairman, Mayors and Councillors over the last 120 years and a selection of Ric Morgan
Today's photo - Councillors from 1960 can you help with some names?

A special day - the first time we will have on display the newly restored drawing of the Waterside in August 1892. Toda...
10/10/2026

A special day - the first time we will have on display the newly restored drawing of the Waterside in August 1892. Today's photo - a postcard of the Hard posted in 1952 - although on closer examination it looks as if it is probably pre 1939. The drawing is probably the most accurate record of the area as it was over 130 years ago.
Do call in to see the drawing and other restored items we are displaying today.

We are so pleased to have some very special objects on display this Saturday, They were all in need of major restoratio...
08/10/2026

We are so pleased to have some very special objects on display this Saturday, They were all in need of major restoration and conservation, it has been amazing to see what experts in their particular field have been able to do. This is a vital role of the museum and we are most grateful to all that have been able to ensure these objects will be available for decades to come. Do call in and find out more.

Our latest window display in readiness for the U3A's book on Brightlingsea Shops , due out in the next few weeks.Look ou...
07/10/2026

Our latest window display in readiness for the U3A's book on Brightlingsea Shops , due out in the next few weeks.
Look out for details of a special display we have this coming Saturday

Today a challenge!Where do you think this bootmaker's shop was? Possibly about 1920, although by 1939 it was boot repai...
03/10/2026

Today a challenge!
Where do you think this bootmaker's shop was? Possibly about 1920, although by 1939 it was boot repairs. The building is still there, but with a near neighbour.

02/10/2026
A busy week but great new exhibitions so do call in. There is a lot to see, many photos that have not been seen before a...
26/09/2026

A busy week but great new exhibitions so do call in. There is a lot to see, many photos that have not been seen before and certainly paintings that have not been on public display. The exhibitions are on until 18th October (Saturdays 10.30 - 4.30 Sundays 1.30 - 4,30).

Out for Sunday afternoon walk or looking for something to do? Then why not call into the Museum - always plenty to see a...
13/09/2026

Out for Sunday afternoon walk or looking for something to do? Then why not call into the Museum - always plenty to see and to keep younger visitors busy.
We are frequently treated to stunning photos of our amazing sunsets. Today's image , also a sunset but probably in the 1930s and no colour, somehow Douglas Went still managed to capture something quite special.

Address

Dove House, Station Road
Brightlingsea
CO70DT

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441206307121

Website

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