Mersea Island Museum is an independent museum that was established in 1976. It occupies a purpose-built premises in West Mersea, close to the parish church. The main permanent exhibitions in the museum are dedicated to the local activities...

Brightlingsea Museum is the main archive that relates to the history of this seaside town. Through a well researched and beautifully restored collection of artefacts, maps, documents, pictures and paintings, the museum acts as a fascinating visitor attraction for...

Interestingly housed in what was All Saints Church, this museum is dedicated to the rich natural heritage of North East Essex. Dominated by the marine environment, many of the habitats are recreated - from the mudflats and marshes around the...

Colchester's grandest building, the Town Hall, is a 90-roomed baroque masterpiece with a 162ft Victorian tower. Grade I listed, it was designed by John Belcher and completed in May 1902, costing £55,000. Inside, highlights include a 15ft stained glass window,...

Colchester's War Memorial is one of the town's finest works of public art. In fact it’s regarded as one of the best war memorials in the country. It was designed by HC Fehr in 1919, after he won a competition...

The East Essex Aviation Society Museum is a fascinating visitor attraction for anyone who has even a passing interest in aeroplanes and other flying machines. Housing an interesting collection of artefacts and models that relate to the history of...

An award winning museum which presents the history of the building and Colchester in a light and amusing fashion, making it ideal for family visits. Hollytrees House, built in 1718, is reportedly haunted by a perfumed, piano playing lady ghost....

This is Colchester's only standing Saxon building. Built around 1000, it features triangle arches, basket windows and reused Roman bricks - they are the reddish ones on the corners of the tower. In the churchyard look out for the grave...

The Jaywick Marttello Tower is based in a disused tower in Jaywick, which is a seaside town in Essex. The purpose of the centre is to offer place where art and culture can be expressed and promoted in the...

St Bodolph's Church is squeezed into a narrow back street right next to the atmospheric ruin of St Bodolph's Priory. In fact, the original Saxon St Bodolph’s Church stood where the ruins are now. Completed in 1835, the present church...

These are the ruins of England's first Augustinian monastery. Founded in 1103, the Priory of St Julian and St Bodolph is now hidden in the urban sprawl of modern-day Colchester but it's well worth seeking out. The dramatic ruins consist...