Great historical displays inside the picturesque castle as well as in the extensive park grounds…read more One of the best collections of British Roman glass from 100 ad. Room after room of interesting artifacts from several eras, but do not miss the upstairs Roman artifacts room

Tons of touchable things, and interesting history presented in many different ways. Not the…read morebiggest Castle around and parking was quite a distance for us but there is also a playground adjacent to the castle.

Colchester Natural History Museum is one of two main free museums in the town centre, and is…read moreastonishing considering the lack of funding from entrance fees. Housed within a converted church opposite Castle Park, the museum has a magical air about it, making it a brilliant free afternoon out for those with kids. Children can visit the specially-built replica badger den and adults can find out a bit more about the local area in general. The only part that is not free is parking, but this is to be expected in the town centre. In all, an excellent, if small, museum and free to boot.

A great place for the family to discover the world of Natural History. Lots to see, lots to do and…read moreit's absolutely free. Another little gem Colchester has to offer and well worth a visit.

Red alert, a 4 year old is bored and needs some entertainment. A quick Google on 'Things to do in…read moreEssex' and we discovered the East Anglian Railway Museum at Wakes Colne just outside Colchester, for the Bank Holiday weekend they are hosting a Thomas and Friends extravaganza. Problem solved and an hour later from Southend we were pulling into the car park outside the Chappel Station. The website suggested as parking was limited, to go to Marks Tey Station park there and take the train one stop away. We had planned to do this as the train would travel across the magnificent viaduct that greets you as you arrive by car to the museum. However, the Sat Nav decided to mispinterpret the inputted postcode and took us past the exit to Marks Tey off the A12 and instead the next entrance took us straight to the venue where it turned out there was plenty of parking afterall. A tad expensive to enter the museum 2 adults and a 4 year old £31; but this did guarantee unlimited rides on the trains. Chappel Station itself is a step back in time to the glorious age of steam. Although still functioning as a station for the National Express train line, it still manages to maintain it's natural historic leafy English charm. Stepping onto the platform we could see straight away a handful of trains from the Rev Awdry Thomas the Tank Engine stories including of course Thomas himself, as well as Daisy, Toby and Percy. Each one was positioned with passenger coaches or trucks to take the delighted crowds on short trips up and down the line. All the staff whom I assumed were volunteers were cheerful and engaged with the visitors from the moment we stepped on the site, with friendly waves and chatter to keep all feeling part of the experience. Considering the remoteness of this rail museum, it was pleasing to hear many accents around us including US and Australian tourists all confirming the international appeal for Thomas. My 4 year old could have stayed all day and more and was thrilled with the experience, and was still chattering about it on his way to bed, which has more than made up for the cost of entry. It can be assumed these weekends provide a valuable boost to the funds of the museum for the rest of the year. If you are in these ere parts with a little'un to cheer up or an old'un wanting to reminisce then this would be a worthy venture. the museum is pretty much open all year round but the Thomas event is for certain dates only, and there is plenty to see if you like your trains, and I am sure if you wanted to get more involved could volunteer your services too. http://www.earm.co.uk/

This is definately one to keep the kids entertained and you can be sure that they will remember it…read moreand be talking about it for some time to come! We went along to one of the 'Thomas the Tank Engine' days and as you can imagine, that is a very popular day for many people to bring their children along. We didnt have any troubles parking, but that may be because we get their early to try and avoid too much of a rush anyway. It can be a little bit on the expensive side when you look at the entry fees, but it isn't something that you do everyday anyway. Most definately well worth it to keep the children entertained and see the smile on their faces :-)

This is fascinating Museum housed in original WOrld War II buildings on Parham Airfield, where…read moreAmerican Airmen were based during the war. There are a huge number of artefacts, and every time I go I manage to see and learn new things. The Museum is run by keen volunteers who are happy to guide you round or answer any questions. There is a nice little tearoom which also sells souvenirs and often has wartime music or films playing in it. There are sometimes sandwiches for sale, but no other meals, just snacks like crisps, sweets, biscuits. The souvernirs are VERY CHEAP- lots for under £1. There is also an underground bunker which is open during high season which has been built as an exact replica of one found recently a few miles away at Stratford St Andrew- you can walk through this and see how Britain's Secret Army lived and trained, with original memorabilia such as food and bomb making equipment housed in the bunker. This is very popular with the children, but the main WWII museum part is probably more suitable to adults due to the nature of the exhibits- lots of written displays etc. There are outside picnic tables which are lovely in summer but can get very windy due to the barren and flat surroundings. BEST OF ALL, ENTRANCE TO THE MUSEUM IS FREE- but the Museum does rely on donations to be able to survive. Do play the Museum a visit if you are going near to Framlingham- it is open Sundays March- September and Wednesdays in July and August and really does offer a lovely, informative and evocative morning or afternoon out.

This is a very small out of the way but free museum filled with mostly 'inappropriate' neon signs…read more I say inappropriate not because I was offended but many were sexual or religious in nature and in today's society there are a bunch of over sensitive adult babies. There is a small bar here that you can grab a drink while you walk around, they take credit cards. Overall it's kinda like a dive museum, but o believe worth it to get off the beaten path and away from the crowd of tourists. It is a sketchy neighborhood and the buses to get here are pretty rundown.

Take the London tube (Northern Line) going north to the last stop and hoof it for about 15 minutes…read moreand you'll arrive at this joint, which proclaims to be the largest collection (museum) dedicated to neon art and artists in the world. Located in a gated area with working factories, micro breweries and other commercial establishments. Stroll through, it's free and they play great tunes throughout as you enjoy the neon art. Enjoy some coffee, drinks and snacks at their cafe. The surrounding area has a large number fabulous and authentic global ethnic cuisine options and apparently the longest outdoor street market in London. The William Morris childhood Home and his Museum is also nearby so the area, is free and interesting. Overall it's a great day trip less than 45 minutes tube ride from London.

This is an amazing 2 story museum with all kinds of artifacts from old wedgewood to Egypt's tomb…read moreand artifacts Teapots and tea cups old coins to everything in between. 2 nd floor loads of paintings to look at. Entry is free which is always a plus.

The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a well rounded and varied collection. It is sure to please most…read moremuseum visitors regardless of interests. If you're a fan of the work of Georges-Pierre Seurat, you're sure to enjoy the 1884 Neo-Impressionism painting, "The Couple" (original title: Un dimanche après-midi sur l'île de la Grande Jatte). Does it somehow look familiar? This was a study for A Sunday on the Island of la Grande Jatte! "This work is one of many that Georges-Pierre Seurat made in preparation for a much larger painting. The woman's stiff posture is accentuated by her tightly buttoned jacket and the exaggerated bustle of her skirt, which echoes the curve of her parasol. Given that the area of Paris depicted here was known for prostitution, it has been suggested that the woman is a sex worker on the arm of a male client." Give yourself several hours if you plan to take in the entire collection. If you are fortunate enough to live nearby and can visit often, take your time and you're sure to fall in love with one of the many wonderfully curated items found within the museum walls.

The museum is completely fascinating and the favorite is definitely the giant stuffed mammoth that…read moremeets you on entry! It contains lots of incredible artifacts and information both local and national and i would thoroughly recommend a visit :)

This museum is responsible for my mannequin phobia... But it's really a fascinTing place,…read moreblissfully untouched by updated over-lit displays, it had the beautiful (and slightly sad) natural history displays still in their original cases - as well as a few bizarre an unexpected oddities!

Though a little out of Dedham, once found the Garden Café is a little gem…read more We sat outside and I had a pot of Earl Grey (Pukka Teas) and a roast Suffolk Ham Sandwich on Granary bread. It came with the usual side portions of salad and crisps and was just the right amount. My wife had the Broccoli and Stilton Quiche which was served on a salad with asparagus and sweet potato batons along with a Cappuccino. Service was quick, food was excellent and everyone was polite and seemed to care for the customers. Definitely worth a visit!