Visit the Natural History Museum | Colchester Museums
Source: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/natural-history-museum
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:31
Visit the Natural History Museum | Colchester Museums
Natural History Museum
What you can see
Plan your visit
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.
With the support of National Lottery players and Colchester City Council, we have a fantastic opportunity to enhance the Museum, making it a more engaging and welcoming destination.
Redevelopment
Plan Your Visit
Opening Times
Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 5pm
Sunday
11am – 5pm
Mondays
Closed
Children
Children must be accompanied by an adult. There should be at least one adult for every ten children.
Free Admission
Booking not required
Buy Museum Pass
Getting Around
Directions
Have Your Say!
Whether you are a regular visitor or you have never visited us before, your views will help shape the museum’s future – from the stories we tell, to how people access and experience nature, science, and heritage. Please click on the link below to take a short survey about the Natural History Museum and what you would like to see come out of this redevelopment.
Take the Survey
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 the Natural History Museum, Hollytrees Museum and Colchester’s Castle Park. There’s fun for all the family, from 1 to 100 years old!
Download
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.
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
Feel the surface of a shell, peek into a badgers sett and hear the roar of a mammoth! You can also find a range of puzzles, books and dress up in our activity area.
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!
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 the Natural History Museum, as well as Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum.
Subscribe
Access
Access At Natural History
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 282941 or email
museums@colchester.gov.uk
and our team will be happy to help.
Access at Natural History
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We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of all the cookies. However, you can visit "Cookie Settings" to choose your preferences.
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Cookie Preferences
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Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
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Where will your adventure start?
Natural History Museum
What you can see
Plan your visit
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.
With the support of National Lottery players and Colchester City Council, we have a fantastic opportunity to enhance the Museum, making it a more engaging and welcoming destination.
Redevelopment
Plan Your Visit
Opening Times
Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 5pm
Sunday
11am – 5pm
Mondays
Closed
Children
Children must be accompanied by an adult. There should be at least one adult for every ten children.
Free Admission
Booking not required
Buy Museum Pass
Getting Around
Directions
Have Your Say!
Whether you are a regular visitor or you have never visited us before, your views will help shape the museum’s future – from the stories we tell, to how people access and experience nature, science, and heritage. Please click on the link below to take a short survey about the Natural History Museum and what you would like to see come out of this redevelopment.
Take the Survey
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 the Natural History Museum, Hollytrees Museum and Colchester’s Castle Park. There’s fun for all the family, from 1 to 100 years old!
Download
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.
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
Feel the surface of a shell, peek into a badgers sett and hear the roar of a mammoth! You can also find a range of puzzles, books and dress up in our activity area.
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!
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 the Natural History Museum, as well as Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum.
Subscribe
Access
Access At Natural History
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 282941 or email
museums@colchester.gov.uk
and our team will be happy to help.
Access at Natural History
Our site uses cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of all the cookies. However, you can visit "Cookie Settings" to choose your preferences.
Cookie Settings
Accept All
Cookie Preferences
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary Cookies
Necessary Cookies
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Analytics Cookies
Analytics Cookies
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Where will your adventure start?