Book Tickets Online
About
Hollytrees Museum is located in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. This attractive Georgian town house, dating from 1718 houses the town's social history museum, showcasing three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts.
Discover what family life was like for the rich and poor and be transported back to the days before washing machines. Peek through the windows of the famous and much loved Hollytrees Dolls House to discover the goings on of Hollytrees Mansion in the 18th century.
The clocks and watches on display in the aptly named Bernard Mason Gallery range in period from the mid 17th century through to the mid 19th century. The display includes the first clock Bernard Mason bought, a range of long case clocks and also some of the earlier lantern clocks, made by makers such as William Bacon, John Smorthwait and Nathaniel Hedge.
Be transported back to your childhood with displays of vintage toys and games and learn about the origins of the much loved nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and its connection to Colchester.
Access may be limited for users of larger wheelchairs, a manual wheelchair is available for use. Owing to fire regulations, groups of more than two wheelchair users need to pre-book.
Hollytrees Museum is home to the Visit Colchester Information Centre, the best place to visit for information and advice on visiting Colchester and the surrounding area as well as the place to buy local gifts and souvenirs.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Free entry
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Map & Directions
Colchester
Road Directions
Hollytrees Museum is situated in the Castle Park, just off Colchester High Street.