Chelmsford Museums
Chelmsford Museums
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Take a walk through Chelmsford's history, from the Ice Age, right through to the present day. There is the chance to see a mammoth, watch a princely Anglo-Saxon burial, and find out what used to be on your street. With brand new galleries, interactive displays thousands of artefacts and immersive video installations. Look out for our amber child friendly interactives, which give you the change to really feel the past.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
287 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
96
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
9
Lyn Rodger
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Third visit to this museum, this time with family.Boys8/12yrs),they had a great time in play area and we all enjoyed the walk outside,then roast dinner and brunch,in Hive cafe,onto museum,the industrial section was fascinating especially the radio room of titanic,with adult input for the boys it brings them into focus on the displays,as we entered each room ,it was tastefully presented ,some activities for children to do,we had to complete the word search in the ceramics room before moving on,the bee hive, Fascinating,and boys enjoyed the wildlife section,the military displays are so good .Where can you go with/without a family for Free admission,Free parking!!
The gift shop is too near the first displays which decreases the attention of children to look at displays there.
The gift shop is too near the first displays which decreases the attention of children to look at displays there.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie K
Chelmsford, UK38 contributions
Jul 2019
lovely grounds to the museum where families can sit. Inside is very well laid out and interesting with essex being the birthplace of radio it has lots of stuff there from war time. I love the bees section upstairs you can watch bees bring in pollen into the hive
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard
27 contributions
Sept 2019
We love the museum has varied collection, love the bees section where you see a hive through a glass panel. Our grandson loved it. It’s free but always put a couple of quid in collection. The surrounding grounds are excellent with two play areas one for younger kids and of course one for older kids (like me) great place to visit and picnic. Limited parking. Public toilets ok but need to be modernised.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia B
Borough of Brentwood, UK39 contributions
Nov 2022
We visited on a wet Monday in November. Our first visit and everyone in our small group was really impressed with the experience. The Museum is free and was refurbished in recent years. It is housed in a period property in attractive grounds which we didn’t explore due to the rain. It covers prehistory up to the present and covers many aspects of the County Town of Essex, geology, industry, key figures etc.It also covers the history of the Essex Regiment.
Exhibits are clearly and attractively displayed and include some interactive activities for children. There is a car park and time can be added by means of a sticker from reception if you are going to the adjacent Hive Cafe which was busy on that day. Museum Staff were helpful and knowledgeable.
Exhibits are clearly and attractively displayed and include some interactive activities for children. There is a car park and time can be added by means of a sticker from reception if you are going to the adjacent Hive Cafe which was busy on that day. Museum Staff were helpful and knowledgeable.
Written 26 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review Chelmsford Museum.
We are delighted that you enjoyed your trip with us in November, and hope you visit again when the weather is kinder, so that you can enjoy the grounds as well. The museum and grounds did look particularly beautiful with the recent snow.
We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written 19 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rhodesc19
Chelmsford, UK6 contributions
Jul 2021
Very small museum, probably OK if you are taking a toddler for a first trip but not a great deal to interest for an adult. A lot of gallery space which I remember from years ago has been given over to a cafe and some sort of function room and a lot of the beautiful glassware, pottery, coins and artwork had been removed. All the engineering exhibits were static and the member of staff on duty knew nothing about them or the industrial history of the town.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corbyns
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
I have always liked Chelmsford museum. The volunteers have always been helpful and welcoming and I've attended a few home ed educational events which have been really hands on run by knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff and very reasonably priced. However this December I was blown away with how much effort they made to deliver my boy some Christmas magic. I'd booked their Santa visit for my 4 year old son and unfortunately we couldn't attend. I didn't think much of it until I received an email from Elf Rachel saying we were sorry Albert couldn't attend so here is a message from Santa and we can post your present out. I really appreciated the sentiment so wrote back to say thank you and how much I appreciated the gesture as due to my daughters complex needs Albert has to miss out on a lot of stuff. I then received an email back to say Elf Kieran would like to deliver the present himself in full Elf regalia! This happened this week and my little boy was so happy and excited. Elf Kieran was amazing and really did bring some Christmas magic, my boys face was a picture when he was told Santa has him on the nice list. Thank you Elf Kieran for going above and beyond to make my little boy smile I wish you, the staff and volunteers a lovely Christmas.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow - what a wonderful start to the year to receive your amazing review.
Our wonderful staff and volunteers work so hard to ensure that our visitor experience is the best it can be. When we read a review like this, we are always blown away. Our wonderful Father Christmas and Elves were amazing and tried incredibly hard to make the experience magical for our younger visitors, and the feedback received has been tremendous.
We are so pleased that we were able to give Albert some Christmas magic, and look forward to welcoming you back in 2024.
Written 2 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
~Konosore
London, UK34 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Lovely family trip for a couple of hours. Very nice volunteers who show you around. Lots to do for the kids like dress up- there are different sections and these cater to interests of every individual
Learning stations with an opportunity for hands on which is great with kid- whether collage or tracing a roman coin or trying out Marconi s invention. There s also a real live hive.
Quaint cafe at the entrance with delicious hot chocolate and a play area at the back. But most importantly free parking for 90 minutes. All areas of the museum are accessible however I don’t know if the cafe was accessible as the connection between the cafe and museum was closed and one needs to go in via a side entrance to the cafe.
Beautiful lawn garden
Learning stations with an opportunity for hands on which is great with kid- whether collage or tracing a roman coin or trying out Marconi s invention. There s also a real live hive.
Quaint cafe at the entrance with delicious hot chocolate and a play area at the back. But most importantly free parking for 90 minutes. All areas of the museum are accessible however I don’t know if the cafe was accessible as the connection between the cafe and museum was closed and one needs to go in via a side entrance to the cafe.
Beautiful lawn garden
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheMrsR
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We took our 4 year-old to visit Father Christmas at Chelmsford museum and we were very happy with the overall experience. It's hard to find places that aren't a cash-grab and actually provide a decent 'meeting Santa' experience and this was recommended on a local social media page. Before our slot to meet the big guy, we went around the museum (free to park, free entry) and enjoyed the history of Chelmsford. Our little one particularly liked Boris the Bear and the animal (taxidermy!) display with an interactive screen (of course). After touring the museum we were pleasantly surprised by the convincing elves who accompanied us to the snug, they were very in-character and interacted really nicely with our daughter. When it was time to see the big FC, he was a very convincing gentleman and absolutely looked the part - when I uploaded a photo to my private social media account, several friends commented on how he looked 'the real deal'!
What struck me most was the inclusive language that he used and I really appreciated that. He didn't assume we were the parents (though we were) and referred to us as 'the grown ups' which was an important detail for modern families, and after giving a gift to my daughter, said that it was up to the grown ups as to whether it could be unwrapped today, on Christmas Day, or another time, which again showed excellent sensitivity and awareness. All in all, we were chuffed!
What struck me most was the inclusive language that he used and I really appreciated that. He didn't assume we were the parents (though we were) and referred to us as 'the grown ups' which was an important detail for modern families, and after giving a gift to my daughter, said that it was up to the grown ups as to whether it could be unwrapped today, on Christmas Day, or another time, which again showed excellent sensitivity and awareness. All in all, we were chuffed!
Written 6 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we just say how delighted we were that you and your 4 year-old daughter enjoyed your visit to see Father Christmas at Chelmsford Museum. We started this last year and it was so well received, we decided to bring it back for 2024. For us, it is really important to give a small 'Christmas' experience that is harping back to the days when you did go and see Father Christmas and as children had time to interact. We were so pleased to hear that you came into the museum and enjoyed looking round, and we hope that you will come back to the Museum again. Happy Christmas to you 'grown-ups' and your daughter, from all of us here at Chelmsford Museum, the elves and of course Father Christmas himself.
Written 9 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1FairDeal2
Essex123 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Stunning Father Christmas event for children. The atmospheric setting and the cast of elf’s supporting Father Christmas were superb. Father Christmas was, Father Christmas … just brilliant. What a treat. Extra special day for our Grandson - thank you Chelmsford City Museums for bringing Father Christmas to the City. Busy time for him of course and getting him for 2 days was exceptional - great job. Thank you too Father Christmas for being your brilliant self. Merry Christmas.
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a wonderful review.
Father Christmas and his team of Elves were amazing and wanted our young visitors to have the best experience they could.
Having a review like this makes all the hard work worthwhile. As we know Father Christmas will be flat out now, and he also enjoyed his time in Chelmsford, and we hope that he may take the time to visit us again next year.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas and New Year...and don't forget to come and visit us again soon.
Written 12 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adam M
3 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Visited the museum for the first time recently with my partner who has sustained a broken leg. The staff were outstanding, very attentive & pointed out how to make the most out of our visit. They were so kind to my partner in her current condition & made sure she was well catered for. The museum itself is so interesting, very accessible & is a fantastic place to visit, a must do if you are in Chelmsford. We are looking forward to going back.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am travelling down from North Lincolnshire next month. I understand that you have some memorabilia from World War 2, my uncle served and lived locally, could you confirm please if you do have any, I also understand there may be something at Warley Church? Many Thanks for your time
Written 21 February 2020
Rachel S
Borough of Brentwood, United Kingdom
Would this be suitable for an active 20 month old to visit?
Written 11 September 2019
yes, there is things of interest for all ages, advise to go on a dry day, so if they get restless you can take them to the play area
Written 29 October 2019
dannygmcdermott
Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Would this be suitable for my grandchildren ages 6 to 10? Thank you.
Written 30 October 2018
Yes it should do and there are good play areas outside too
Written 30 October 2018
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