Museum of Chelmsford
Explore Chelmsford’s rich history through immersive exhibits and family-friendly activities in the heart of Oaklands Park.
Located in Oaklands Park, Chelmsford Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Essex and Chelmsford, featuring diverse exhibits from the Ice Age to modern times. Visitors can explore thousands of artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive installations, including the Essex Regiment Museum extension. The museum is family-friendly, with engaging activities and a café overlooking the rose gardens.
A brief summary to Chelmsford Museum
- Oaklands Park, Moulsham St, Chelmsford, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ, GB
- +441245605700
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy a quieter experience and have ample time to explore all exhibits.
- Don’t miss the Essex Regiment Museum section for a unique insight into local military history.
- Take a break at The Hive café overlooking the rose gardens for refreshments and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Check the museum’s event calendar for special activities and family-friendly workshops during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Local bus services run regularly from Chelmsford city center to Oaklands Park, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses operate frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £2-£4. Note that service frequency may reduce on Sundays and public holidays.
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Car
Driving to Chelmsford Museum via Oaklands Park typically takes 10-20 minutes from the city center depending on traffic. Limited parking is available nearby in Oaklands Park, with some spaces free and others metered. Accessibility may vary during busy weekends or events.
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Train and Walk
Chelmsford Railway Station is about 2.5 km from the museum. From the station, a 30-minute walk through the town and parkland leads to the museum. The route is mostly flat and suitable for most visitors, though not wheelchair accessible for the entire distance.
Chelmsford Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Chelmsford Museum
A Window into Chelmsford’s Past
The Museum of Chelmsford presents a comprehensive narrative of the city’s history, tracing its development from prehistoric times through to the present day. Its extensive collection includes fossils, pottery, coins, and household items discovered locally, offering a tangible connection to the region’s rich heritage. Visitors can marvel at exhibits such as a mammoth skeleton and an Anglo-Saxon princely burial, which anchor the museum’s story in real historical artifacts.Immersive and Interactive Experiences
The museum combines traditional displays with modern interactive technology to bring history to life. Amber child-friendly interactives allow younger visitors to engage deeply with the past, while immersive video installations provide compelling visual storytelling. The Essex Regiment Museum, housed within the same building, adds a military dimension with its collection of medals and regimental memorabilia, enriching the visitor experience.Setting and Surroundings
Situated within the serene Oaklands Park, the museum benefits from beautiful surroundings that enhance the visit. The park’s rose gardens and open spaces provide a peaceful environment for reflection or a leisurely stroll after exploring the exhibits. The on-site Hive café offers refreshments with views over the gardens, making it an inviting spot to relax.Community and Educational Engagement
The Museum of Chelmsford actively supports educational programs and community involvement. It offers cross-curricular learning sessions led by experienced tutors, designed to bring history alive for school groups and families. The museum also hosts a variety of events, including curator talks, festive activities, and behind-the-scenes tours, fostering a vibrant cultural hub within the city.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
The museum is accessible daily with consistent opening hours year-round, ensuring convenient visits. Facilities include restrooms, a café, seating areas, and a gift shop. Admission is modest, with a small fee for adults while children, young people, and carers enter free. Membership options provide additional benefits such as free entry and event discounts, supporting repeat visits and local engagement.Preserving Local Heritage
Beyond exhibitions, the Museum of Chelmsford plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the city’s cultural heritage. Volunteers contribute to its mission, helping to maintain collections and support activities. This dedication ensures that Chelmsford’s story remains accessible and relevant, connecting past and present for all visitors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower
2.9 km
The only complete Chain Home radar tower in the UK, a towering symbol of WWII air defence and Cold War innovation in Great Baddow.
Laindon War Memorial
16.8 km
A solemn tribute in Basildon honoring Laindon's wartime heroes, blending history with community remembrance.
Prittlewell royal Anglo-Saxon burial
25.3 km
Explore the earliest princely Anglo-Saxon burial in England, revealing a royal Christian tomb rich with ancient treasures and history.
Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village
26.9 km
Explore the enchanting Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village in Stansted Mountfitchet, where history comes alive through immersive experiences and medieval charm.
John Webb's Windmill
26.9 km
Experience the rich history and scenic beauty at John Webb's Windmill in Thaxted, a captivating historical landmark and museum.
Finchingfield Guildhall
27.3 km
Explore the rich heritage and captivating history of Finchingfield at the enchanting Finchingfield Guildhall, a must-visit cultural destination.
Southend Pier and Railway
27.4 km
Discover the iconic Southend Pier and Railway, a historic landmark offering breathtaking views, delightful train rides, and family-friendly activities.
Finchingfield Post Mill
27.5 km
Discover Essex’s oldest post mill, a charming 18th-century landmark overlooking the picturesque village of Finchingfield.
Finchingfield unesco world heritage bid
27.5 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Finchingfield, a historic village in Essex, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Southend-on-Sea Seafront
27.6 km
Discover the magic of Southend-on-Sea Seafront, where tradition meets seaside fun, perfect for family outings and creating lasting memories.
Southchurch Hall
27.6 km
Explore the historical elegance and serene gardens of Southchurch Hall, a captivating museum in Southend-on-Sea that reveals the region's rich heritage.
Sealife Adventure
27.9 km
Explore the captivating marine life at Sealife Adventure, Southend-on-Sea's premier aquarium, featuring over 40 exhibits and interactive experiences.
Southchurch Park
28.3 km
Discover the tranquility and beauty of Southchurch Park, a serene escape in Southend-on-Sea perfect for relaxation, picnics, and nature walks.
Coalhouse Fort Park
28.8 km
Discover the captivating blend of history and nature at Coalhouse Fort Park, a picturesque destination for tourists in East Tilbury.
Falklands Island Monument
28.9 km
A solemn tribute in Grays honoring merchant seafarers who sacrificed their lives in the 1982 Falklands War.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Essex Regiment Museum
0.0 km
Explore the rich military heritage of the Essex Regiment amidst the tranquil beauty of Oaklands Park in Chelmsford.
Central Park
1.1 km
Historic Chelmsford park blending nature, sports, family fun, and vibrant community events across 35 acres of green space.
Meadows Shopping Centre
1.3 km
A vibrant community hub in Chelmsford offering diverse shopping, dining, and family-friendly leisure in the heart of the city.
High Chelmer Shopping Centre
1.3 km
Chelmsford’s vibrant indoor shopping centre with over 80 stores, diverse dining, and convenient parking all under one roof.
Bond Street Chelmsford
1.5 km
A vibrant modern shopping and leisure precinct in Chelmsford, blending retail, dining, and riverside charm.
Chelmsford Cathedral
1.5 km
A peaceful, historic sanctuary in Chelmsford city centre blending medieval charm with vibrant community spirit and cultural events.
Admirals Park and Tower Gardens
1.9 km
A historic and tranquil green oasis in Chelmsford, blending Victorian gardens, riverside walks, and family-friendly recreation.
Hylands House
2.2 km
Historic Grade II* listed mansion and expansive parkland offering luxurious weddings, elegant events, and stunning Essex countryside views.
Hylands Park
2.3 km
Explore 574 acres of historic parkland and a stunning neo-classical mansion in Chelmsford's cherished Hylands Park.
Essex Police Museum
2.5 km
Explore Essex’s policing history through engaging exhibits and interactive displays at this family-friendly museum in Chelmsford.
Danbury Country Park
6.6 km
Historic lakes, ancient woodlands, and vibrant meadows converge in this tranquil Grade II listed country park near Chelmsford.
Ingatestone Hall
8.5 km
Explore the intimate grandeur and Tudor heritage of Ingatestone Hall, set within serene gardens in the heart of Essex countryside.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
9.9 km
A 365-acre hilltop garden showcasing innovative design, diverse plantings, and panoramic Essex countryside views.
Norsey Wood Local Nature Reserve
9.9 km
Explore the tranquil trails and vibrant wildlife of Norsey Wood, a scenic local nature reserve in Billericay perfect for family walks and seasonal beauty.
Mountnessing Windmill
10.4 km
Historic 1807 post mill in Essex, fully restored and working, offering heritage milling and scenic village charm.
Essential places to dine
The New London
0.7 km
Upscale Chelmsford restaurant offering scratch-made dishes, attentive service, and a cozy contemporary lounge atmosphere.
Acanteen
1.2 km
Chelmsford’s all-day bar, restaurant and live music venue – brunch, pizza, cocktails and events in a buzzing city-centre setting.
Fête at Grays Brewery Yard
1.4 km
Eclectic global flavours and vibrant cocktails in a quirky, welcoming eatery at Chelmsford’s lively Brewery Yard.
Cosy Club
1.4 km
Experience timeless art deco charm and inclusive British dining at Cosy Club Chelmsford, open all day for every occasion.
Bill's Chelmsford Restaurant
1.5 km
A vibrant British restaurant in Chelmsford’s town centre, serving all-day meals, seasonal specials, and welcoming guests with a lively atmosphere.
Samphire Restaurant @ The County Hotel
1.6 km
Award-winning British cuisine with fresh, local ingredients in a stylish, family-friendly Chelmsford setting.
Russells Restaurant
2.7 km
Historic vaulted barn setting meets refined French and English fine dining with seasonal dishes and exceptional service in Great Baddow.
Bartellas Restaurant
4.9 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a warm, inviting setting nestled in the Essex countryside near Ingatestone.
Pig & Whistle Restaurant
6.0 km
Charming 16th-century countryside restaurant in Chelmsford offering award-winning British cuisine and a cosy, intimate dining experience.
Hoop at Stock
6.6 km
Historic 15th-century gastropub in Stock village serving award-winning modern British cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting.
Rose & Crown - Great Waltham
7.5 km
Essex village gastro pub where seasonal menus and warm hospitality create memorable dining moments.
Vita Bella
8.0 km
Authentic Italian cuisine with fresh local ingredients in a charming village setting near Chelmsford.
Galvin Green Man
9.3 km
Historic 14th-century gastropub near Chelmsford offering award-winning seasonal British cuisine in a charming countryside setting.
The Square & Compasses
11.4 km
A charming Essex countryside gastropub blending rustic warmth with refined British cuisine and local ales.
Castle - Great Leighs
11.9 km
A charming and cozy English village pub in Great Leighs serving freshly cooked, reasonably priced meals with friendly service and warm ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Riverside Retail Park
2.0 km
A convenient and lively retail hub in Chelmsford offering diverse stores, eateries, and accessible parking on Victoria Road.
The Emporium Maldon
15.0 km
A beloved family-run gift and garden shop in Maldon’s historic High Street, renowned for variety, community spirit, and local charm.
The Baytree Shopping Centre
16.0 km
A practical and accessible shopping centre at the heart of Brentwood, offering everyday essentials and local services.
French Quarter
16.1 km
Discover unique gifts and artisan homewares in Brentwood’s welcoming French Quarter boutique.
Minnie's Boutique
16.1 km
Discover unique styles and personalized service at Minnie's Boutique, a charming ladies' clothing shop in Brentwood, perfect for every fashion enthusiast.
The Factory Shops
18.0 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a diverse range of discounted goods at The Factory Shops, Rayleigh’s favorite value retail destination.
The Curiosity Shop
18.1 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in the heart of Great Dunmow at The Curiosity Shop, a charming boutique with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
George Yard Shopping Centre
18.3 km
A vibrant pedestrianised shopping hub in Braintree offering diverse stores and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Gifts for All Home Decor
21.3 km
Discover unique, stylish home decor and gifts at Gifts for All Home Decor, Hadleigh’s charming boutique with quality and affordability.
B-Invogue - Ladies Clothes Essex
23.3 km
A friendly Epping boutique offering stylish, affordable ladies’ fashion in a welcoming, personal setting.
La Luna Boutique
23.3 km
Discover unique bohemian fashion with a vintage rock ’n’ roll edge at La Luna Boutique in Leigh-on-Sea.
Store Thirty3
24.0 km
A charming gift shop on Elm Road offering unique local treasures in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea’s vibrant coastal town.
Latham Street
24.0 km
Discover sustainable vintage fashion reimagined with style and care at Latham Street in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea.
A Touch Too Wild
24.3 km
Elegant bespoke ladies' couture and formal wear boutique in the charming seaside town of Leigh-on-Sea.
Blush Boutique Essex
24.4 km
Chic and contemporary ladies’ fashion boutique on Epping High Street, blending quality, style, and comfort in every piece.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fox & Hounds
0.6 km
A welcoming Chelmsford pub offering hearty British classics, lively sports viewing, and a warm, friendly atmosphere for all visitors.
The Orange Tree
0.7 km
A lively gastro pub in Chelmsford offering excellent ales, hearty meals, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Be At One - Chelmsford
1.1 km
Discover over 100 cocktails and vibrant nightlife at Be At One Chelmsford, featuring rooftop terrace and unbeatable happy hour deals.
The Bootmaker
1.2 km
Historic Chelmsford pub and cocktail bar blending tradition with modern social dining and handcrafted drinks.
Slug & Lettuce - Chelmsford
1.4 km
A vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Chelmsford offering creative drinks, stylish interiors, and a lively social atmosphere from brunch to late night.
Boom Battle Bar Chelmsford
1.5 km
Chelmsford’s premier games bar blending axe throwing, shuffleboard, street food, and cocktails for unforgettable nights out.
The Ale House
1.5 km
Chelmsford’s vibrant craft beer bar where you can bring your own food and enjoy a welcoming, lively atmosphere with expert service.
Voodoo Keller Bar
1.5 km
Discover Chelmsford’s underground cellar bar with 12 craft taps, lively rock vibes, and a cosy atmosphere perfect for beer lovers and night owls.
The Fox and Goose
6.4 km
A modern gastropub in Chelmsford blending traditional charm with seasonal British cuisine and inviting garden dining.
The Bear Inn - Stock
6.8 km
A warm, traditional gastropub in Stock offering hearty British fare, a large beer garden, and a welcoming village atmosphere.
The Leather Bottle Blackmore
10.5 km
A charming gastropub in Blackmore blending quirky decor, seasonal British cuisine, and a welcoming village atmosphere all year round.
George And Dragon Mount Nessin
10.9 km
A charming British gastropub in Mountnessing blending rustic tradition with modern dining and a welcoming atmosphere.
Harry's Bar
11.2 km
A stylish and welcoming bar and restaurant in Billericay’s heart, perfect for relaxed dining and vibrant socializing.
Cristi's Bar
11.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and expertly crafted cocktails in Billericay’s vibrant and stylish Cristi's Bar.
The Queen Victoria Public House
14.1 km
Historic British pub in Maldon offering freshly prepared fare, an extensive wine list, and warm, attentive service in a charming setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Tantalize
1.2 km
Chelmsford’s largest and most luxurious lapdancing club offering stylish nightlife with live pole shows and private VIP experiences.
Bar & Beyond Chelmsford
1.2 km
A large, lively nightclub in Chelmsford known for affordable drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and a mix of praise and controversy around its staff and music.
Popworld - Chelmsford
1.4 km
Experience Chelmsford’s ultimate pop-themed nightclub with vibrant music, creative cocktails, and unforgettable themed parties.
The Loft Basildon
17.2 km
Experience Basildon’s vibrant dance scene with energetic music nights, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere at The Loft Basildon.
The Lounge Jazz Club
22.7 km
Experience intimate jazz and soul performances in a cozy, elegant venue near Southend Airport with fine drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Epping Roof Garden & Nightclub
24.4 km
A stylish rooftop nightclub in Epping blending lively nightlife with blooming garden charm and sophisticated cocktails.
The Moonraker Club
25.8 km
A vibrant, intimate nightclub in Westcliff-on-Sea with top DJs, a powerful sound system, and a lively social scene for unforgettable nights out.
MooMoo Clubrooms Southend
26.3 km
Experience Southend’s vibrant nightlife with diverse music rooms, top DJs, and a lively atmosphere at MooMoo Clubrooms.
Just Vibez
26.8 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and non-stop dancing at Just Vibez, Southend-on-Sea’s energetic nightclub hotspot.
Foundation
27.1 km
Vibrant nightclub and bar in Southend-on-Sea offering lively music, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Sunrooms2
27.1 km
Experience Southend-on-Sea’s dynamic nightlife at Sunrooms², where live music and DJ-driven parties keep the energy alive until the early hours.
MYST Club
27.4 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Southend-on-Sea’s nightlife at MYST Club, where music, dancing, and social energy converge.
Faces NightClub
31.7 km
A stylish, vibrant nightclub in Gants Hill with immersive sound, dynamic visuals, and a versatile space for unforgettable nights and events.
Funky Friday Over 30's Night
32.7 km
Funky Friday Over 30's Night in Greenhithe offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, perfect for dancing and socializing with friends.
Rubix Bar & Nightclub
34.9 km
Experience Colchester’s lively nightlife with Rubix Bar & Nightclub’s energetic music, vibrant dance floor, and welcoming social scene every weekend night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Relaxing
- Educational
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
