Colchester Museums

Colchester Museums Discover history and nature at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

Something unusual is happening at Colchester Castle on Saturday 5 September...As part of Invasion Colchester, we're offe...
02/09/2026

Something unusual is happening at Colchester Castle on Saturday 5 September...

As part of Invasion Colchester, we're offering half-price admission all day, making it the perfect time to explore 2,000 years of history, interactive displays and the spectacular Museum of the Moon.

Whether you're dressing up as your favourite character or just looking for a great day out, add Colchester Castle to your Invasion Colchester plans.

Reduced-price tickets are available in person on the day from the Castle front desk.

🥂 Not your average night at the museum...Enjoy a welcome drink, delicious nibbles and an evening packed with suspicious ...
01/09/2026

🥂 Not your average night at the museum...

Enjoy a welcome drink, delicious nibbles and an evening packed with suspicious characters, shocking revelations and plenty of foul play. Whether you're a seasoned sleuth or simply looking for a unique night out, The Nile-High Club promises an unforgettable evening in the heart of Colchester Castle.

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Colchester's Natural History Museum?Join one of our free Wild About Esse...
31/08/2026

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Colchester's Natural History Museum?

Join one of our free Wild About Essex: Hands on with Nature sessions and discover fascinating fossil specimens from the museum collections that are rarely seen by the public.

You'll have the chance to help photograph, label and sort museum objects while learning more about Essex's natural heritage and the wildlife around Colchester. By taking part, you'll also be helping shape the future redevelopment of the Natural History Museum.

📅 16, 18 & 30 September
🕙 Sessions: 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm
🔞 Ages 18+
🎟️ Free, but booking required

🕵️‍♀️ Bring your sharpest detective skills... and your friends. Murder mysteries are best enjoyed with a team. Examine t...
30/08/2026

🕵️‍♀️ Bring your sharpest detective skills... and your friends.

Murder mysteries are best enjoyed with a team. Examine the evidence, compare theories and work together to uncover who dunnit before the evening ends. Perfect for friends, couples, workmates and anyone who loves a good mystery.

📍 Colchester Castle
📅 19 September

For anyone easing back into school routines: museums count as learning, but with better ambiance and fewer worksheets.At...
29/08/2026

For anyone easing back into school routines: museums count as learning, but with better ambiance and fewer worksheets.

At Colchester Castle, Museum of the Moon brings together art, science and sound. At Hollytrees Museum, Discover: Museum Wonders introduces Juliasaurus, fossils, hidden histories and the work of museums themselves.

A day out that covers space, dinosaurs, folklore, history and curiosity. Pretty efficient, really.

29/08/2026

Escape the weather and head to Colchester Castle for Space Day TODAY!

Join us on Saturday 5 September 2026, 10am to 1pm, for an immersive workshop exploring manifestation, intention setting ...
28/08/2026

Join us on Saturday 5 September 2026, 10am to 1pm, for an immersive workshop exploring manifestation, intention setting and the practical use of tarot.

Led through guided exercises and ritual activities, you'll discover how tarot can help focus your energy, support your goals and strengthen your intuition.

During the session you'll:
✨ Explore empowering tarot spreads
✨ Create tarot-based spells aligned with your personal aims
✨ Take part in a guided tarot candle ritual
✨ Build confidence using tarot as a reflective and creative tool

All materials, tea and refreshments are included. Suitable for ages 16+.

🎟️ Tickets: £25 per person 📍 Hollytrees Museum

This morning’s view was of the High Street, looking towards the former site of St Nicholas Church, close to what is no...
27/08/2026

This morning’s view was of the High Street, looking towards the former site of St Nicholas Church, close to what is now St Nicholas Square. The image shows the church’s tall spire alongside Adam’s Garage, while the modern view shows just how much this part of the street has changed.

St Nicholas Church stood on the corner of High Street and St Nicholas Street. The church had 12th century or earlier origins, with Roman walls used in its foundations, and was entirely rebuilt in the 14th century before a major Victorian rebuilding and extension by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1875. It was destroyed between 1954 and 1955.

Its loss changed the look of this stretch of High Street for good. After demolition, the site was redeveloped as St Nicholas House, and excavations on the cleared site revealed parts of Roman buildings and a Roman street as well as traces of the medieval church itself. The old churchyard did not vanish entirely either, with a small garden containing tombstones surviving behind St Nicholas House.

The area is still evolving now. St Nicholas Square reopened in 2025 after redevelopment, and the council said the work was delayed in part by archaeological discoveries, a reminder that this is a part of Colchester where history is never very far below the surface. Well done to everyone who guessed it.

Address

Castle Park
Colchester
CO11TJ

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+441206282939

Website

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