Learn the area's diverse ecosystem and delve into the intriguing lives of Britain's wildlife at the Colchester Natural History Museum. Imagine the life of a badger as you crawl through a simulated badger sett or learn how a 19th-century earthquake changed the natural balance of the area. The museum hosts a small reserve where you can spot weird and wonderful native plants.
The building housing the Colchester Natural History Museum was originally a church. Since the museum was established in 1958, it has amassed a collection of continuously growing permanent exhibits and hosts several temporary exhibits each year.
The Geology exhibit offers an insight into the power of our Earth, whether protective or destructive. Amongst displays of minerals dating back 50 million years, see fossils of mammoths, crocodiles and hippos that were buried under sediment in the Colchester countryside. At the other end of the spectrum, learn how an earthquake in 1884 affected the makeup of the city's foundations.
Watch children delighting in interactive exhibits. Here they can crawl like a badger or stroke a fox. Browse the taxidermy section to see life-like British species, including squirrels and bats.
Admire colourful wings and ingenious biological tools at the insect display. Highlights of the 40,000 piece collection include cases of butterflies and stag beetles. Note the differences between animal skins in another exhibit, where 700 jars preserve the skins in fluid.
Get a breath of fresh air walking the nature trail behind the museum. The gift shop sells themed souvenirs including fossils, seeds and educational books.
Find the Colchester Natural History Museum in the town's centre, opposite Colchester Castle. The museum does not charge entry. It is open daily except for Mondays and public holidays, including Christmas and on New Year’s Day. Drivers can find pay-and-display parking nearby.