Location: Colchester
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What to do and see in Colchester, England: The Best Museums
Colchester /ˈkoʊltʃɛstər/ ( listen) is an historic market town and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester in the county of Essex.
Restaurants in Colchester
1. Colchester Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 208 reviews
Colchester Arts Centre - the little church with the big attitude deep in the heart of Essex. Well that's how we describe it anyway. It sort of works, it at least gives a flavour of what we're about. Because just how do you describe a venue that can put children's entertainer Palfi the Clown on, on the same day as Cradle of Filth? Where a Farmer's Market in the morning becomes a comedy club in the evening, where folk enthusiasts can sit happily knitting (and they do!) in the exact same spot a ferocious mosh pit of teenage dancing takes place the following night? And where the beautiful historic architecture of St Mary's Church dating back over a thousand years, plays host to some of the newest comics, most modern choreographers, some of the coolest DJ's and some of the freshest talent in Britain. Over the years we've promoted Coldplay, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate, Jo Brand, The Libertines, Ash, The Killers, The Strokes, Phill Jupitus, Mick Jones, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Count Arthur Strong - all before anyone had ever heard of them of course - plus the likes of jazz legend Ronnie Scott and even the late lamented and much loved Brian Johnston the cricket commentator. Our passion to present new work, bring great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original and yes, the surreal.
Reviewed By Flackajack - Colchester, United Kingdom
Best live music venue in Colchester. Fabulous atmospheric venue being in an old church, great acoustics, been to some really great gigs here. Can't rate this venue highly enough. Love it.
2. Boxted airfield museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. The Munnings Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant collection of works by Sir Alfred Munnings is hung chronologically throughout eight rooms. From less familiar early apprentice poster designs to the explosive horseracing scenes for which Munnings is most well-known, the displays chart the artist’s life and six-decade career. Cafe, shop, plenty of free parking.
Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
A delightful house just outside a pretty village, this was the home and studio of the artist Munnings. It is filled with his work and objects associated with his life. He painted in a range of styles, being most famous for his depictions of horses. However even if these do not appeal, the house itself is still worth a look. There is a tearoom in the lovely garden and the staff are all very pleasant. A couple of rooms stage special exhibitions and when we visited there was a collection of Munnings First World War paintings on loan from Canada, which was a real bonus. Members of the Art Fund gain half price admission.
4. Sentinel Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Sandmartin2 - Colchester, United Kingdom
On a quick visit to Wivenhoe with a friend we visited the Sentinel Gallery. It was such a pleasant surprise. The welcome was very friendly. The objects on display were superb. There was a cross section of items from sculpture, ceramics, art, just so many. Will certainly be going back.
5. Colchester Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,094 reviews
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including of the most important Roman finds in Britain
Reviewed By 49stevet - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
The museum aspect of the castle is very well designed so you can follow a timeline from the Iron Age through the Romans to medieval and modern Colchester. I took a guided tour which went to parts of the castle not open to the general public like the foundations of the temple to the deified Claudius which I definitely recommend.
6. Hollytrees Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Follow the story around this beautiful Georgian building taking in domestic life and childhood in Colchester over the past 300 years. Meet many different characters from the past and experience Colchester's fascinating history. Discover what family life was life for the rich and the poor. Then be transported back to the days before washing machines to try out a dolly peg and dress up as a servant.
Reviewed By 49stevet - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
Very nice small museum. The long case clocks were very interesting as were the dolls houses and toys. Very interesting also to see things hidden away by children back in Victorian times! The guided tours each Saturday start from the museum.
7. Bourne Mill
8. Mersea Island Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By simonbL2267PR
this is a very good museum covering all local interest it even has a good research centre. Not open as a museum during the Winter
9. Shakespeare House Gallery
10. Dedham Art & Craft Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By bjandrews - Ashford, United Kingdom
A visit to this interesting and enjoyable Centre is a must when in Dedham. Plenty to see and buy. There are several rooms filled with all sorts of goodies.
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