Step back over a century at the Hollytrees Museum, which displays toys, dolls houses, train sets and wooden animals from the Georgian era. This museum was established in a house dating back to 1718. Dress up as a typical master or a servant of the time in the costume section or see clothes worn by the house's original inhabitants. Afterwards, browse a clock gallery that displays time mechanisms from the 17th to 19th centuries.
The Hollytrees Museum was founded in 1929 to preserve and display domestic artefacts from the local area. Some items date back over 300 years.
Wander the gorgeous halls of this weighty house and admire artworks that would have been typical decorations of 18th-century Colchester residences. Statues, ornate mirrors and a range of tapestries adorn the museum walls with an authentic charm. Stop by the nursery to see handmade toys and antique dolls.
Take note of the different styles of costumes displayed throughout the museum. High-class clothing was characterised by flashy lace and lavish ornamentation, while servant's attire was more plain. Dress up as a servant and try some labour on the dolly peg, a simplistic washing device.
Browse a fascinating display of timepieces at the clock gallery, which houses different clock designs from the last 200 years. Amongst many styles, notice a range of long case clocks. This room is constantly accompanied by the soft ticking of some of the clocks. Stay until the quarter hour to hear the room come alive with noise. One clock heralds each 15 minute interval with a six bell chime.
If the sun is shining, take a walk through the museum gardens. Find a moments peace at the sensory garden or watch kids delighting in the play area.
Find the Hollytrees Museum in Castle Park in central Colchester. There is no charge for entry and drivers can park for a fee nearby. The museum is open daily except for Mondays and Christmas holidays.